Business Set Up

Free zones provide investors with an excellent way to establish a business presence in the UAE and a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to mainland company setup. When considering the best free zone for your business, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) should certainly be on your list. Established in 1985 as the flagship free zone of Dubai Ports World, it is spread over an area of more than 57 square kilometres and is the largest free zone in the UAE and one of the most successful in the Middle East region. It is home to over 7,500 companies from over 100 countries and a diverse range of different industries, including manufacturing, trading, logistics and services. This article looks at the benefits of establishing a business in JAFZA and the types of companies that can benefit from JAFZA’s world class logistics and infrastructural network. Read more

The educational institutions in Qatar are renowned for their elevated quality and preparing individuals for their aspiring careers, in addition to the country’s facilities and logistical infrastructure. Qatar is home to some of the best university and education experiences available worldwide. Establishing an educational training center in Qatar involves several steps and considerations. It is important to first establish the focus for the learning center in Qatar, as well as an understanding of the local market and a business plan, along with the necessary equipment and resources. The next steps in the educational center setup are as highlighted in this general outline of the process. Read more

Setting up a travel agency in the UAE can be a viable and profitable business opportunity. The UAE has a large expatriate population, most of whom have a large disposable income, and many residents take advantage of their location to regularly travel to nearby countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. According to a 2021 report by the UAE's Ministry of Economy, travel and tourism contributed 11.5% of the country's GDP in 2019. The report also revealed that UAE residents took over 19 million trips abroad in 2019, with the top destinations being India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Egypt. Moreover, the UAE is also a popular tourist destination itself, with attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque attracting millions of visitors each year. This article looks at some of the key considerations when setting up a travel agency and explains the licences and approvals that are required. Read more

When initially starting a new business venture, a sole establishment (also known as a sole proprietorship) is one of the quickest and cost-effective ways for setting up a company in Dubai. It’s the simplest form of business structure, has no complex registration or incorporation procedures, has low start-up costs and allows for complete control over all aspects of the business. However, as the business grows and becomes more complex, the owner may want to consider other business structures that offer greater protection and advantages, such as a limited liability company (LLC). This article looks at the main reasons for converting from sole establishment to an LLC and the steps involved. Read more

In today's competitive market, setting and managing prices for services can be a challenging task for business owners. To address this issue, a comprehensive Price Evaluation System has been developed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) in Qatar. Businesses who are in the defined targeted service sectors will need to register their price lists through the Price Evaluation and follow-up system to comply with the local regulations. The Price Evaluation and follow-up system aims to simplify the process of registering, modifying, and controlling prices. By implementing this system, business owners can ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness in their pricing strategies. Read more

Dubai's real estate market is one of the most dynamic and lucrative in the world. The city's strategic location, excellent infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and cosmopolitan culture have made it a highly attractive destination for foreign investment and tourism. Over the past decade, the real estate market in the emirate has experienced significant growth, with a surge in construction activity and the development of several ambitious mega-projects, and despite the economic downturn caused by Covid-19, the UAE has remained remarkably resilient and has continued to expand, with the government implementing various policies and initiatives to support growth and attract investors. This article provides more information on property ownership in Dubai through corporate structures and the types of properties and areas in which foreign investors are eligible to purchase. Read more

UAE businesses both onshore and in freezones are required to have a general manager (GM) as per the laws and regulations of the country. The general manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business and ensuring that it operates in compliance with the laws and regulations of the UAE. Sovereign PPG offer a temporary/interim general manager service to assist clients fulfil the requirements to complete the corporation process. To fully incorporate an entity in the UAE there are some instances where the GM would need to be present in the UAE or hold a UAE resident visa. It is not always possible that the chosen candidate for GM fulfils these requirements. In this instance, a temporary GM can be appointed to bridge the gap and allow the company incorporation process to proceed without delay. This article provides insight into the process of changing general manager in a UAE business, the document changes required for the new general manager to be appointed including commercial licence, directors’ resolution, and Memorandum of Association (MOA). Read more

A certificate of origin is a document which provides information about the origin of the goods being exported including the place of production and country of origin. This document is used for international trade to authenticate the c origin of the exported goods. This article looks at the key steps and conditions for obtaining a Certificate of Origin in the UAE with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. Read more

The Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) were introduced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April 2019 to comply with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative. The ESR in the UAE require certain companies to demonstrate that they have a substantial economic presence within the UAE, and that they are conducting real business activities rather than just being used as a vehicle for tax evasion or avoidance. Under the ESR in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, companies are required to submit annual notifications and economic substance reports to the relevant regulatory authority. This article provides more information on the scope of the regulations as well as addressing some of the most likely questions arising from them. Read more

Back-office operations refer to the administrative and support functions of a business that are necessary for its smooth operation but are not directly involved in generating revenue or interacting with customers. These operations typically include tasks such as accounting, finance, human resources, information technology, data entry, record keeping, and other administrative functions. Back-office operations are critical to the success of a business, as they provide the support necessary to keep a business running productively and efficiently and help to create a solid foundation for growth and profitability. This article looks at the types of back-office operations that are typically outsourced such as PRO services, HR services, Accounting & Bookkeeping and how doing so can benefit your business. Read more