PRO Services in Dubai, Visa Services in Dubai

We are a UK company offering Corporate PRO services in Dubai. Our team of local staff assists various companies to save time and money in applying the visas and other legal documents from the Ministries in UAE.
Our Scope of Work
Visa Application
Documents Pick Up & Processing
Application typing
Drop Application for sponsor signature
Application submission for approval
Pay Bank Guarantee
Prepare applications for Medical
Labor Contract
Resident Visa Stamping
Pay Labor Fee (Online)
Apply for position amendment and pay fee
Collect Visa from MOL
Assist in Medical checkup (Staff accompanied with the candidate in the hospital)
Delivering documents for Sponsor’s Signature
Submission of documents to MOL for Final visa stamping
Deliver the passports with visa stamped.
2. Trade License Renewal *
3. Assisting in Police clearance and Accommodation Inspection
4. Post Box Collection
5. Consultation on legal affairs*
6. Providing online access to job status and work orders through our CRM

Please contact for any assistance regarding the same.
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
Kinds Regards
Faisal Ibrahim
SME Consultant
00971-552419200

PRO Services in Dubai, Visa Services in Dubai

We are a UK company offering Corporate PRO services in Dubai. Our team of local staff assists various companies to save time and money in applying the visas and other legal documents from the Ministries in UAE.
Our Scope of Work
Visa Application
Documents Pick Up & Processing
Application typing
Drop Application for sponsor signature
Application submission for approval
Pay Bank Guarantee
Prepare applications for Medical
Labor Contract
Resident Visa Stamping
Pay Labor Fee (Online)
Apply for position amendment and pay fee
Collect Visa from MOL
Assist in Medical checkup (Staff accompanied with the candidate in the hospital)
Delivering documents for Sponsor’s Signature
Submission of documents to MOL for Final visa stamping
Deliver the passports with visa stamped.
2. Trade License Renewal *
3. Assisting in Police clearance and Accommodation Inspection
4. Post Box Collection
5. Consultation on legal affairs*
6. Providing online access to job status and work orders through our CRM

Please contact for any assistance regarding the same.
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
Kinds Regards
Faisal Ibrahim
SME Consultant
00971-552419200

PRO Services in Dubai, Visa Services in Dubai

We are a UK company offering Corporate PRO services in Dubai. Our team of local staff assists various companies to save time and money in applying the visas and other legal documents from the Ministries in UAE.
Our Scope of Work
Visa Application
Documents Pick Up & Processing
Application typing
Drop Application for sponsor signature
Application submission for approval
Pay Bank Guarantee
Prepare applications for Medical
Labor Contract
Resident Visa Stamping
Pay Labor Fee (Online)
Apply for position amendment and pay fee
Collect Visa from MOL
Assist in Medical checkup (Staff accompanied with the candidate in the hospital)
Delivering documents for Sponsor’s Signature
Submission of documents to MOL for Final visa stamping
Deliver the passports with visa stamped.
2. Trade License Renewal *
3. Assisting in Police clearance and Accommodation Inspection
4. Post Box Collection
5. Consultation on legal affairs*
6. Providing online access to job status and work orders through our CRM

Please contact for any assistance regarding the same.
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
Kinds Regards
Faisal Ibrahim
SME Consultant
00971-552419200

PRO Services, Visa Services in Dubai

We are a UK company offering Corporate PRO services in Dubai. Our team of local staff assists various companies to save time and money in applying the visas and other legal documents from the Ministries in UAE.
Our Scope of Work
Visa Application
Documents Pick Up & Processing
Application typing
Drop Application for sponsor signature
Application submission for approval
Pay Bank Guarantee
Prepare applications for Medical
Labor Contract
Resident Visa Stamping
Pay Labor Fee (Online)
Apply for position amendment and pay fee
Collect Visa from MOL
Assist in Medical checkup (Staff accompanied with the candidate in the hospital)
Delivering documents for Sponsor’s Signature
Submission of documents to MOL for Final visa stamping
Deliver the passports with visa stamped.
2. Trade License Renewal *
3. Assisting in Police clearance and Accommodation Inspection
4. Post Box Collection
5. Consultation on legal affairs*
6. Providing online access to job status and work orders through our CRM

Please contact for any assistance regarding the same.
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
Kinds Regards
Faisal Ibrahim
SME Consultant
00971-552419200

Business Incorporation in Dubai

Dubai Business Incorporation




We provide offshore company incorporation services provider offers assistance on all aspects of company formation in the UAEand the GCC countries. While based in the UAE, we offer comprehensive offshore company formation solutions, especially Dubai company incorporation as well as in the Free Trade Zones all over UAE. We have already rendered our assistance to more than 500 companies to set up their operations in UAE.

