Q: I'm a Saudi National living in the UAE and want to issue a license for my e-commerce commission-based business website for Auto/Spare parts in Ajman. We don’t stock products. We act as the middleman in the process. For example, a customer comes to our website and orders say "Brake Pads" for his/her car. Our job is to go and look across shops in the UAE to find the best deal for the customer. Then, we go back to the customer and present the best deal for this specific requested spare part. If the customer agrees to the offer, he/she then have to pay us the full amount, and then we go and get the product for him/her and take a cut percentage of 10% from the total amount paid, and then ship the product to the customer. What kind of license do we need for a business like this? I would like the license to be issued in Ajman. Also, I need to hire employees, therefore, I need a license that enables me to hire and rent an office space. Thank you.

Q: Hello I want to open an online store (e-commerce) in Dubai, it will be online clothing store and I will receive the clothes from China by courier and sell it in Dubai. Customers can complete the payment with Pay Pal. So I would like to know if I need to register this online store, and if yes, what's the procedure. Since the items will be shipped from overseas, then maybe I do not need even to register it. Please advise

Q: Hello. I’m seeking advice on the legal implications of running an online pharmacy based entirely offshore (financially and procedurally) and selling only one FDA-approved product to the UK and EU, but with my residency remaining in the UAE.

Q: Hi, Can I resell branded sportswear online through my website in the UAE? The items are original; I import them from a country where I can source models that are sold out or sizes that are unavailable in the UAE.

Over the years the UAE has become a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, excellent connectivity and extensive services to assist with all aspects of business. According to the World Bank's 2016 report, the UAE has ranked 31st in the global index of ease of doing business. This encourages more entrepreneurs to set up different kinds of business entities in the country.

Most entrepreneurs who have ideas for a startup seeking to implement it may face some difficulties in deciding the ideal location, activity, type of license, fees, taxes, among many others. Here are four reasons why the UAE’s thriving start-up scene is the right choice for your business.

The UAE has had tremendous economic development over the last two decades, which can be attributed to the country’s expanding market and large inflow of investments. The demonstrated level of preparedness and equanimity is evident in the legislative framework, characterized by the ongoing and systematic updates of laws. This proactive approach aims to align the legal landscape with the dynamic trajectory of economic advancement, ensuring continual synchronization with the prevailing progress.

The provisions of this Law apply to the commercial companies established in the UAE and the foreign companies that have established in the UAE a base to conduct any activity therein or established a branch or representative office. The Law abrogates Federal Law No. (8) of 1984 Concerning Commercial Companies.

The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as the "New E-commerce Law", govern E-commerce regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New E-commerce Law repeals the previous UAE E-commerce Law (Federal Law No. (1) of 2006 Concerning Electronic Transactions & Commerce).

Cabinet Resolution No. (28) of 2023 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services