Uae

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

Setting up a company in a foreign market can often be intimidating and contain much uncertainty. Cultural differences, language barriers and an unfamiliar legal system all contribute to the sense of confusion. It is important and companies get it right from the start when setting up their business in the UAE to ensure that they have the right trade name, activities, jurisdiction and legal structure. One element of business setup in the UAE which may seem straightforward is the registration of a trade name, and while the process of registration itself is relatively easy, there are certain issues and naming requirements that are important to be aware of to ensure you get it right. Read more

When setting up a company in the UAE, a business bank account is a requirement for the company to be able to carry out its activities and in some cases is a necessary part of the incorporation process. It is, therefore, an important consideration for any new business owner. This article is a guide to the various commercial banking options available in the UAE, as well as the requirements for opening a business account and other issues to be aware of. Read more

Improvements in technology and pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have shifted the way that most companies approach their office spaces, with many companies now operating fully remotely, staff able to work from home and other locations. For businesses evaluating whether investing in office space is necessary, this article offers information on office space requirements for businesses in the UAE as well as the available options, in the UAE mainland and UAE freezone locations. The article also looks at the various options for digital nomads and remote working visas for staff of foreign companies looking to live and work in the UAE. Read more