Q: We specialise in Credit as a Service (i.e. white-labelled provider of b2b credit from a merchant to its customers) in around 40 countries today. Once a merchant's customer is registered with us and we have issued them with a credit line they are free to purchase from the merchant. As they purchase, we issue them an invoice branded as if from the merchant. We then collect from the merchant's customer in line with the agreed credit terms (e.g. 30 days from invoice). Is this model acceptable/legal in the UAE? Would we require a specific licence for this business model? Are there any specific requirements we would have to adhere to in terms of invoice details/format...etc?

Q: I want to sell products from the UAE to KSA or other countries like Bahrain. And those products will be sold online on a website. My nationality is Bangladeshi and I want 100% ownership, just one shareholder who will be me. So for the company formation, how much will it cost?

Q: My partner and I are starting a video blogging and content creation company in Dubai. Thinking to get the license from Sharjah Shands. For the first vlog, we are contacting eminent people to cover their stories. What forms do we need them to sign? (Model release? Authentic information?) And where can we get these made? What are the charges involved? Any other legal things we need to be covered about?

Q: I am a Golden Visa holder (Indian citizen) and looking to work as a contractor for an EU-based manufacturer to promote their products in the Middle East. They do not have an office in the region. If they were to pay me for the above services, is VAT applicable? And do I need to start an entity in the free zone?

Q: Hello, A financial advisor sold me several bogus investments that have gone bust. In the UAE, does a financial advisor need a specific license to propose or sell an investment, or not?

Q: Real Estate Agency without proper contract & HR system. I have been working as a certified real estate broker for a real estate agency in Dubai. The company consistently failed to provide a proper contract, and they kept hiring and firing HR managers. We sign a contract with an HR manager and the next one comes in, as a result, the company manager claims that because the contract was signed by the previous HR, it is no longer valid. The manager never signs any contract. I have been closing a few deals in the company and now I’m suspecting that they won’t pay since they can come up with another excuse. How can we legally pursue this matter and secure our pending commissions?

Sometimes this seems very simple to incorporate a company in the UAE, however, investors must seek professional advice before taking this important business decision to avoid any future legal implications.

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.