Q: I am planning on setting up a company in a free zone in Dubai (DUQE or Meydan). The company will not be conducting any business activities in Dubai but will be mainly formed to fully own an existing consulting and innovation hub company in Tanzania. The reason we are registering a company here is to make it easy for us to raise investments. I wanted to know: 1- if any of the laws in the UAE prohibit free zone companies from owning subsidiaries abroad 2- if there is any requirement to register foreign subsidiaries with any authority in the UAE 3- if there is any ban on free zone companies raising money that will be used to fund its subsidiaries and operations abroad 4- if there is any requirement for free zone companies in the zones mentioned above to submit audited financial statements or reports on an annual basis Thanks in advance

Q: How companies in the UAE ensure corporate governance and compliance with UAE laws without a mandatory company secretary as in India?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, How do I file a settlement complaint for a free zone company? I tried calling MOHRE but reached a dead end.

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.

Most entrepreneurs who have ideas for a startup seeking to implement it may face some difficulties in deciding the ideal location, activity, type of license, fees, taxes, among many others. Here are four reasons why the UAE’s thriving start-up scene is the right choice for your business.

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.