Q: Hi, I'm currently trying to create a company in the mainland while I'm being employed by a company which sponsored my residency. I've been only been in the UAE for 3 months. Is there a minimum period I need to spend in the country before I'm allowed to start a business? Thank you

Q: I am interested in starting a new business in Dubai. The offering will be videography/photography and organising events. I am getting contacted by some people who: 1) Wish to transfer their licenses to me (One kind gentleman even agreed to do it for free, he has a few months left before the license expires and is not using it). 2) Some other people suggesting that I can use their general trading license to start my business, by paying them a cut in my profits/some payments on a monthly basis. I want to understand the legal perspective of both these kinds of situations. What should I watch out for? Is this kind of sub-leasing of license legal?

Q: Hello Mr Hari I want to start a business in the UAE. What are the legal requirements & options given by the UAE government for NRI to start a business in their country?

Q: I am currently working in an organization on an unlimited contract, however, I would like to enter into a business partnership and put my name on the trade license of the new company. I will, however, still be working in my current company. Can I enter into a business partnership directly or do I need to get a NOC? My current employer has no restriction on doing business in our contract neither does the new business violate the non-compete clause. If I need to get a NOC, then how do I do it? Do I simply request my current company to give a NOC? Your help is much appreciated. Thank you in advance

Q: Dear sir/madam, I am a teacher in Dubai under my husband's sponsorship. I have a salary account in Dubai Islamic Bank. I need to know the legal requirements for starting an online e-commerce business for which I will need to register a company. Can I work as a teacher and run my online business as well? I want to go with the laws.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, Can my wife, who is under my sponsor's visa, start a business in Abu Dhabi in 2023?

Q: Hello, I am a teacher, working full-time with a school in Abu Dhabi. I have students and I do tutoring, now, tutors must obtain a tutor permit from MOHRE and MOE. However, an NOC is needed from the employer/sponsor. I emailed HR and being unhelpful they refused to give me an NOC knowing very well that I oblige to the conditions and do not tutor my own students or any student from the same school and my work is during my own personal time. Any advice? Is this within my right to get the NOC?

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.

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.