Q: We are planning to set up an online service where we host event planning vendors. Customers can then get in touch with these vendors through our site for their event planning needs. I wish to know if I can host freelancers (who do not have a trade license) on this website, or is it illegal?

Q: Hello, My company, already established in the Nederlands, wants to launch a website addressed to UAE users. Our service puts companies in contact with possible clients. The companies will pay us on our website. Can we just launch the website or we need a special license? Thanks in advance!

Q: Greetings! I will be running a website (blog-post + classified ads) from home, that provides services and posting ads, and it will accept membership in some countries that speak English. I am located in Dubai. Since it requires a free subscription, I want to ask if I am obliged to register it as business anywhere to be legal, or if I do not register, I will be asked or arrested for running this website. The website is under maintenance at the moment, it will be broadcasting after it is completed. Some points I am really concerned with: 1- Do I need a legal registration of the website as a business? If yes, can you help me find out how? If I register in one country - let's say UAE - will it be legal in other countries e.g UK, US? 2- GDPR is really critical point that we have to consider especially for websites that collect info from visitors if required. What are the major points that we have to focus on GDPR? Kindly help me optimize my website to get rid of any unsuspected legal issue. Regards

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 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 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.

Gaming like card games, slots, roulette, and other gambling activities was illegal in the UAE on religious grounds, which forbid such practices. It was prohibited by the UAE Penal Code that set penalties starting from fines and reaching in certain cases ten years of imprisonment. This has all started to change with the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

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