A BUSINESS GUIDE FOR THE FORMATION OF A COMPANY IN UAE
• Doing Business in UAE
• Free Zones in UAE
• Offshore Companies
• Our Services
DOING BUSINESS IN UAE

The Market
UAE is the leading business hub; it offers access to a market of outstanding potential for overseas companies to plan to set up their offshore company. Among its key characteristics are:
• A growing market - Dubai’s imports have more than doubled since 1989; regional economic growth and liberalisation is set to boost demand;
• A prosperous market - strategic location at the heart of one of the world’s richest regions;
• A diversified market - wide import requirements; opportunities for suppliers of most products;
• An accessible market - served by more than 170 shipping lines and 86 airlines; An open market - no exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers.
The Business Environment
UAE offers incoming businesses all the advantages of a highly developed economy. The infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, facilitating efficiency, quality and service. Among the benefits are:
• Free enterprise system.
• Highly developed transport infrastructure.
• State-of-the-art telecommunications.
• Sophisticated financial and services sector.
• Top international exhibition and conference venue.
• High quality office and residential accommodation.
• Reliable power, utilities etc..
• First class hotels, hospitals, schools, shops etc. Cosmopolitan lifestyle.

UAE Business Climate
Doing business in the UAE is very attractive due to the following reasons
• No personal income and capital taxes
• No corporate taxation
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No currency restrictions
• Competitive import duties (5% with many exemptions).
• Modern efficient communication facilities
• Abundant and inexpensive energy supply
• Simple staff recruitment procedures
• Competitive freight charges
• Competitive real estate costs.
• Easy access to both sea and airports.
Taxation
There is no corporate tax or personal tax in the UAE. The only exceptions to this are oil producing companies and branches of foreign banks. Direct taxation is against the traditions of the UAE and it is highly unlikely that it will be introduced in the near future.

Currency and Exchange rate
There are no exchange controls in the UAE and its currency, the UAE Dirham, is freely convertible. The Dirham is linked to the US dollar, the currency by which oil prices are measured. The exchange rate has remained at Dh 3.675 = US$ 1 since 1977.

Licensing
The basic requirement for all business activity in UAE is one of the following three categories of licenses:
• Commercial licenses covering all kinds of trading activity;
• Professional licenses covering professions, services, craftsmen and artisans;
• Industrial licenses for establishing industrial or manufacturing activity.
Some categories of businesses require approval from ministries also: for example, banks and financial institutions from the Central Bank of the UAE; manufacturing from the Ministry of Finance and Industry; and pharmaceutical and medical products from the Ministry of Health; branch of foreign company from the ministry of Economy and Commerce. More detailed procedures apply to businesses engaged in oil or gas production and related industries.

Ownership Requirements Fifty-one per cent participation by UAE nationals is the general requirement for all UAE offshore company formations except:
• Where the law requires 100% local ownership;
• In the Free Trade Zones where 100% foreign ownership is permitted;
• In activities open to 100% AGCC ownership;
• Where wholly owned AGCC companies enter into partnership with UAE nationals;
• In respect of foreign companies registering branches or a representative office in Dubai;
• In professional or artisan companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
Procedures governing the operations of foreign business interests.
In practice, however, Dubai company formation procedures are similar to the general system other emirates follow, whereby foreign owned offshore companies operated in one of three ways: with a local sponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through a private limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler's decree. Since 1984, steps have been taken to introduce a codified company law applicable throughout the UAE. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the "Commercial Companies Law" - and its by-laws have been issued. In broad terms the provisions of the Law are as follows: The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organization which can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and offshore company incorporation procedures. It further lays down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies.

Legal Structures for Business
Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the Commercial Companies Law - and its by-laws govern the operations of foreign business. In broad terms the provisions of these regulations are as follows:
The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organisation, which can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. The seven categories of business organisation defined by the Law are:
• General partnership company
• Partnership-en-commendam
• Joint venture company
• Public shareholding company
• Private shareholding company
• Limited liability company
• Share partnership company
Partnerships
General partnership companies are limited to UAE nationals only. The Dubai government does not presently encourage the establishment of partnership-en-commendam and share partnership companies.

Joint Venture
A joint venture is a contractual agreement between a foreign party and a local party licensed to engage in the desired activity. The local equity participation in the joint venture must be at least 51%, but the profit and loss distribution can be mutually agreed. Joint ventures are suitable for companies working together on specific projects.

