Q: Hi, I am the sole proprietor of my business running for 17 years, however, I decided to change my local sponsor. I have cancelled her name in the court and done the necessary, however, before I could change to the new sponsor, I misplaced the documents given to me by the court. What can be done now to change the sponsor, since I need to renew my trade license?

Q: How to change local sponsor If the local sponsor is not ready to transfer his shares?

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: Hello Mrs Yamalova, I am looking to buy a company in Dubai. I would acquire 75% of the company. My questions are: What can the other owner with 25% do in the company? What is his share power, so to speak? Thank you for your help.

س: اشترينا قطعة أرض سكنية في إمارة الشارقة. وسُجِّلت باسم شريكين مواطنين. الشريك الأول يمتلك ٣٣٪؜، والشريك الثاني يمتلك ٦٧٪؜ من الأرض على أساس الشريك الثالث أجنبي سيأخذ نصف نسبة الشريك الثاني عن طريق المبايعة. هل تتأثر حقوق الشريك الأول بصغر نسبته؟ وهل يحق للشريك الأول بيع الأرض؟ هل يجوز البناء على قطعة الأرض بدون معرفة حد الشراء؟ ما المبايعة للأراضي وما الحقوق المترتبة عليها وعلى صاحب المبايعة؟

Q: I am a shareholder in an LLC DED company in the UAE. We are 3 shareholders. I would like to transfer/sell my shares to an existing shareholder in the company. However, the third shareholder refuses to sign on any documents regarding the transfer. Is this applicable? What could be done and what is the appropriate procedure?

Q: On June 23rd, I was introduced to a gentleman through a friend to partner with on developing a new software solution. For his end of the deal, he was to produce 45% of the software to a spec which was agreed in June, and then once it was built to that spec the company would take over payments. The company was established Aug 23rd. In September, he started asking for payments for 50% of the costs, circa 10k Euro or development would stop. To date, I have paid almost 70k Euro to him for the development. The software only became useable, still not to the agreed spec around 90 days ago. Since then he has been trying to get myself and my wife (jointly we own 45%) out of the company through various means. He tried to steal the domain by accessing my personal Tasjeel account to transfer to his own but this was stopped. He is now threatening to force company closure, no refund of our money, and keep the software for himself. What can we do? He has used almost all my cash to date to get to this point.

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.

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.