Q: Hi, We are a building contractor from South East Asia, looking to set up a 100% self-owned branch office in Dubai. Our activities will require us to have a contracting licence and import building materials into the UAE. What are the business structures that allow us to apply for a contracting licence and import building materials?

Q: Dear Sir We are a Saudi-based company registered in the UAE as a branch of GCC. We are in process of signing an agreement with a software developing company based in India as a sole distributor for their products in GCC. Can you let us do procedure and legalities? Secondly, do we need to register for VAT since some sales are for the Saudi market? Do we need to charge VAT for sales done in Saudi through us? Looking forward to your reply Regards, Imtiyaz

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: Can I open a branch of an offshore company in Dubai without a local sponsor?

Q: Can a British Ltd company based in the UK start branch trade activity in the UAE? Would such activity need local Emirates sponsor as an individual or company? Thank you!

س: نحن شركة أجنبية في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية ونريد أن نفتح شركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة في إمارة أبوظبي بشراكة مع مواطن إماراتي. ما الإجراءات المطلوبة لذلك؟ وهل هناك موافقات من الجهات المختصة داخل الولايات المتحدة؟ وما التكلفة؟

س: مساء الخير، أيهما أفضل من ناحية التكلفة والإجراءات: تأسيس شركة في دولة وعمل فرع لها في دولة أخرى أم عمل شركتين منفصلتين لنفس المالك؟ مع الشكر!

Q: Hello We are interested in the cost of consulting on business licensing in the UAE.

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 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.