Business Set Up

People are attracted to Dubai for many reasons, career opportunities, tax-free income, luxurious hotels and year-round sunshine to name just a few. The emirate is a magnet for investors and entrepreneurs and consistently ranks highly on foreign direct investment indices. Due to the absence of income tax in Dubai, people incorrectly assume that Dubai is completely tax free. While there is no income tax on income generated in Dubai and no sales tax on most goods and services, Dubai is not 100% tax-free. This article reveals the taxes imposed in Dubai and their implications for those living and doing business in the emirate. Read more

Each year, hundreds of foreign companies relocate or set up businesses in the UAE to take advantage of special tax incentives, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and access to major economies across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. However, the recent announcement of the introduction of corporate tax (CT) will have significant impacts on companies that operate within the UAE. This guide will examine the reasons for the introduction of CT in the UAE, the scope of the new tax regime and how it will impact businesses. Read more

In 2016, the Government of Dubai launched ‘Dubai Future Accelerators’ (DFA), managed by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), an initiative aimed at finding entrepreneurs, private sector organisations and talented individuals that can provide innovative solutions to local and global challenges of the future. DFA hopes to attract people with technology skills and creativity to collaborate with the DFF in turning Dubai into a global proving ground for emerging technologies. Read more

Qatar is currently undergoing enormous economic growth. The opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup has sparked huge development of the country’s infrastructure. The construction of new stadiums and other ongoing engineering projects such as the redevelopment of the old Doha Port, the Lusail Light Rail Transit Project and the Sharq Crossing have created thousands of new jobs and investment opportunities and presented engineering consultancy companies with a unique opportunity to capitalise on this rapid expansion and growth. Read more

Setting up a foreign-owned business in the UAE has never been easier. As well as mainland options, the UAE boasts more than 40 economic free zones which provide supportive business communities, modern, high-tech infrastructure and competitive set up costs. The Meydan Free Zone, established in 2009, is a business free zone with an enviable location and access to world class facilities. Situated in the Meydan hotel complex, close to downtown Dubai and only 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB), it is home to a premium golf course, high-end residences and the prestigious Meydan racecourse. Read more

The Qatar Financial Centre, an onshore business and financial centre located in Qatar’s capital city, Doha, provides an ideal base for investment in the country and other expanding economies in the region. It offers its members a comprehensive business infrastructure where they can benefit from legal support, regulatory compliance, and tax advisory services. Read more

With the FIFA World Cup just a few months away, over a million football fans are expected to travel to Qatar, creating a massive demand for short term accommodation that hotels are unable to meet. This has led to Qatar tourism issuing new regulations, approving short term rental of private properties to supplement the current supply of accommodation options. Read more

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently introduced the Premium Residency Scheme, a new type of residency visa that offers the holder greater freedom to live, work and own property and businesses in the Kingdom. Read more

Airbnb has pioneered the sharing economy, revolutionised the travel industry and offered homeowners around the globe a simple way to make a largely passive income. Thanks to agreements reached between Airbnb and tourism authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah, it is now possible to list your property in any of the above three emirates and make money with short term lets. Read more

The Green Visa is a 5-year UAE resident visa which comes into effect from September 2022. Following other newer and popular long-term visas such as the Golden Visa introduce back in 2019, the Green Visa allows a longer-term residency in the UAE, and is aimed at investors and skilled professional – with lower level requirements generally than the Golden Visa regime. Read more