Abu Dhabi

Dubai's free zones have been pivotal in transforming the city into a global business hub. To date, there are more than 50 free trade zones in Dubai. These economic hubs, often clustered around sector-specific industries, each offer unique benefits, cost structures, and business advantages, making it essential to carefully evaluate and compare these aspects when considering the right one for your business setup. This article provides an overview and broad comparison of some of the key aspects such as financial obligations, operational timelines, and permitted activities across prominent free zones including Dubai International Financial Centre, JAFZA, Dubai Media City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Healthcare City. Read more

A new amendment to the DIFC Employment Law is now in effect and is seeking to address an imbalance in UAE/GCC national pension contributions. Read more

Once company formation in Qatar is complete and the business has been established, it is important to consider the ongoing requirements necessary to ensure the continuous running of the business. There is the need for companies to account for their licenses, required documents, HR considerations, and any restructuring requirements from annual to circumstantial changes of running a business in Qatar. This article looks at the ongoing requirements for businesses operating in Qatar, and support services available such as bank account, PRO, HR, and corporate structuring. Read more

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently been reclassified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and upgraded onto the white list on the 23rd February 2024. This significant achievement is a crucial milestone for the UAE and solidifies its status as a prominent financial hub through the protecting of financial integrity and providing a safe and open place to do business. The FATF elevating a country onto the white-list signifies they have been deemed to have taken remedial action as necessitated to improve their classification. This is expected to result in a level of international business confidence, enabling the UAE to attract further international business. This article looks at the recent reclassification of the UAE onto the FATF white-list and what this entails. Read more

The UAE has made revisions to its Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) regulations through Cabinet Decision No. 109/2023, which was issued on 16th November 2023, to replace the previous Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020. This article looks at the recent revisions that have been made to the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) regulations in the UAE, outlining the key updates to the regulations and their requirements. Read more

The Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Programme in Saudi Arabia (KSA) has seen an increase in numbers in recent years. This annual increase of established RHQs, which can be attributed to the attractive incentives the programme offers, aligns with the Kingdoms goals for the Vision 2030 initiative and the ongoing efforts to encourage economic diversification. This article looks at the recent increase in demand with regards to the Regional Headquarters Programme in Saudi Arabia. Read more

With DMCC, JAFZA and Mainland companies in the UAE being required to adhere to WPS it is important for companies to automate and streamline their payroll process to save time and avoid submitting incorrect information about employee’s salaries. Read more

The boat industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a significant sector due to the country's extensive coastline. The stretch of coast along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman creates many opportunities for commercial boating ventures in fishing, marine tourism, oil & gas, logistics and transportation. Boating and yachting are also popular recreational activities among residents and tourists. There are two licensing authorities responsible for marine craft registration and maritime services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is responsible for boat registration in Dubai. The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure (MoEI) is responsible for boar registration in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates. Read more

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) there is constant development of engineering structures, infrastructure, and construction sites. To ensure that the integrity of these projects is maintained, there is the need for the renewal of engineering classifications. The periodic requirement for companies to renew their engineering classification ensures that the UAE’s ever-growing dynamic urban environment can be appropriately monitored and maintained in terms of those businesses who are approved to undertake such projects. The infrastructure in place in the UAE is detrimental to the continuous development and to create sustainability in its growth. Through the renewals process, the UAE can effectively reassess the engineering and construction sector. This article looks at engineering classification renewals in the UAE, highlighting the processes for renewing the licence. Read more

All retail businesses in Al Reem Island must convert from an ADDED Mainland licence to an ADGM free zone licence by 30th March 2024 and all other businesses have until 31st December 2024 to convert to an ADGM licence. In April 2023, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) announced its expansion into Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Al Reem Island has until now been home to hundreds of Mainland businesses registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). As of November 2023, any new business wishing to set up on Al Reem Island must obtain a business licence through the ADGM Freezone. This means that an ADGM licence will be required for Al Reem Island moving forward and that existing companies must convert their licences to ADGM. Read more