Q: Hello My name is K. H. - I am interested in being placed in contact with someone to help me open a small business in the free zone in Dubai. I am an American Citizen and my husband is Egyptian. Please assist by recommending a list of companies who can help us open office space in a free zone. Thanks, K.

Q: I opened a free zone company in Dubai 11 years ago. There was no trading activity and has been none since. I closed the company remotely as I was unable to travel to Dubai at the time for health reasons and completed forms necessary, had them notarized here in Europe and translated by a registered translator. All documents sent to the agent in Dubai with a POA but I was informed that they were not accepted by Dubai authorities and that I would have to travel there to close. The bank account was also closed at the time remotely. If I travel to Abu Dhabi will I face problems?

Q: Hi. Kindly advise regarding: (1) Closing a professional civil company (management consultancy) in Dubai with 4 partners + 1 local agent. There are 4 partners (all family members) who are out of the UAE. 2 partners have investor visas & 2 have partner visas. 3 visas have expired during July-Sept 18 and 1 Investor visa expiring 17/11 as being out of the country for 6 months+. Online at www.gdrfa.ae on logging in, the 3 expired visas are showing 'Inactive'. Does it mean visas are automatically cancelled & they can come on visit OR visas have to be physically cancelled at the immigration dept? The company has no assets/liability. We want to close the company. The company's labour est card is already cancelled. (2) Effect of a partner's personal credit cards' liability on the company as a he is a partner. In the above company, 2 partners have credit card dues. Is there an impact on 2 aged partners coming back to the UAE if the banks file cases & secure order on attaching the defaulting partners share in above company? (There is no business/assets). Can 2 aged partners be asked to submit the company a/cs?

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 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.