About UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an oil rich Middle Eastern country situated in southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf. The federation comprises of Abu Dhabi (capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Even though UAE's wealth is largely based on oil and gas output, non-oil business has grown in leaps and bounds. Despite a relatively small population (4 million) total imports exceed $ 40 billion, which shows that UAE has transformed itself into a major re-export center. UAE and Dubai in particular is one of the booming markets in the world. The world sees Dubai as a perfect business hub where the East meets the West.

Dubai

Dubai ranks as one of the world's leading trading centers and is a gateway to a market of over a billion people, covering the Gulf states, Middle East, CIS, East Africa and Asian sub-continent. It is strategically located mid-way between the Far East and Europe. The following features make Dubai unique and there are lots of opportunities for trade and Industrial investment in the region. Dubai ranks as a leading Industrial location in the Gulf and in particular, Jebel Ali free zone offers unbeatable incentives to the investors.

Dubai Offers

• Well-established trading links throughout the AGCC, Iran , and other neighboring countries.
• A buoyant and prosperous domestic market.
• Wide choice of potential trading partners.
• Port and airport facilities unrivalled in the region in terms of size, flexibility and efficiency.
• Dubai Ports Authority ranks among the world's top ten in terms of berths.
• Dubai's state-of-the-art-air cargo village helps ensure the world's fastest sea-air transfers.
• Air links via 65 airlines to over 100 cities worldwide.
• Leading regional and international freight forwarders, shipping companies, insurers etc.
• Free Enterprise system.
• Free trade Zones with 100% foreign ownership.
• 100% repatriation of capital and profit.
• No corporate taxes and no income taxes.
• No foreign exchange controls and a stable, freely convertible currency.
• International exhibition centers and conference venues.
• Time zone bridge between the far east and Europe.
• Unlimited low cost ware housing and storage facilities.
• Excellent regional road transport links via a modern highway network.
• Exemption from import duties.
• Abundant inexpensive energy.
• Abundant skilled and experienced workforce.
• World class telecommunication facilities / high speed internet access.
• International hotels, schools hospitals and other infrastructure facilities.
• Cosmopolitan western life, tolerant, virtually crime free environment.
  

Setting up Business

The Federal Commercial Companies Law No.8 of 1984,13 of 1988 and fully enforced in 1993, regulates business in UAE.The Law stipulates that companies must be either wholly owned by the nationals or at least to the extent of 51% of the share capital. The remaining 49% shall be held by foreigners except in the following:

• In Jebel Ali Free Zone.
• 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 professional or artisan companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted

Licensing

The basic requirement for all business activity 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.

Setting up Businesses in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Jebel Ali Free Zone was established in 1985 with the main aim of boosting investment and its legal status is quite distinct. Companies operating in the Jebel Ali free Zone are considered as being offshore for legal purposes. Jebel Ali is also most suitable for companies intending to use Dubai as a regional manufacturing or distribution center.
Jebel Ali Free Zone - Advantages

• 100% foreign ownership 
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits duties 
• Exemption from all import 
• 100% income and corporate tax exemption 
• Cheap and abundant energy 
• Availability of skilled and experienced workforce 
• Efficient administrative support 
• Long term renewal lease 
• Excellent sea port and International Air Port facilities

Liscenses Jebel Ali Free Zone offers the following types of licenses: Trading, Industrial, Service and National Industrial. Companies holding a Free Zone License are permitted to operate in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and outside the UAE. Operation within the UAE. can be undertaken either by a commercial agent, representative, or distributor.

Companies formed in UAE can take the following legal forms

• General partnership companies
• Sole Proprietorship
• Public shareholding company
• Partnership in commendams 
• Private share holding company 
• Limited liability company 
• Joint Venture 
• Professional license 
• Commercial Agent 
• Representative office of Foreign company 
• Branch of a Foreign company 
• Companies owned by GCC citizens 
• Free Zone companies 
• Offshore company

UAE. Free Zones

Dubai Airport Free Zone
DUCAMZ.
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Health Care City
Dubai Media City
Metal & Commodities
Gold & Diamond Park
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Knowledge village
Hamriya Free Zone Authority
Ras Al Khaima FTZ
Ajman Free Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Ahmed Bin Rashed
Fujairah Free Zone

New Free Zones / Upcoming Free Zones

Dubai Aid City
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Carpet FZ
Mohammed Bin Rashid FZ
Dubai Auto Parts City FZ
Dubai Textile Village FZ
Heavy Equipment & Trucks FZ
Dubai Flower Center FZ
Dubai Studio City FZ
E Hosting Data Fort FZ
International Media Production Zone FZ
Dubai Outsource Zone FZ
Dubai Biotech FZ
Dubai Maritime City