Abu Dhabi

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

The Sultanate of Oman is on a mission to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil-based revenues. Over the last few years, substantial investment in infrastructure, transportation and communications as well as a slew of legal reforms and foreign investment incentives have made market entry into the sultanate easier and more attractive than ever. This article looks at the opportunities that exist for foreign investors as well as some of the key ways in which Oman is supporting economic growth and encouraging foreign investment. Read more

In order to import Medical Devices, Medical Equipment and the corresponding consumables into Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE there are a number of requirements: The distribution and importation of Medical Devices in the UAE is controlled by the Ministry of Health (Ministry of Health and Prevention) which is a Federal body and regulates the importation and distribution of Medical Equipment and Consumables in all Emirates. Read more

The popularity and interest in offshore companies is growing in the UAE - as investors, SMEs and multinational corporations look to capitalise on the UAE’s favourable business environment. By migrating business operations to the UAE, company owners can take advantage of the Emirates’ tax incentives, strategic location and modern infrastructure. This article looks at the applications of offshore companies, their advantages and disadvantages and the jurisdictions in which they can be established. Read more