Investors increasingly see the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a crucial part of their global operations as a thriving center for international trade. The UAE is a well-known top location for multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters and serve the fast-growing markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Additionally, it is the ideal place to launch new businesses in a variety of industries.

The UAE's transition to more liberal economic policies, particularly the establishment of economic and financial free zones, and diversification have been the key forces behind its economic and commercial expansion. With the choice to hold the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, its success achieved recognition on a global scale.

Additionally, the UAE is home to numerous free zones (FZs), where businesses are overseen by independent Free Zone Authorities (FZAs) in charge of issuing licenses and regulating their operations. Each FZ was created with one or more commercial categories in mind and exclusively grants licenses to businesses that fall under those categories.

Up until June 1, 2021, a UAE national sponsor or partner had to own at least 51% of the shares of a company based in the Mainland UAE. By amending the Commercial Companies Law, this criterion was eliminated, provided that the company's operations fell under the appropriate "positive lists." The reforms also eliminated the need that foreign corporations' UAE branches employ a UAE national agent for the majority of their operations.

Before choosing how to create a business presence in the UAE, it is crucial to fully comprehend all of the alternatives. Making the wrong decision could harm your company's chances of expanding in the UAE.

Our legal and compliance team is equipped with professional specialists with knowledge of the UAE legal and regulation systems.

We can advise you on the right structure for your business and assist you with the relevant laws, compliance and policies so you can set up your company and manage your business efficiently.