Q: Hello I want to open an online store (e-commerce) in Dubai, it will be online clothing store and I will receive the clothes from China by courier and sell it in Dubai. Customers can complete the payment with Pay Pal. So I would like to know if I need to register this online store, and if yes, what's the procedure. Since the items will be shipped from overseas, then maybe I do not need even to register it. Please advise

Q: I'm planning to open a company here in Dubai, and I need an advice regarding the formation of a company, i.e. whether it can be registered in the free zone without any problem. The company will be an online platform that showcases goods available in Dubai and will connect OVERSEAS buyers with local (UAE-based) sellers. The company will make money by charging a commission for each sale. The company will receive the money from the buyer and release it to the seller. Shipping of goods will be managed by the seller. Since the company will not buy or sell goods in Dubai/UAE and will not stock goods, my understanding is that I can register this company in a free zone. However, not sure if holding money here in Dubai affects the form of the company. Does the money need to be held in Dubai at all? Can the money be held in an overseas account while it is registered in Dubai? If not, if the money is to be held in Dubai, is there a certain type of bank account required onshore/in a free zone? Thank you

Q: Is it legal to host an online gaming tournament with an entry fee for all participants and a cash prize for the winners? Would this be considered as some sort of gambling? (The game would be like a shooting/action game so it would be completely based on skill) And if it does, and if I give gift cards to the winners instead, would that make it legal?

Q: I want to run a global e-com business and would not trade in the UAE. I am living in the UAE for some time and would only receive my international payments in the UAE. Do I still need to get an e-com license from the UAE?

Q: Hi Sudhanshu, Hope you are well. What are my rights for establishing an e-com business meant for trading outside the UAE. 1) Do I still need the UAE trade license? 2) Can I receive payments in the UAE banks through international online business since I live in the UAE and would be here for some more time? Best regards, A.

Q: Hello My name is K. H. - I am interested in being placed in contact with someone to help me open a small business in the free zone in Dubai. I am an American Citizen and my husband is Egyptian. Please assist by recommending a list of companies who can help us open office space in a free zone. Thanks, K.

Q: Hello! I am in the process of setting up my business. I have doubts, however, regarding the kind of licence I should apply for. I have been through all the ones available and I am not sure which one(s) is most suitable. We want to set up a media company that will run a news website. We will be creating our own content (articles, videos, etc.) and publishing it on our website and social media channels. Do I need to get an online publishing licence? And/or a digital content creation licence? Or another one? Is that something you could help me with? Many thanks!

Q: Dear Lawyers, What happens if I operate without a trade license (while the trade license is in process) and receive money for the work I have done?

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.