Public and Private Shareholding Companies
The Law stipulates that companies engaging in banking, insurance, or financial activities should be run as public shareholding companies. Foreign banks, insurance and financial companies, however, can establish a presence in Dubai by opening a branch or representative office.
Shareholding companies are suitable primarily for large projects or operations, since the minimum capital required is Dh. 10 million (US$ 2.725 million) for a public company, and Dh. 2 million (US$ 0.545 million) for a private shareholding company. The chairman and majority of directors must be UAE nationals and there is less flexibility of profit distribution than is permissible in the case of limited liability companies.

Limited Liability Companies
A limited liability company can be formed by a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 persons whose liability is limited to their shares in the company’s capital. Most companies with expatriate partners have opted for this form of company.
In Dubai, the minimum capital is currently Dh. 300,000 (US$ 82,000), contributed in cash. While foreign equity in the company may not exceed 49%, profit and loss distribution can be mutually agreed. Responsibility for the management of a limited liability company can be vested in the foreign or national partners or a third party.

Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Commercial Companies
The Commercial Companies Law also covers the formation and regulation of branches and representative offices of foreign companies in the UAE and stipulates that they may be 100% foreign owned, provided a local agent is appointed.
Only UAE nationals or companies 100% owned by UAE nationals may be appointed as local service agents. Local agents - also sometimes referred to as sponsors - are not involved in the operations of the company but assist in obtaining visas, labour cards, etc and are paid a lump sum and/or a percentage of profits or turnover. In general, branches and offices of foreign commercial companies are not licensed to engage in importing activity except for re-export or in the case of products of a highly technical nature. To establish a branch or representative office in Dubai the following documents are required:
• Company registration certificate
• Board of directors’ resolution for establishing a branch
• True copy of company’s memorandum / articles of association
• Power of Attorney to the representative
• Financial statements for the last two years
• Local service agency agreement
• Details of local service agent
• Company profile
Professional Firms
In setting up a professional firm, 100% foreign ownership, sole proprietorships or civil companies are permitted. Such firms may engage in professional or artisan activities but the number of staff members that may be employed is limited. A UAE national must be appointed as local service agent, but he has no direct involvement in the business and is paid a lump sum and/or percentage of profits or turnover. The role of the local service agent is to assist in obtaining licenses, visas, labour cards, etc…

FREE ZONES IN UAE

Background
The Free Trade Zones have been set up with the specific purpose of facilitating investment. The procedures for investing in the zones are relatively simple.
The companies operating in the Free Zones are treated as being offshore companies or outside the UAE for legal purposes.
The free zones are suitable for companies intending to use UAE as a regional manufacturing or distribution base, with the bulk of their business outside the UAE.

Free Zone Incentives
• 100% foreign ownership;
• Exemption from all import duties;
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits;
• Freedom from corporate taxation for 50 year;
• Inexpensive energy;
• Efficient recruitment procedures ensuring the availability of a skilled and experienced workforce;
• A high level of administrative support.
Licenses
Companies approved for operation in Free Trade Zones, can apply for one of the following types of licenses: Trading; Industrial; Service; or National Industrial. These licenses are renewable annually.
Trading licenses are granted to locally incorporated companies, and to companies incorporated outside the UAE. Trading licenses are also issued to Free Zone Establishments (FZE) and Free Zone Companies (FZCo’s).

Industrial licenses are issued to companies incorporated outside the UAE, FZE’s and FZCo’s. Service licenses are only granted to companies holding a UAE license.

National Industrial licenses are issued to industrial companies registered within or outside the UAE, provided they meet the conditions of having at least 51% AGCC equity and their local production accounts for at least 40% value added. Products exported by such companies to AGCC states will be exempted from custom duties. Companies holding Free Zone license are also permitted to operate outside the UAE. Operations within the UAE can be undertaken by appointing a commercial agent.

Setting Up a Branch of a Foreign Company
A foreign company can set up a 100% owned branch in the Free Zone. A questionnaire and license application form with necessary documents are required to set up a project by a foreign company. Thereafter, a lease agreement and a personnel secondment agreement will be signed.
If the company’s project involves the erection of a structure, a building permit will be issued after detailed plans are submitted and agreed.
Administrative work, such as importing equipment or engaging labour for installation of equipment, may proceed in parallel with construction work.

OFF SHORE COMPANIES
Some of the principle uses for going offshore are: trading, investment, holding, financing, professional services or consultancy, patent, royalty and copyright holding, ship management and yacht owning personal and corporate tax planning.
We can assist with the registration of International Business Companies (IBCs) or trusts in the major offshore jurisdictions. Our expertise in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and abroad can help you in optimizing your bottom line.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) introduced regulations in 2003 for the establishment of Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore Companies. The international business community can now establish offshore entities at JAFZA in line with other international offshore jurisdictions. Regulations were framed in a manner so as to deliver the convenience and efficiency of global offshore locations and maintain a high repute with international financial authorities.
Besides the traditional advantages of total tax and duty exemption, and a cooperative regulatory regime, offshore companies established under these regulations can enjoy the added benefits of Dubai offshore company incorporation for commercial transparency and its forward regional location. We are also a registered agent with JAFZA offshore companies.

