Freelance Retainer Contract Template for United Arab Emirates

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Freelance Retainer Contract

"I need a Freelance Retainer Contract for a UAE-based technology company engaging a software developer on a 12-month retainer starting March 1, 2025, with monthly deliverables and code ownership provisions."

Document background
The Freelance Retainer Contract is designed for use in the United Arab Emirates where businesses seek to establish ongoing professional relationships with independent contractors. This document is particularly relevant in the context of UAE's evolving freelance economy, especially within free zones that have specific freelance licensing requirements. The contract carefully balances the need for regular, retained services while maintaining the independent contractor status of the freelancer, distinguishing it from employment relationships under UAE labor law. It includes comprehensive provisions for service delivery, payment terms, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality, while ensuring compliance with UAE commercial laws and freelance regulations. This agreement is particularly suitable for situations requiring consistent, ongoing professional services with regular monthly billing arrangements.
Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of the client and the freelancer, including trade license/permit details and contact information

2. Background: Context of the agreement and confirmation of freelancer's independent contractor status

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, including 'Services', 'Deliverables', 'Retainer Fee', etc.

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of the services to be provided under the retainer arrangement

5. Term and Engagement: Duration of the retainer agreement and renewal terms

6. Retainer Fee and Payment Terms: Monthly retainer amount, payment schedule, and invoicing requirements

7. Service Delivery and Performance: Standards for service delivery, response times, and performance metrics

8. Independent Contractor Relationship: Clear statement of freelancer's status as independent contractor, not employee

9. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and transfer of IP rights in deliverables

10. Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information and trade secrets

11. Obligations of the Parties: Specific responsibilities of both client and freelancer

12. Termination: Grounds for termination, notice periods, and consequences

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: UAE law as governing law and jurisdiction for disputes

14. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including notices, amendments, and severability

Optional Sections

1. Non-Compete: Restrictions on freelancer's ability to work with competitors (include if protecting market position is crucial)

2. Data Protection: Specific provisions for handling personal data under UAE law (include if personal data processing is involved)

3. Force Majeure: Provisions for unforeseen circumstances preventing performance (include for longer-term arrangements)

4. Service Credits: Performance-based credits or penalties (include if specific performance metrics are crucial)

5. Insurance: Required insurance coverage (include for high-risk services or client requirement)

6. Warranties: Specific warranties regarding service quality or freelancer qualifications (include for specialized services)

7. Change Control: Process for changing scope or services (include for complex or evolving projects)

8. Dispute Resolution: Specific dispute resolution procedures like mediation (include for high-value contracts)

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1 - Scope of Services: Detailed breakdown of services covered under the retainer

2. Schedule 2 - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of retainer fee, additional charges, and payment terms

3. Schedule 3 - Service Levels: Specific performance metrics and service level requirements

4. Schedule 4 - Key Personnel: Details of key freelancer personnel assigned to provide services

5. Appendix A - Required Documentation: Copies of freelancer's licenses, permits, and qualifications

6. Appendix B - Approved Tools and Systems: List of approved software, tools, or systems to be used

7. Appendix C - Reporting Templates: Standard templates for progress reports and invoicing

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Technology

Digital Marketing

Media and Entertainment

Management Consulting

Creative Services

Professional Services

Education and Training

Financial Services

Public Relations

Content Creation

Software Development

Business Advisory

Design and Architecture

Healthcare Consulting

Market Research

Relevant Teams

Legal

Procurement

Human Resources

Operations

Finance

Compliance

Administration

Project Management Office

Marketing

Creative Services

Information Technology

Business Development

Relevant Roles

Legal Counsel

Procurement Manager

HR Director

Operations Manager

Project Manager

Business Development Manager

Marketing Director

Creative Director

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Content Manager

IT Director

Compliance Officer

Finance Manager

Department Head

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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