Q: Hi there, I would like to seek help from a lawyer with expertise in data protection, privacy policy and reviewing terms of use for an app which gathers lifestyle/activity data about users (e.g. no. of daily steps etc) to see if our practices are compliant with requirements in the UAE. Thanks

Q: Hi Experts, I do have a business plan and developed a mobile application for this. But before making a mobile app live, I would like to know if my business plan is legal in the UAE. If not, what approval...etc. is required? Kindly let me know what plan/help/package in this portal is relevant to address my concern. Regards K

Q: I am looking to draft a contract between three parties for a mobile application development that includes profit sharing for all three parties involved. One party is a registered RAK Free Zone, and the other two parties are Saudi nationals. I would need costing too, remember, this is a startup so capital is very limited

Q: Hi, We are looking to start a peer-to-peer car-sharing business (through an application) in Dubai. Hence we wanted to understand if this has been regulated. What are the implications? What are the key things to consider?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, We plan to launch a voucher mobile app with two types of users: consumers and merchants. Merchants pay a daily calculated fee of AED 10/20/30, while users don't have to pay or purchase anything. Throughout the day, users simply need to write/upload a post/image on the app and answer a random skill-based question. The more they participate, the higher their chances to qualify. Every following day, the collected pool from merchants is randomly distributed back to users in the form of vouchers. For instance, if today's pool is AED 350,000, tomorrow it will be distributed among a random set of users, potentially in the thousands. If, for example, 17,500 users qualify, they would receive vouchers of random values. Users must use these vouchers at eligible merchants within the next 24 hours, or the vouchers expire. How can I set up a legal company in Dubai for this and operate in the UAE?

Q: Hi everyone, I'm a mobile app developer for iOS and Android. I have a mobile app idea that helps people find daily commutes. I’ve completed the Android application and want to launch it on the Play Store. Before going live, I have some concerns—do I need to apply for a license, or is there any legal process I should follow? I developed the app independently, with no company involvement. The app will be free for everyone, with no revenue model attached yet. I would appreciate any suggestions or guidance. Thank you!

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.

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.

The UAE has had tremendous economic development over the last two decades, which can be attributed to the country’s expanding market and large inflow of investments. The demonstrated level of preparedness and equanimity is evident in the legislative framework, characterized by the ongoing and systematic updates of laws. This proactive approach aims to align the legal landscape with the dynamic trajectory of economic advancement, ensuring continual synchronization with the prevailing progress.

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 provisions of this Decree-Law, known as the "New E-commerce Law", govern E-commerce regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New E-commerce Law repeals the previous UAE E-commerce Law (Federal Law No. (1) of 2006 Concerning Electronic Transactions & Commerce).

Cabinet Resolution No. (28) of 2023 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (46) of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services