Business Set Up

February 20th, 2023 sees the return of the Gulfood event to Dubai. The exhibition, which is the largest annual F&B sourcing event in the world, will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre between the 20th and 24th of February and will showcase over 500 major global brands from 125 countries. The event brings together many of the major figures in the F&B industry and is a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs, up and coming food and beverage businesses and established brands to demonstrate their skills, present their products and make valuable business connections. Read more

Consultancy is an activity that involves providing professional advice and expertise to other businesses within a particular area of specialisation. A consultant aims to improve the efficiency and profitability of a business by evaluating business processes and offering advice on how to adapt them or streamline them to achieve better business outcomes. Consultancy comes under the domain of professional services and consultants provide expertise in a number of different operational areas. These can include HR, finance, marketing, IT, logistics and management. Due to the rapid growth of the UAE economy and the country’s continued diversification beyond the oil and gas sector, skilled professionals who are able to lend their expertise in a wide range of business sectors are in high demand. This article looks at the process of setting up a consultancy in the UAE and the types of approvals and permits which are required. Read more

A large part of Qatar’s Vision 2030 plan is to deviate from an oil and gas reliant economy and diversify its economic strategy, which includes growing Qatar’s events industry. In recent years, we have seen Qatar being awarded major international sporting events, such as the 2006 Asian Games and most recently, the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The media coverage around such a widely followed and supported event has assisted in securing Qatar as a global hub for future international music, business, artistic and sporting events. This article looks at the opportunities Qatar’s events industry and the processes involved in setting up an events company. Read more

Expat business owners were previously unable to set up a 100% foreign owned company in the UAE. The foreign party was only able to own 49% while the remaining 51% belonged to a UAE National or a Local Sponsor/Partner. The Commercial Companies Federal Decree-Law no. (32) came into effect on 1st June 2021, to allow 100% foreign ownership of onshore companies in the UAE for the majority of business activities. By easing the restrictions and opening opportunities for foreign ownership, the UAE has been able to capitalize on the market for foreign investment, attracting business, start-ups, and talented working professionals to the Emirates to secure its economic future. This article looks at the UAE’s renewable energies industry, local partnerships, the activities which allow foreign ownership, the steps to achieve and/or convert to 100% foreign ownership. Read more

Like several Middle Eastern countries, the UAE has traditionally relied on its oil industry to sustain its economic growth and development. With increasing pressures to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels, protect the environment, and pursue climate-change friendly policies, the UAE has positioned itself to become an early adopter of renewable energy sources and technology. In recent years, the Emirati government has focused on the promotion and transition to renewable energy by creating opportunities for additional investment both from foreigners and Emirati nationals. These policies are expected to provide tremendous growth to the UAE and surrounding region. This article examines the projected growth of this industry and where investment opportunities are likely to be found. Read more

Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita, which can largely be attributed to its natural gas reserves and the infrastructure it has in place supporting the exportation of this global commodity. In addition to this, Qatar boasts an international demographic of inhabitants and consistently ranks highly as one of the most competitive and innovative economies in the world. The maritime logistics and marine technical services industry in Qatar, including shipping, freight forwarding, ships operations and management, trading in equipment, and engineering is therefore an opportunistic sector. This can be attributed a number of beneficial factors that Qatar has to offer businesses, such as its renowned infrastructure and its continuous exporting demands. The steps involved with registering a maritime logistics, transportation, and marine technical services company in Qatar, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI), differ depending on the business activity the company is registering for. This will also then affect the requirements for registering the company, as well as the fees that are associated with its registration. This article provides information, guidance and steps involved in how to establish a marine company in Qatar, relating to a few business activity options. Read more

This is a notification about the implementation of the Wage Protection System (WPS) in DMCC. Effective from 15th February 2023, registration must be completed for all employees with an active Employment Visa or Personal Identity Card (PIC). Read more

Providing world-class healthcare is of top priority on the UAE’s agenda. The UAE intends to establish itself as a global healthcare hub, providing an exceptional quality of life for its citizens, residents, and visitors. The UAE healthcare standards outrank regional and worldwide averages, making it a compelling destination for medical centres and clinics to set up. The investment opportunities in both the public and private healthcare sectors are clear, and the UAE’s healthcare portfolio is extensive. This article provides information on the medical industry in the UAE, including the business environment, infrastructure, technologies and steps necessary to establish a medical clinic in the region. Read more

The United Arab Emirates is possibly one of the most investor-friendly countries in the world. It offers tax benefits, complete business ownership rights and a robust service support system, which combine with the opportunities available in multiple designated free zones to create an overall attractive business environment. The United Arab Emirates is possibly one of the most investor-friendly countries in the world. It offers tax benefits, complete business ownership rights and a robust service support system, which combine with the opportunities available in multiple designated free zones to create an overall attractive business environment. The UAE’s industrial strategy aims to create an appealing business environment for local and international industrial investors, support the growth of national industries, enhance their competitiveness, and empower the innovation and adoption of advanced technologies. This article provides information on industrial licences in the UAE as well as how to set up in the UAE’s free zones and the incentives available for businesses such as 100% foreign ownership, customs exemptions and infrastructure. Read more

As blockchain and crypto transactions continue to gain popularity, with annual transactions estimated to be worth USD25 billion in the UAE, a new challenge is presented: regulation. In an attempt to streamline transactions in the crypto industry, which is projected to reach USD164 billion by 2029, Abu Dhabi has launched a new association backed by the emirate’s financial free zone ADGM. The Middle East, Africa, and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association aims to facilitate the integration of digital assets into the economy through stringent regulations and open discussions among key players. This article looks at the significance of the new Middle East, Africa and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association and how it will impact the virtual asset industry in the UAE. Read more