Q: I am looking forward to setting up an online business directory for businesses in a specific sector and charging these businesses an annual fee for there ads. For me to accept online payments from these businesses in Dubai, is it a legal requirement to have my business incorporated in Dubai/UAE or I can incorporate it offshore like in the BVI's, Cyprus...etc. and legally operate here? The reason is that the business may not necessarily operate in the UAE alone but also in many other countries.

Q: To whom this may concern, I am a Canadian citizen living in Al Ain city in the United Arab Emirates. I am currently thinking of starting an online business similar to "Talabat.com" if you know it except it will not be a food service. I have some people in mind that can work with me as freelancers but at the same time, I am wondering what are the rules to follow as an expat regarding this issue. I don't know if I need to draft up contracts etc. I just want to be on the safe side. I'd love to hear back from you. Regards, M

Q: Hi, I am a resident in the UAE and I want to do business online, but it has nothing to do in the UAE. I will buy products from China and ask the suppliers to ship them directly to my customers in Europe. There will be no import or re-export or even selling in the UAE. What kind of license do I need for this? (This business model is called "drop shipping"). Regards,

Q: Dear sir/madam, I want to start doing affiliate marketing where I will run YouTube ads. Interested users can then land on my website to enter their names and email address. I can then do email marketing. I also plan to use Pinterest to help build my list. I am not paid to advertise or share content, I only get paid if people make a purchase through my link. 1. Do I need to have a license in order to do this legally in Abu Dhabi, UAE? I am aware that several licenses exist, which license is suitable for this activity? 2. Is a privacy policy adhering to international data protection laws like GDPR sufficient to protect me from lawsuits in the UAE, or does the UAE have specific requirements? If I get a template from a lawyer that is not in the UAE, is that sufficient? 3. Do you think the free privacy policy templates available online are good to avoid lawsuits for the activity I intend to do? Thank you very much!

Q: I want to sell products from the UAE to KSA or other countries like Bahrain. And those products will be sold online on a website. My nationality is Bangladeshi and I want 100% ownership, just one shareholder who will be me. So for the company formation, how much will it cost?

Q: My cousin is in Dubai on a job visa. He was arrested by the local police 2 days ago because he was selling some clothes on the roadside. What could the outcome be? How much fine should he pay? How long would he be arrested? Will he be deported from Dubai by the government?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, Can a Dubai-based company legally offer a marketplace (website) for procreative tourism, such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy, where fertility clinics and agencies from different countries can list themselves for visitors from around the world? The Dubai company would connect patients and clinics globally and charge a fee from clinics, either per lead or as a revenue share.

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 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