Dubai opened its doors to foreign property ownership in 2006. Since then, there have been incremental changes in the approach of the Dubai Land Department, benefitting investors in the long-term.   Who can own property in Dubai? Ownership of real estate in Dubai is restricted to UAE Nationals and GCC nationals, as well as companies wholly owned by them and public joint stock companies. Other foreign nationals - and companies wholly or partly owned by them - have the right to own real estate in Dubai but only in certain designated areas. These include both residential and commercial areas in [...]

The UAE has just announced its Permanent Residency System, a long-awaited initiative that aims to boost the economic climate.    It's official! The United Arab Emirates has announced it's Permanent Residency System, a first for the region. Dubbed the "Golden Card", the initiative aims to boost the current economic climate, and will have long-term positive implications. Until recently, the UAE offered the standard 2-3 year visas for investors and employees alike. This was regardless of the amount of investment that was brought in, be it in property, manufacturing or any other business. While the application and renewal process of these visas [...]

The DMCC was setup in the year 2002 as an initiative to create a commodities trading marketplace in the region.  Companies operating from the DMCC have to comply with the following main rules and regulations: DMCC Company Regulations These Regulations were issued in 2003 and cover all aspects of company operations in the DMCC. The main sections include Incorporation of Companies, Share Capital, Management and Administration of Companies, Amalgamations, Winding Up provisions and Branch Company Operations. You can download the complete copy of the DMCC Company Regulations here. DMCC Free Zone Rules & Regulations The 3rdedition of the DMCC FZ [...]

Starting from February 2019, the UAE has implemented  a new system for long-term residence visas. The new system enables expatriates to live, work and study in the country without the need of a UAE sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.   Eligibility for a 10-year visa in the UAE without a sponsor The following categories are entitled to apply for a 10-year residence visa in the UAE. Investors in public investments of at least US$ 2.73 million The investment may take many forms such as: A deposit of at least US$ 2.73 million [...]

The Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development (DED) recently launched the first phase of its Dual License Initiative in 2018. The DED is the regulatory body in charge of issuing licenses in Abu Dhabi. What is a dual license? Companies setup in free zones were earlier not allowed to directly conduct business in the mainland. For example, a company trading in furniture would have to appoint a local distributor (usually an LLC in Abu Dhabi) to distribute products in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE mainland. Also, free zone companies were not able to bid for government contracts, [...]

The UAE is one of the most happening countries in the region for anyone seeking lucrative business opportunities. If you are looking to set up a business in this country, you have two options: Start your business in a free zone, or Launch a mainland company. There are plenty of opportunities that come with both options, but the latest reforms have changed the country’s business landscape. Setting up in the mainland means that your company can trade directly with other mainland entities, and your prospects for business activities include the local population and governmental work. Furthermore, you do have no [...]