Q: I'm planning to open a company here in Dubai, and I need an advice regarding the formation of a company, i.e. whether it can be registered in the free zone without any problem. The company will be an online platform that showcases goods available in Dubai and will connect OVERSEAS buyers with local (UAE-based) sellers. The company will make money by charging a commission for each sale. The company will receive the money from the buyer and release it to the seller. Shipping of goods will be managed by the seller. Since the company will not buy or sell goods in Dubai/UAE and will not stock goods, my understanding is that I can register this company in a free zone. However, not sure if holding money here in Dubai affects the form of the company. Does the money need to be held in Dubai at all? Can the money be held in an overseas account while it is registered in Dubai? If not, if the money is to be held in Dubai, is there a certain type of bank account required onshore/in a free zone? 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: Morning. I would like to open a high-end bespoke shoe service. Customers will be able to book an appointment online thru the website, I will go to their homes to advise the model/colour/type of the shoe and finalise the order. I will then order from a shoemaker in Argentina who will deliver the final product to Dubai. My idea is to get an online trading licence in a free zone to do the consultancy part and partner with someone with a mainland licence who will import the shoes and sell to the customer. I would like to double check the following: - Can I take care of the marketing and order taking with my licence, and resell through a reseller? - Do I need to establish a contract between myself and the reseller? Thanks for your advice

Q: I'm thinking of starting a business as a seller on Amazon (FBA). I'm currently employed and I'm thinking of the best way to start with the least fees possible, and most importantly, what type of license do I need? Thanks!

Q: I am planning to open a business in the Sharjah Free Zone. I want to know the requirements of opening a business/personal bank account in the UAE in relation to the FATF regulations.

Q: I am a resident of the UAE. Plan to become a seller in Amazon and Noon in the UAE. I plan to get a free zone e-Commerce license. Are free zone licenses valid to sell on Amazon and Noon within the UAE? How can you help me in this process?

Q: Hello, I am a citizen of Russia, but I am currently living in Dubai, UAE. I am already a resident of the UAE and have an Emirates ID. I am a fashion designer, and I want to create an apparel brand and sell on Amazon. I will start by selling through an individual seller account. I am not sure if I need a license to sell on Amazon, or if I need to register my new apparel brand in the UAE. I would be grateful for any information you can provide. Thank you!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am an online Amazon seller in Australia. I want to sell through Amazon AE. Do I need to register a business or apply for a license before I can start selling on Amazon AE?

Q: Hello, I’ve been quoted 15,000 to renew my trade license for the free zone in Sharjah. The visa and business setup last year cost 15,000. Shouldn't it be cheaper, and how can I do this online myself?

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.

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 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