OUR SERVICES
We offer our clients a complete range of offshore company services through Company Incorporation Division all over UAE including Dubai company incorporation and maintenance, management consultancy, corporate finance, company liquidation and financial planning and control. Extensive experience of local business, good working knowledge about the rules and regulations of UAE and a high level of personal involvement are our main strengths. We will provide our assistance in the formation of Limited Liability Company, Free Zone Enterprises, branch of foreign companies, online company formations etc.
Our service compiles of the following assistance.
• Complete documentation to obtain the license
• Visiting various sites for the requirements of the clients (on the request of the client)
• Locating the space as per the clients requirements
• Assistance to make business plan
• Arranging meeting with bank officials
• Coordinating between the investor and the Government authorities
• Arranging accommodation for the investor if needed (accommodation charges to be paid by the client)
• Completing all formalities if needed, without the client having to make a trip for the same.
• We will be able to help the investors more if they can provide us the lane of activity.
Company Liquidation
A-Z professional assistance as liquidator, including the complete documentation and obtaining final approval.

For more details : Mobile: +971 55 2419200

Mohammed Faisal
SME Consultant


Suite No. 12, The Iridium, Al Barsha,
P.O.Box: 183827, Dubai, U.A.E.
Phone: +971 4 341 9701 Ext: 146
Fax: +971 4 341 9702
Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
ISO 9001:2008 NO: ME/08/1147
Paralegal Services International trading as ADAM Advisors

Dubai - Your Base For Business Expansion

Long recognized as the leading regional trading hub in the Middle East, Dubai has transformed itself in recent years into a truly international business centre of global significance.

Dubai has expanded its trading activity beyond its traditional base in the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council states (the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman) and Iran. Today, the city offers international companies an ideal gateway for developing their business throughout the Middle East, Asian subcontinent, East Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, CIS and Central Asia. For example, during the first six months of 1996, Dubai's top ten re-export markets were countries as diverse as Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Russia, Turkey, Oman and Pakistan.

Increasingly, international companies are recognising that Dubai's expanded business horizons cover many of the most interesting emerging markets for the future. The region has a combined population of 1.4 billion, and a large proportion of this total will enter the international consumer market for the first time in the 21st century.

While oil has been crucial to Dubai's development since the late 1960s, the non-oil sector currently contributes some 90% of total gross domestic product and is continuing to expand in importance. Manufacturing, tourism and services are all growing strongly, helping to create a well balanced and diversified economy. However, trade remains the lifeblood of Dubai's business life, as it has for generations.

This long trading tradition, which earned Dubai the reputation within the Middle East as the city of merchants, remains an important consideration for foreign companies looking at opportunities in the region today. It is reflected not just in a regulatory environment, which is open and liberal, but also in the local business community's thorough familiarity with international commercial practices and in the city's cosmopolitan lifestyle.

As a regional business base, Dubai is strategically located midway between the Far East and Europe on the east-west trading routes and between the former Soviet Union and Africa on the north-south axis. Its airport, which ranks as one of the world’s busiest in terms of transit passengers, is linked to more than 200 destinations via some 130 airlines and Dubai Ports Authority - the operator of Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port - is unrivalled throughout the region in terms of both facilities and efficiency.

The second largest of the seven emirates which constitute the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is politically stable and is open to business with all countries of the world, excluding Israel.

Dubai has no taxes on profits or incomes; it offers complete freedom of capital movement; it boasts a sophisticated financial and services sector; its communications facilities are excellent; and the cost structure for doing business is highly competitive.

Apart from its attractions as a regional office location, Dubai also offers incoming companies excellent facilities for establishing manufacturing and distribution operations. In the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the new Airport Free Zone, overseas companies are permitted to set up wholly-owned ventures and can enjoy an array of incentives, including exemption from import duties, in addition to the favourable investment conditions which prevail elsewhere in Dubai.

With these advantages and incentives in place, Dubai has not surprisingly attracted a massive inflow of investment in recent years.

Aside from the economic advantages of using Dubai as a business base, international businessmen can be assured that the city offers a superb quality of life for themselves and their families. Dubai is tolerant, welcoming and virtually crime-free. The lifestyle is international, with luxury residential and office accommodation, good educational, health and shopping facilities. Sporting and leisure interests are well catered for and Dubai's top class international hotels offer a wide range of dining, entertainment and nightlife.


