Q: Hello, We are starting a new E-commerce business based in Dubai and would like to know some of the legal requirements to set an e-commerce business. We'll be selling physical products, imported from China and targeting the UAE as our customer base. So please if you could help us in informing what legal procedures like licensing etc should be done. Thanks.

Q: I want to set up my own business in Dubai which is career coaching and training, to be done mainly online (online training, sessions by skype, etc.). I will not have physical offices nor employees. What is the best structure (and most affordable) to set up such a business? Thanks! S.

Q: We are setting up a dropshipping business in the UAE & KSA which will be merely an online store with no physical operations in the targeted countries. Our suppliers will have full ownership of sold products, though the product’s journey and the delivery will be via the suppliers' courier partners. We would like to inquire about the following: Is it required to obtain a license in UAE/KSA? If yes, which license? E-commerce or e-trading? What’s the least costly free zone set-up in the UAE? Can we establish an entity in another country (outside UAE/KSA)? Any startups-friendly country? Thank you!

Q: Hi, I am a resident in the UAE and I want to do business online, but it has nothing to do in the UAE. I will buy products from China and ask the suppliers to ship them directly to my customers in Europe. There will be no import or re-export or even selling in the UAE. What kind of license do I need for this? (This business model is called "drop shipping"). Regards,

Q: I want to start new lottery business. What are the legal steps to start?

Q: I am a resident of the UAE. Plan to become a seller in Amazon and Noon in the UAE. I plan to get a free zone e-Commerce license. Are free zone licenses valid to sell on Amazon and Noon within the UAE? How can you help me in this process?

Q: I'd like to operate a business model which involves an element of chance (or lottery/raffle draw). What license will I need besides the standard trading license? We operate a Mainland company (retail store) in the UAE for over 30+ years. Due to multiple factors affecting business volume and margins, I have ideated a strategy relevant to cater to the current marketplace sentiment offering an exceptional value proposition to retail customers as well as to retail merchants.

Q: Hello, I want to understand the setup of a trading company and the compliance requirements in the UAE for trading in the Indian and US markets.

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 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