Q: Hello,I am a Syrian citizen living in Dubai for more than 13 years with valid resident visa and I would like to open a new LLC company in Dubai along with a local UAE sponsor (49% my share, 51% for the local sponsor). The company will offer and sell IT services/products (commercial license).I have the following questions:1 - Is it true that Syrians are mostly denied by DED due to security restrictions? Do you know any of your Syrian clients who received a license from DED recently? Are there any measures that I could take to improve my chances?2 - In case I had to issue a license under the UAE sponsor so he becomes 100% owner of my company (do I have another choice?) what are the legal steps that I should take to protect my rights? Would a strong power of attorney be sufficient?Thanks.

Q: How could I start Business in UAE? What is the shortest legal step to register a company?

Q: What licenses do I have to apply for opening a cafe in Dubai?

Q: I am planning to start my business in retail. I am a 16-year-old Emirati national and I have full approval from my parents. What legal requirements must I obtain and what laws should I follow?

Q: My son is 16 years old. Can I execute my trading company to him or make him a sponsor?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inform you that we established a company in DMCC FREE ZONE. We had 3 visa quotas. For two board of directors, we could receive an entry permit. For one of them, it is two times rejected. Would you be kind enough to let me know what should we do? Our nationality is Iranian and we have German residency as well. I would be pleased if you could help us. Your high cooperation is appreciated in advance. With kind regards,

Q: If we have a Service License with the activity "Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management", should we have AML/CFT policy and a compliance officer?

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.

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 new amendments to the laws in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.