Q: Hi, I have recently started setting up a business (LLC) in Dubai and I have got an MOA already from Dubai Court signed by my local sponsor and myself. At this time of writing, I have waited a month already for my office "legal" Ejari which the PRO said he would arrange for some amount of money but not having a physical office in fact. I am really confused now why it isn't done yet until now, which as far as I know should not take that long. In fact, I have met the local sponsor without the knowledge of his PRO, gave him AED 2,000 as per his demand and promised he could expedite the process and would do it by himself. Now, the local sponsor is no longer picking my calls. Question: can I amend my application with another sponsor? I have paid him AED 5,500 as sponsor's fee for 1 year, can I still take that money back?

Q: Hi. I have technical and cleaning services company and I had a local sponsor and had renewed my licence for 3 continuous years. I have a new partner and he wants to local sponsorthe local sponsor because from the time we took from them they kept on taking money but not taking any approvals we had to wait so long to do every procedure. We decided to change the sponsor, and at first, he agreed, but now he doesn’t want to let go of the company. I’m totally stuck with such hard work and I’m clueless how to change him. I need some advice what would be the best solution for us.

Q: Hi, We are in the process of renewing our license. However, we want to change our old local sponsor. May I know what's the process? Thank you.

Q: I set up a company through a business set up firm and paid them in full per their quoted fee. It is a sole ownership company under my name. I requested documents like the local sponsor's copy of passport, letter of undertaking, etc so our office can process employees' employment visas without the need to approach them as they charge a hefty amount for every visa processed. The local sponsor doesn't want to coordinate or help me with all these requirements. What should I do? Can I also sue them so I can claim back the amount paid and look for another sponsor?

Q: I have a general trading company in Dubai that was formed this year. I own 49% and a local sponsor owns 51% as per the UAE laws. However, is it possible to own 100% of the company instead of not having to require a sponsor due to newly reformed laws?

Sometimes this seems very simple to incorporate a company in the UAE, however, investors must seek professional advice before taking this important business decision to avoid any future legal implications.

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.

For entrepreneurs seeking to set up their business in the mainland jurisdiction of the UAE, this is a useful guide to know your rights and obligations.

The UAE government has announced important changes to the federal Commercial Companies Law, the most significant is related to the foreign ownership of mainland companies. This will grant foreign investors the full ownership of share capital in companies carrying out certain activities specified to that effect by the competent authorities. This means that foreign investors’ shares will not be limited anymore to a maximum of 49% like before, but can be up to 100% instead.

An interview-format article covering the topic of the amendments to the company law in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.