Uae

The UAE has recently announced the aim of attracting $150 billion in foreign investment over the next 10 years. In doing so, 50 initiatives, including the creation of new visas to attract talented individuals who can contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy, will be implemented. One of these visas includes the Golden Visa. This is a long-term residency visa which was implemented in 2019, but the requirements and application process have since been modified. It is issued for a period of 5 or 10 years with automatic renewal, and since its inception, has allowed 44,000 current Dubai residents to benefit from it. Read more

The UAE has approved widespread reforms to the country’s legal system; the most significant within its 50-year history. As a result, the existing federal employment and labour laws have been completely overhauled to bring them in line with internationally recognised business standards. The new provisions, known as Federal Decree Law No.33 of 2021, replace the previous Federal Law No.8 of 1980 and address a wide variety of business practices. Read more

In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the UAE announced the aim of attracting $150 billion in foreign investment over the next 10 years. This will involve the implementation of 50 initiatives including investment in technology, sweeping labour reforms and the creation of new visas to attract talented individuals capable of making large contributions to the country’s economy. This announcement is yet another example of the UAE’s commitment to the diversification and development of its economy and ambition to be at the forefront of the emerging industries of the future. It is also recognition of the part the expatriate population play in the success of its economy. Read more

Company incorporation in the UAE can be a complicated process. There are specific steps that must be followed and regulations that must be adhered to. Once a company has obtained a trade licence, processed the required visas, registered the company with the department of economic development and ensured compliance with all legal requirements, the subject of trademark acquisition becomes an important one to consider. Read more

Each year, thousands of companies shut down their operations for a wide variety of reasons. Closing a business can require just as much work, if not more, than establishing a new one. For companies located in Qatar, there is a specific process that must be followed. This article defines the two types of company liquidation: voluntary and compulsory, details the circumstances under which a company may liquidate and goes through the steps required for company liquidation and closure in Qatar. Read more

The recruitment industry in the UAE is thriving. Government initiatives to attract international talent such as the provision of more remote working opportunities and long-term residency schemes have successfully created thousands of new jobs in the private sector. In fact, the Department of Economic Development (DED) has recently revealed that between one and three thousand business licences are being issued on a monthly basis and according to a recent survey carried out by HSBC, 75% of companies in the UAE rank effective recruitment as the most important factor in their growth plans. Read more

With advances in technology and restrictions created by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for food delivery services is higher than ever. Globally the food delivery business is on track to reach $151 billion by the end of 2021 and the UAE food delivery market is valued at approximately $834 million, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the region. This article gives practical advice on how to set up a food delivery business in the UAE, discussing the licensing requirements based on the UAE jurisdiction of choice, the documentational requirements, timelines and costs associated with this type of company set up Read more

The UAE’s online food and beverage market is booming. Market sales reached $412 million in 2020 and are predicted to climb as high as $619 million by 2025. As food delivery has boomed, this has seen the growth of cloud kitchens as a more direct way to get food to the consumer while at the same time bypassing some of the expenses associated with the traditional restaurant format. Read more

Dubai has a huge amount to offer as a destination to host an event. With the arrival of Expo 2020, the city is set to attract over 25 million visitors and generate in the region of USD23 billion. It has the world’s busiest airport and attracts close to 17 million visitors every year. Dubai also has a reputation as a forward-thinking city that embraces innovation and technology and has rapidly transformed itself into a top leisure and business destination. Read more

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the leading financial centres in the Middle East. Much of this success can be attributed to the nation's efforts to create laws and a favourable regulatory environment which incentivises individuals and companies to do business there. In March of 2018, the UAE signed the Foundations Law (formally known as DIFC Law No. 3 of 2018) which allows for the creation of a special structure to protect assets including family businesses, real estate, land, stocks and shares and other assets such as art and intellectual property. Read more