For more details : Mobile: +971 55 2419200

Mohammed Faisal
SME Consultant


Suite No. 12, The Iridium, Al Barsha,
P.O.Box: 183827, Dubai, U.A.E.
Phone: +971 4 341 9701 Ext: 146
Fax: +971 4 341 9702
Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
ISO 9001:2008 NO: ME/08/1147
Paralegal Services International trading as ADAM Advisors

Dubai Free Zones

JAFZA

The Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Airport Free Zone have been set up with the specific purpose of facilitating investment. Accordingly, the procedures for investing in the zones are relatively simple.

While the free zones are designed to complement and contribute to Dubai's growth and development, their legal status is quite distinct. Companies operating there are treated as being offshore, or outside the UAE for legal purposes.

The option of setting up in the free zones is therefore most suitable for companies intending to use Dubai as a regional manufacturing or distribution base and where most or all of their turnover is going to be outside the UAE

Dubai Free zone Incentives


100% foreign ownership;
Exemption from all import duties;
100% repatriation of capital and profits;
Freedom from corporate taxation, as applied throughout Dubai, with the added bonus of a renewable 15 year guarantee in the free zone;
Abundant inexpensive energy;
Simple and efficient recruitment procedures ensuring the availability of a competitive skilled and experienced workforce;
A high level of administrative support from the free zone authorities.


Dubai Free Zone Licences

Companies approved for operation in Jebel Ali Free Zone or Dubai Airport Free Zone, are granted one of the following types of licences: Trading; Industrial; Service; or National Industrial. These licences are renewable annually for as long as the company holds a valid lease from either of the Free Zones.

Trading licences will be granted to companies holding a valid licence issued by the Dubai Economic Development Department or an equivalent authority in the UAE, and to companies incorporated outside the UAE. In each case, the permitted activities on the Free Zone licence must conform to those on the existing licence. Trading licences are also issued to Free Zone Establishments (FZE).
Industrial licences are issued to companies incorporated outside the UAE and to Free Zone Establishments.
Service licences are only granted to companies holding a valid UAE licence.
National Industrial licences are issued to industrial companies registered within or outside the UAE, provided they meet the conditions of having at least 51% AGCC equity and their local production accounting for at least 40% value added. Such companies must obtain provisional approval from the UAE Ministry of Finance and Industry. A National Industrial licence grants its holder the same rights as those of national and other AGCC companies, and products exported to AGCC states will be exempted from custom duties.
If a company wishes to practise more than one of the above mentioned activities, it must obtain a separate licence for each category of activity.

Companies holding a Free Zone licence are permitted to operate in the Jebel Ali or Dubai Airport Free Zones and outside the UAE. Operation within the UAE can be undertaken either by a commercial agent, representative, distributor, or the mother company licensed by the relevant UAE authority. Any company holding a Free Zone licence can itself purchase goods or services within the UAE..


Setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company in Dubai

Any company wishing to set up a project in the Free Zones must first complete a simple questionnaire. From the information provided, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority or Department of Civil Aviation can make a first assessment of whether the company's needs can be met.

After consideration of this questionnaire, the company will be provided with:

a licence application including an appendix with details of the documents required concerning the company's legal status;
a proforma of information required for planning; and
a consumer request for electricity supply.
On receipt of these documents, the Free Zone authorities will consider the proposal. If provisional approval is given, the company will be asked to prepare and submit the documents called for in the appendix to the licence application.

After the checking of these documents, a meeting will be called to discuss and finalise the project details. If everything is satisfactory, the Free Zone authorities will issue conditional approval for the project. Thereafter, a lease agreement and, if required, a personnel secondment agreement will be prepared by the Free Zone authorities for signature by the company.

At the time of signing, the applicant will be required to provide the insurance policies called for in the agreements and should pay the agreed rental and licence fees prior to collection of the licence.

If the company wishes the Free Zone authorities to sponsor employees on its behalf, applications for entry permits may be submitted once the licence has been issued. The bank guarantee called for in the personnel secondment agreement will be required at this stage together with visa charges.

If the company's project involves the erection of a structure, detailed plans must be submitted after the lease has been signed. When theplans have been agreed, a building permit will be issued. Administrative work, such as importing equipment or engaging labour for installation of equipment, may proceed in parallel with construction work. But application for entry permits for operatives to be sponsored by the Free Zone authorities will not normally be accepted until a completion certificate for the construction has been issued.

Setting up a Free Zone Establishment.

A Free Zone Establishment - or FZE - is an establishment formed and registered within the Free Zones and regulated solely by the Free Zone authorities.

Such establishments must have a capital of at least Dh.1 million and liability will be limited to the amount of paid-up capital. A FZE need only have a single shareholder and is an independent legal entity.

