Context One of the key strategic aims of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is to shift its oil-dependent economy to a knowledge-based economy. This multifaceted endeavor involves an extensive web of interweaving projects, initiatives and funds geared towards achieving this ambitious and important aim. Vision 2030 has identified the proliferation and success of small and medium…
Anti-corruption Q&A 1. Legal and enforcement framework 1.1 Which legislative and regulatory provisions govern anti-corruption in your jurisdiction, from a regulatory (preventive) and enforcement (criminal) perspective? 1.1.1 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been fighting bribery and corruption since the 1980s with the enactment of Federal law 3/1987 otherwise known as the UAE Federal Penal…
DUBAI – The UAE remains the best country for doing business in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region for yet another year, as it introduced 4 new reforms in the last 12 months, the World Bank said in its latest report. The World Bank praised the UAE, saying that the business regulatory reforms…
In total, 1990 economies were assessed in the report. Among the four reforms introduced last year, the UAE made starting a business less expensive by reducing the fee for business incorporation; dealing with construction permits was also made easier by using a risk-based approach to reduce the number of inspections; increased minority investor protections were…
Overview 1.1 Describe your jurisdiction’s sanctions regime The United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) has a complex sanctions regime based on a variety of sources. Sanctions are based on diverse interests, including political, economic and national security interests. Due to the rapidly changing nature of such interests, sanctions are susceptible to significant and constant changes. Sanctions in…
Dubai government expands opportunities for the private sector, as it restricts the expansion of state-related entities. Dubai is controlling the number of state-related entities to help support the expansion of the private sector and its economic growth. To assist with the governments already initiated attempts to reevaluate the role of the public and private sectors,…
UAE Companies – How Your Business May Be Affected If you are operating an onshore or offshore entity in a “no or only nominal tax jurisdiction” (referred to hereinafter as a “noon”), which amongst others, holds shares or licenses intellectual property and receives operational income from other jurisdictions this article should be important to you…
Starting your own business is one of the most exciting decisions you can take. But it is imperative to follow fundamental rules and keep certain key considerations in mind to avoid facing financial issues that may lead to bankruptcy. Here are five factors to keep in mind when managing your finances as a startup: 1.…
A Long-Term Residency Scheme In The UAE The UAE recently allowed select categories of foreigners to apply for long-term visas for themselves and their families, including investors and entrepreneurs who meet certain conditions, pursuant to Cabinet Decision No. 56/2018 on the Regulation of Residence Permits for Investors, Entrepreneurs and Individuals with Specialised Talents. In accordance…
Q1: Key considerations on how a multinational business can set up as a group in the region The United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) economy continues to flourish and be attractive to businesses from around the world. The potential options available to foreign multinational companies to undertake business or commercial activities in the UAE are set out…
UAE Federal Law No.1 of 2006 concerning electronic transactions and commerce (e-commerce law) regulates electronic signatures (e-signatures) in the UAE. The eCommerce Law recognises 3 types of e-signatures: 1. Protected e-signatures (Article 17 of the E-Commerce Law) This category of e-signatures is the most legally protected. Protected e-signatures are accepted as valid and have probative…
UAE FOREIGN INVESTMENT LAW Following the enactment of the UAE Federal Law No. 19 of 2018 on Foreign Direct Investment (“FDI LAW”), the UAE Cabinet has announced the positive list of activities covered by and benefiting from Article 7-3 of the FDI Law. The UAE cabinet has approved 122 economic activities across 13 sectors that…