Q: Hello, We are working on launching a start-up in the UAE and we have a couple of legal questions. We would be very grateful to receive feedback on. We would like to operate as "beta" for the first couple of months to test the market before taking up a license and launch the business officially. Is there any tolerance for this and what is the legal risk? Before getting full-time employees, we are thinking to give some missions to freelancers. Can freelancers operate any kind of job or there are some restrictions? Are we, as the business, responsible to check their legal status and what is the risk associated? Can they operate on the mainland even if we cannot (free zone license)? Thank you in advance. The UAE start-up to be launched.

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, We are a team of entrepreneurs living outside the UAE right now. We want to register an e-commerce store in the UAE. Our suppliers and buyers are not from the UAE nor we need any physical shop or warehouse. We also want to affiliate our registered business with local banks in Dubai. Can you please advise us about all the legal requirements needed for such a business? Regards, Mazen Shams

Q: I launched a company in Ajman FZ in April 2014 for 1 year. Since the company was not profitable, I didn't continue running the company. I am a resident of India. I had not taken any visas. I ran the company for a year and assumed that it will be closed. Now, I am planning to shift my base to Dubai. Will this be a setback? What fines do I have to pay

Q: Hi there, I am looking to start a Free Zone LLC with a total of 4 owners. However, only 1 of the owners will be putting up the share capital. Would like to know how this would be considered in legal terms in the operating agreement for the FZLLC.

Q: Hello! I am in the process of setting up my business. I have doubts, however, regarding the kind of licence I should apply for. I have been through all the ones available and I am not sure which one(s) is most suitable. We want to set up a media company that will run a news website. We will be creating our own content (articles, videos, etc.) and publishing it on our website and social media channels. Do I need to get an online publishing licence? And/or a digital content creation licence? Or another one? Is that something you could help me with? Many thanks!

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.

In terms of existing companies which include Emirati partner and its activities have been availed for full ownership by Foreign investors Dubai Department of Economic Development stated that those companies will remain as is without change.

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.