Any company, organisation or individual wishing to form a Free Zone Establishment must submit a completed application to the Free Zone authorities. A decision on whether permission has been granted will be given within 30 days of receipt of the application and any other information and documentation required.

If permission is granted, the authorities will record all relevant details in the FZE Register and issue a Certificate of Formation. This will specify the date of registration after which the FZE will be free to conduct any such business as is permitted in its licence


For more details : Mobile: +971 55 2419200

Mohammed Faisal
SME Consultant


Suite No. 12, The Iridium, Al Barsha,
P.O.Box: 183827, Dubai, U.A.E.
Phone: +971 4 341 9701 Ext: 146
Fax: +971 4 341 9702
Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
ISO 9001:2008 NO: ME/08/1147
Paralegal Services International trading as ADAM Advisors

Setting Up Business In Dubai

Setting Up in Dubai
In the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates as well as the Federal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create an environment which is well ordered without being unduly restrictive. As a result, Dubai offers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal and attractive in the region.
There are many options open to international companies seeking to establish a business relationship with Dubai. Apart from forming a trading relationship, many companies find that there are distinct advantages in having an on-the-spot presence in order to research market prospects, make contacts, liaise with customers, and see through the details of any transactions and orders secured.
Having such a presence can provide considerable business advantages in the Middle East. Businessmen in the region prefer to deal with someone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more important in doing business in the Arab world than they are in western Europe or America. Also, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to be unpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information
Licencing
The basic requirement for all business activity in Dubai is one of the following three categories of licences:
Commercial licences covering all kinds of trading activity;
Professional licences covering professions, services, craftsmen and artisans;
Industrial licences for establishing industrial or manufacturing activity.
These licences are issued by the Dubai Economic Development Department (with the exception of licences for hotels and other tourism-related businesses which are issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.) Also, licences for some categories of business require approval from certain ministries and other authorities: for example, banks and financial institutions from the Central Bank of the UAE; insurance companies and related agencies from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce; manufacturing from the Ministry of Finance and Industry; and pharmaceutical and medical products from the Ministry of Health.
More detailed procedures apply to businesses engaged in oil or gas production and related industries.
In general, all commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ownership Requirement
Fifty-one per cent participation by UAE nationals is the general requirement for all UAE established companies except:
Where the law requires 100% local ownership;
In the Jebel Ali and Airport Free Zones;
In activities open to 100% AGCC ownership;
Where wholly owned AGCC companies enter into partnership with UAE nationals;
In respect of foreign companies registering branches or a representative office in Dubai;
In professional or artisan companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted
Leagal Structure For Business
Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 – the Commercial Companies Law – and its by-laws govern the operations of foreign business. In broad terms the provisions of these regulations are as follows:
The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organisation which can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies. The seven categories of business organisation defined by the Law are:
General partnership company
Partnership-en-commendam
Joint venture company
Public shareholding company
Private shareholding company
Limited liability company
Share partnership company
Partnerships
General partnership companies are limited to UAE nationals only. The Dubai government does not presently encourage the establishment of partnership-en-commendam and share partnership companies.
Joint Venture Companies

A joint venture is a contractual agreement between a foreign party and a local party licensed to engage in the desired activity. The local equity participation in the joint venture must be at least 51%, but the profit and loss distribution can be prescribed. There is no need to license the joint venture or publish the agreement. The foreign partner deals with third parties under the name of the local partner who (unless the agreement is publicised) bears all liability.
In practice, joint ventures are seen as offering a suitable structure for companies working together on specific projects.
Public and Private Shareholding Companies

