Q: Hello, We are a group of 4 currently working on our first business start-up in the UAE. Our business is basically a classifieds website that includes new features. We are currently in the web development stage. At the same time, we are getting all our documents ready in order to obtain a license in Dubai free zone. We are currently looking to prepare the website's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Do you provide such services? If so, what are the costs and documents required? In addition, what is the duration required to complete the drafting procedure? We look forward to hearing from you. Regards

Q: Hi, We are planning to open a business on an online marketplace and we need advice on the following: 1. We are planning to introduce a bidding option on the website. Are there any specific laws pertaining to bidding in the U.A.E? And are there any pre-approval required from the government or any authority? 2. Since individuals will be allowed to sell online on our website, is it legal for them to sell on our website (Like dubizzle)? Or do we can only allow license holders to sell on our platform? 3. Are there any specific laws in the U.A.E related to the marketplace? 4. If we do an international collaboration, are there any specific laws that we should look for? Appreciate your support if you can assist us with the above!

Q: I'm a Saudi National living in the UAE and want to issue a license for my e-commerce commission-based business website for Auto/Spare parts in Ajman. We don’t stock products. We act as the middleman in the process. For example, a customer comes to our website and orders say "Brake Pads" for his/her car. Our job is to go and look across shops in the UAE to find the best deal for the customer. Then, we go back to the customer and present the best deal for this specific requested spare part. If the customer agrees to the offer, he/she then have to pay us the full amount, and then we go and get the product for him/her and take a cut percentage of 10% from the total amount paid, and then ship the product to the customer. What kind of license do we need for a business like this? I would like the license to be issued in Ajman. Also, I need to hire employees, therefore, I need a license that enables me to hire and rent an office space. Thank you.

Q: I am looking for information about the regulatory agencies in the UAE that oversee data compliance. Specifically, I am interested in agencies that deal with privacy, compliance, surveying, and security. I am aware of the UAE Data Office, the DIFC Commissioner, and the ADGM Commissioner, but I would like to know if there are any other mandatory regulatory agencies that enterprises need to be aware of in Dubai and the UAE Mainland. Thank you.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, Can a person bring a product to the UAE using someone else's trading license and sell it? Or can I make a complaint against such a person? I believe that person might use another person's billbook to evade this issue. The sellers are on visit visas without a license. Suggestions, please!

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.

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 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).

The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data, known as the "PDPL", govern Personal Data regulations in the United Arab Emirates

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