The Old and New Civil Transactions Law – A Comparative Study – Part One: The Theory of Obligations - (English E-Book version)

This is volume focuses on the Preliminary Chapter of the Civil Transactions Law, given its constitutive role in defining the scope of application of the law, the sources of legal rules, methods of statutory interpretation, and the determination of the applicable law in relationships with a foreign element.

These subjects extend beyond theoretical discussions and directly influence transactional stability and the sound administration of justice.  e book also addresses Book One (Obligations), particularly the sources of obligations, through a systematic analysis of contract, tortious acts, beneficial acts, and unjust enrichment, highlighting the methodological, drafting, and substantive developments introduced in their legislative regulation. The book’s comparative approach goes beyond identifying textual differences and clarifies the legislative considerations underlying the amendments, assessing their significance within the broader evolution of UAE civil law - from foundational codification to a more specialised and integrated legislative model. Particular attention is paid to provisions reflecting substantive change and interpretative consequence, while avoiding unnecessary reconsideration of those which have remained materially unchanged, in order to provide a practical approach that goes beyond pure academic discussion. This volume is an important interpretative reference for those wishing to understand the structural logic of the changes to the Civil Transactions Law and will help to provide a deeper appreciation of the scope and implications of this legislative reform. As a result, it will be of particular use to judges, practitioners, academics, and legal researchers working with contemporary civil legislation in the UAE.