The Law stipulates that companies engaging in banking, insurance, or financial activities should be run as public shareholding companies. Foreign banks, insurance and financial companies, however, can establish a presence in Dubai by opening a branch or representative office.
Shareholding companies are suitable primarily for large projects or operations, since the minimum capital required is Dh. 10 million (US$ 2.725 million) for a public company, and Dh. 2 million (US$ 0.545 million) for a private shareholding company. The chairman and majority of directors must be UAE nationals and there is less flexibility of profit distribution than is permissible in the case of limited liability companies.
Limited Liability Companies
A limited liability company can be formed by a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 persons whose liability is limited to their shares in the company’s capital. Such companies are recognised as offering a suitable structure for organisations interested in developing a long term relationship in the local market.
In Dubai, the minimum capital is currently Dh. 300,000 (US$ 82,000), contributed in cash or in kind. While foreign equity in the company may not exceed 49%, profit and loss distribution can be prescribed. Responsibility for the management of a limited liability company can be vested in the foreor national partners or a third party.
The following steps are required in establishing a limited liability company in Dubai.
Select a commercial name for the company and have it approved by the Licensing Department of the Economic Development Department;
Draw up the company’s Memorandum of Association and have it notarised by a Notary Public in the Dubai Courts;
Seek approval from the Economic Development Department and apply for entry in the Commercial Register;
Once approval is granted, the company will be entered in the Commercial Register and have its Memorandum of Association published in the Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s Bulletin. The licence will then be issued by the Economic Development Department;
The company should then be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Companies
The Commercial Companies Law covers the formation and regulation of branches and representative offices of foreign companies in the UAE and stipulates that they may be 100% foreign owned, provided a local agent is appointed.
Only UAE nationals or companies 100% owned by UAE nationals may be appointed as local agents (which should not be confused with the term commercial agent). Local agents – also often referred to as sponsors – are not involved in the operations of the company but assist in obtaining visas, labour cards, etc and are paid a lump sum and/or a percentage of profits or turnover.
To Establish a Branch or Representative Office In Dubai
Apply for a licence from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, submitting an agency agreement with a UAE national or 100% UAE owned company. Before issuing the licence, the Ministry will:
forward the application to the Economic Development Department to obtain the approval of the Dubai government;
forward the application specifying the activity that the office or branch will be authorised to undertake in the UAE, to the Federal Foreign Companies Committee for approval;
Once this has been done, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce will issue the required Ministerial licence specifying the activity to be practised by the foreign company;
The branch or office should be entered in the Economic Development Department’s Commercial Register, and the required licence will be issued;
The branch or office should also be entered in the Foreign Companies Register of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce;
Finally, the branch or office should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Professional firm,
In setting up a professional firm, 100% foreign ownership, sole proprietorships or civil companies are permitted. Such firms may engage in professional or artisan activities but the number of staff members that may be employed is limited. A UAE national must be appointed as local service agent, but he has no direct involvement in the business and is paid a lump sum and/or percentage of profits or turnover. The role of the local service agent is to assist in obtaining licences, visas, labour cards, etc
For More Details Contact: Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Mohammed Faisal
SME Consultant
Suite No. 12, The Iridium, Al Barsha,
P.O.Box: 183827, Dubai, U.A.E.
Phone: +971 4 341 9701 Ext: 146
Fax: +971 4 341 9702
Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
ISO 9001:2008 NO: ME/08/1147
Paralegal Services International trading as ADAM Advisors

Dubai Business

Dubai presents international business with a wide range of opportunities for different activities and operations, including:
Trade.
Transport and distribution.
Manufacturing and processing.
Regional offices.
Dubai Market
As the leading regional trading hub, Dubai offers access to a market of outstanding potential for overseas companies in a wide range of sectors. Among its key characteristics are:
A large market – more than $17 billion in domestic imports annually; gateway to a $150 billion p.a., 1.4 billion population regional import market;
A growing market – Dubai’s imports have more than doubled since 1989; regional economic growth and liberalisation is set to boost demand;
A prosperous market – strategic location at the heart of one of the world’s richest regions;
A diversified market – wide import requirements; opportunities for suppliers of most products; An accessible market – served by more than 170 shipping lines and 86 airlines; An open market – no exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers.
Dubai Business Environment
Dubai offers incoming business all the advantages of a highly developed economy. Its infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, facilitating efficiency, quality and service. Among the benefits are:
Free enterprise system.
Highly developed transport infrastructure.
State-of-the-art telecommunications.
Sophisticated financial and services sector.
Top international exhibition and conference venue.
High quality office and residential accommodation.
Reliable power, utilities etc.
First class hotels, hospitals, schools, shop
Cost Of Setting Up
Business in Dubai
Overseas companies setting up in Dubai can secure cost advantages not generally available internationally. Among the reasons are:
No corporate taxes.
No income taxes.
No foreign exchange controls.
No trade barriers.
Competitive import duties (4% with many exemptions).
Competitive labour costs.
Competitive energy costs.
Competitive real estate costs.
Doing Business In Dubai
Dubai offers foreign companies a wide choice of business options, including:
Direct trade – selling directly to established dealers and distributors.
Commercial agency arrangements – appointee must be a UAE national or company; agreement to be registered with Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
Branch or representative office – 100% foreign ownership permitted; local agent (sponsor) must be appointed; Economic Development Department licence required.
Limited liability company – foreign ownership restricted to 49%; Economic Development Department licence required.
Special free zone investment incentives.
Dubai Special
Investment Zones
Dubai’s highly successful Jebel Ali Free Zone and new Airport Free Zone provide all the advantages available elsewhere in the emirate, with the following additional benefits:
100% foreign ownership and control.
Renewable 15-year guarantee of no taxation.
No customs duties.
Flexible investment options
Efficient transport and distribution facilities.
Full administrative and recruitmentsupport.
For more details : Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Mohammed Faisal
SME Consultant
Suite No. 12, The Iridium, Al Barsha,
P.O.Box: 183827, Dubai, U.A.E.
Phone: +971 4 341 9701 Ext: 146
Fax: +971 4 341 9702
Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
ISO 9001:2008 NO: ME/08/1147
Paralegal Services International trading as ADAM Advisors

