Q: Hello My name is K. H. - I am interested in being placed in contact with someone to help me open a small business in the free zone in Dubai. I am an American Citizen and my husband is Egyptian. Please assist by recommending a list of companies who can help us open office space in a free zone. Thanks, K.

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: 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

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 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