Q: Hello, I have a question related to business. I have set up a business in the UAE (Flexi desk in Free Zone). The business activity is E-Commerce. I have registered the business and obtained a UAE Investor Visa, but when it came to opening a bank account, I faced a lot of difficulties. While I was waiting for the opening of a bank account (which took me 4 months and the banker has failed to open a bank account), I have opened a merchant account with Telr. I started accepting payments online from my customers and right now there's money in the merchant account which can be withdrawn to a UAE business bank account (as I have mentioned earlier, I don't have a UAE business bank account). So I have contacted them and asked if they can transfer the money to my personal bank account which is outside the UAE (US bank account or my Russian bank account). They have stated that they can't settle funds to the bank account outside the UAE due to UAE CB rules. Can you suggest me please what I can do in this situation?

Q: Hi! I have a question about receiving money from a US business to a local UAE bank account. I sell products in the United States and I want to receive my income to UAE, do I need to have a work visa? Note: I don't sell in the UAE.

Q: Can we sell imported goods with a free zone license online on Amazon and Noon locally?

Q: I'm thinking of starting a business as a seller on Amazon (FBA). I'm currently employed and I'm thinking of the best way to start with the least fees possible, and most importantly, what type of license do I need? Thanks!

Q: I am planning to be a partner in a sole establishment license in Dubai mainland and will be a silent partner. Is it possible to notarize the agreement of partners for a sole establishment? Can I legalize my partnership and payment?

Q: I am planning to open a business in the Sharjah Free Zone. I want to know the requirements of opening a business/personal bank account in the UAE in relation to the FATF regulations.

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: Dear Lawyers, What happens if I operate without a trade license (while the trade license is in process) and receive money for the work I have done?

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