Q: Dear sir/madam, Can a foreign company (non-UAE company) have the option to appoint or outsource marketing and sales management in the UAE to a UAE-based marketing management company? The UAE-based marketing management company will promote their product, find the distributor and manage the sales through distributors. Is it possible?

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 am working as a broker between the trade happening in other countries, e.g. a trade happening between Spain and India. Can I legally receive a commission for these trade operations in the UAE? If yes, what should I do? Do I need to open a license?

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.

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.