Q: Hi, We are a startup in Canada. Our business is online food ordering system that connects customers to restaurants. We receive payments from customers, restaurants and at the same time we pay back money to restaurants. We are planning to operate in Dubai. Questions: 1 - Do we need to set up a company in Dubai to have a legal agreement with the restaurants or, our Canada branch is allowed to do that kind of legal agreement with local restaurants in Dubai? 2 - Are we allowed (as Canadian Company with Canadian Bank Account), to operate in Dubai, receive and send money from/to restaurants and customers? 3 - In case setting up a company in Dubai is mandatory, in which free zone can we set up the company? DIC, Sharjah, or Fujairah, knowing that we don't have physical delivery inside Dubai? 4 - In case setting a company in Dubai is not required, which court (Canada/UAE) will be in charge of the agreement? 5 - Do you have a lawyer who is specialized in writing online startup contracts?

Q: I'm Muhannad from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I will sign two agreements next weekend, NDA and MOU with a UEA company that I want to take a franchise from. I want to review these agreements.

Q: Hi, I have a company that designs and manufactures solar powered products. I do the design and the products are manufactured by local workshops. I would like to draw a contract/agreement with the workshop to guarantee the work for my client. I would like this to be legally binding. Q1: How can I make this agreement legally binding so the supplier can fix any problems with the product should any come up? Q2: How much will it cost to draw this agreement if I provide all the details related to what may go wrong with the workshop craftsmanship? In fact, all I need is to take the details I will supply and make the agreement professional. Thanks, Ali

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 gaffe that most corporates indulge in is drafting important documents with major consequences themselves, by allotting the task to any distinguished practitioner within the organization, who may be an expert in some other field, only to cut down legal costs or some other reason known to them. Minor squabbles between human beings are but inevitable. Thereby drawing up intention between the parties clearly by way of agreements, and in writing, whilst in commercial trading is a prerequisite.

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 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.