Dubai – The Gateway to Global Business Opportunities…

Out of the vast expanse of the Arabian desert, the emirate of Dubai has created a city that ranks as the commercial and tourist heart of the Middle East. A small trading and fishing community only four decades ago, Dubai is now a modern city where glass and steel office blocks line broad concrete roads and championship grass golf courses attract the finest players in the world.
The ruling Maktoum family has invested the emirate’s wealth from oil in infrastructure – Dubai’s sophisticated telecommunications and transport facilities are unmatched in the region, one of the many reasons it serves as the storage and distribution hub of the Middle East.

The emirate’s historical trading tradition continues, and today Dubai acts as a regional gateway, re-exporting goods from around the world to the large markets of neighbors such as Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as well as the countries of the Indian subcontinent and East Africa – an area with a combined population of around 1.4 billion.
Liberal commercial regulations and the government’s support to business have encouraged an increasing number of international firms to choose Dubai or its Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and Dubai Airport Free Zone as the base for their regional headquarters and storage and distribution centres.
Alongside Dubai’s growth as a commercial centre and increasing awareness of the opportunities it presents, the exhibition business in the city has witnessed a boom in recent years.

The city has long been established as the premier regional hub, servicing the rest of the Arabian Peninsula and the Asian sub-continent beyond. In recent years, that role has already been surpassed and the emirate is now set to play an increasingly important role as the major business and financial link between East and West.
Dubai’s success has been largely attributed to its ability to adjust to changing circumstances. The optimistic view of financial experts is based on the strongly pro-business attitude of the government and the entrepreneurial skills of the largely expatriate population but also – and increasingly – on the emergence of neighboring countries as major new markets.

Dubai’s optimism is a very difficult “commodity” to market, but is obvious to any business visitor to the city, seeing the constantly high level of business activity, continual expansion of an already impressive commerce, residential and leisure infrastructure and the large number of construction projects invariably underway. And this buoyant attitude is a major factor in Dubai’s success in attracting many of the world’s leading companies to establish, or even re-locate, regional headquarters in the emirate.
Dubai’s free zones offer an ever-growing list of advantages that has led many MNCs from around the world to move to Dubai:
No taxation on profits or income
No foreign exchange controls or restrictions on capital movement
A stable, freely convertible currency
Strategic location, bridging time zones between Europe and the Far East
Efficient and well-developed support services, telecommunications and air links
High quality, reasonably-priced office accommodation
Excellent conference and exhibition facilities
A cosmopolitan lifestyle and tolerant, virtually crime-free environment
These factors are underpinned by the government’s “hands-off” policy in the commercial sector, actively encouraging entrepreneurs and investors. Dubai’s political and economic stability and remoteness from the recession in the West also play their part in explaining the widespread optimism to be found in the business community.
And the many sophisticated international companies moving in to the emirate can learn a lot from the more established merchant community which built Dubai’s trading reputation.
Although Dubai has emerged from the souks – the traditional Arabian markets – souk merchants still form the backbone of the city’s trade. Their expertise, combined with the sophistication gained through international exposure can help multinationals improve their own standards of marketing, to the benefit of themselves and Dubai.
Dubai also has several Free Zone Establishments (FZEs), the new entities further expand business opportunities for international companies seeking to operate in the region. They are expected to play an important role for many overseas corporations in their international tax planning strategy, sharing the tax exemption enjoyed by companies already established in the Zone, while having the freedom offered by 100% foreign ownership.
Another factor in Dubai’s success as a regional base is its proximity and excellent links with the massive business potential of the Indian sub-continent. But it is important to remember that it is a two-way traffic. All of this means there is a sound basis for Dubai’s confident approach to the continued consolidation of its role as a major international centre for business and commerce
For more details : Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Mohammed Faisal
SME Consultant
Suite No. 12, The Iridium, Al Barsha,
P.O.Box: 183827, Dubai, U.A.E.
Phone: +971 4 341 9701 Ext: 146
Fax: +971 4 341 9702
Mobile: +971 55 2419200
Email: faisal@adamadvisors.com
Web: www.dbamc.com
ISO 9001:2008 NO: ME/08/1147
Paralegal Services International trading as ADAM Advisors