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: Hi, I have a one-year-old LLC license which is established through a business set up company. Now, due to some financial issues, I am selling my company. I have a ready buyer for this but he didn't want to keep the existing sponsor. On the other hand, the existing business set up company does not agree to transfer the sponsor and willing to keep the sponsor who belongs to them only. Please advise what I can do legally in this case. Thanks AS

Q: If the local partner/sponsor is not willing to remove himself from the company (LLC) and other partners what to change to another sponsor. What are the solutions could be?

Q: Does a partnership agreement between parties need to be notarized in the UAE?

س: تحية طيبة، أريد رخصة منزلية لزوجتي لعمل الطعام. هل يجب أن تكون تحت اسم مواطنة؟

Q: In Dubai, what are the legal documents required for investment as a silent partner for protecting capital and ROI?

س: السلام عليكم، في المؤسسة ذات الكيان القانوني الفردي، هل يجوز للمواطن المُستخرَجة الرخصة باسمه التنازل عن ملكية المؤسسة للغير (غير مواطن) الذي يحق له انتقال كافة الحقوق القانونية عليها بموجب إقرار كتابي عرفي بين الطرفين؟

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am planning to be a partner in a sole establishment license in Dubai mainland. Is it possible to have the agreement of partners for a sole establishment notarized? Can I legalize my partnership and payment?

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 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.