Q: Can an offshore RAK free zone company remove a Shareholder due to non-payment of his dues?

Q: How much would it cost to create shareholders agreement for a startup in Dubai?

Q: I did partnership in LLC business with one Indian last year. Recently I asked him to return my investment as he was not giving any reward of my investment. He agreed to return it. But now he is absconding because he owes some amount to an old partner who filed a police case against him. What should I do now to protect my investment or to avoid further loss? My 2nd question is: which percentage of shares will apply in case of loss? Trade license shows 15% my shares.

Q: I am looking to get my tech startup incorporated and I recently read a book called "The Founder's Dilemma" that talked about the importance of a Dynamic Equity Split. I would like to know if it's possible here in the UAE, how I would do it and where, and if the lawyer answering this question would personally recommend it.

Q: Hi, I am looking for legal advice pertaining to setting up a startup in the UAE. Specific elements would be pertaining to formulating customer disclaimers, client contracts, company partnership, setup documentation, etc. Appreciate your support. Regards, Deepak

Q: Our company is registered in the UAE for the past three years, and now we want to expand our business by taking a loan or investment from a foreign company. What are the rules and regulations that keep both parties safe? Please provide us with accurate information to be safe from any future problems.

Q: I am opening a small restaurant in Abu Dhabi in partnership. Need a lawyer to draft a partnership contract who has done it for a restaurant partnership before.

Q: I want to get a partner visa to start some business activities. What should I be aware of? What are the precautions to be taken if the company has already taken up some loans or there are legal issues? Also, what points to be added in the article of association to be safe in the future? Your advice is needed!

Q: I have a startup in Dubai. I have people interested in working on my project but at the moment I don't have enough activity or the capability to pay full-time salaries. They are willing to work and get compensated via equity share options calculated based on the hours they worked. They can be in Dubai or working remotely in other countries. Some could dedicate 20 hours/week regularly, others do one-off or occasional contributions. What would be the best approach to be legally covered?

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 government has announced important changes to the federal Commercial Companies Law, the most significant is related to the foreign ownership of mainland companies. This will grant foreign investors the full ownership of share capital in companies carrying out certain activities specified to that effect by the competent authorities. This means that foreign investors’ shares will not be limited anymore to a maximum of 49% like before, but can be up to 100% instead.

The different Emirates in the UAE have different requirements and procedures for obtaining business licenses. To register your entity, you need to follow steps and obtain approvals from the Department of Economic Development and other relevant authorities.

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.