Q: Hello, I have a question related to business. I have set up a business in the UAE (Flexi desk in Free Zone). The business activity is E-Commerce. I have registered the business and obtained a UAE Investor Visa, but when it came to opening a bank account, I faced a lot of difficulties. While I was waiting for the opening of a bank account (which took me 4 months and the banker has failed to open a bank account), I have opened a merchant account with Telr. I started accepting payments online from my customers and right now there's money in the merchant account which can be withdrawn to a UAE business bank account (as I have mentioned earlier, I don't have a UAE business bank account). So I have contacted them and asked if they can transfer the money to my personal bank account which is outside the UAE (US bank account or my Russian bank account). They have stated that they can't settle funds to the bank account outside the UAE due to UAE CB rules. Can you suggest me please what I can do in this situation?

Q: Hi, I own a business in Abu Dhabi (a sole establishment) where I am the 100% shareholder as per trade license. The name of the Local Service Agent also appears on the Trade License as a Sponsor. The Local Service Agent is not an Owner, Partner or Manager. While opening a business account, the bank asked me for the passport copy and Emirates ID of the Local Service Agent, is that mandatory? As the Local Service Agent is not an owner nor a partner or a manager, why the bank cannot open a business account with just my personal details? A notarized Local Service Agent agreement was provided to the bank but they still insist on getting his passport and Emirates ID copies.

Q: Hi! I have a question about receiving money from a US business to a local UAE bank account. I sell products in the United States and I want to receive my income to UAE, do I need to have a work visa? Note: I don't sell in the UAE.

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.

The law defines the crimes related to money laundering, commitments and the jurisdictions of the governmental authorities, and the sanctions against perpetrators of money laundering.