The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates that gained independence in 1971. The UAE has a population of over 9 million, with Arabic as the official language though English is also widely spoken. Starting a business in the UAE is uncomplicated due to minimal red tape and an absence of corporate taxes. The economy is constantly growing and diversifying, attracting foreign investment through a stable financial system and over 35 free zones that provide tax exemptions and infrastructure support. Communication and business practices differ from Western styles, requiring an understanding of Islamic culture and norms.
Starting a Business in the UAE: Regulations, Policies and Benefits
1.
2. About the Country
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed
as a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi,
Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah,
Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain), which came
together as one state on the 2nd of
December 1971. Befor 1971 it was kown as
Tricial Oman.The federal capital of UAE is
Abu Dhabi and it is ruled by the President of
the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
3. The official language of the UAE is Arabic
though other languages like English, Hindi
and Farsi are also spoken.
The currency used in the United Arab
Emirates is called the Dirham and is
abbreviated as Dh.
Thursday and Friday are the weekend
Rich in oil but lacks natural resources.
4. Population – 9.4 Million approx (2017)
Nationality – Amirian
68% males and 32% females approx (2017)
Language – Arabic, English, Hindi
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6.
7. Starting a business in the UAE is an
uncomplicated and hassle-free.The visionary
government has always had pro-investment and
pro-business policies, and has encouraged
foreign investment. In fact, in the UAE, those
who setup business are even offered incentives.
Redtape is minimal, procedures are simple, and
taxation is almost non-existent. Due to all these
reasons, the UAE is the ideal place to setup
company or open an offshore branch.
8. Growing and Diverse Economy:The
economy of UAE is a dynamic and constantly
growing one, which is why it is so attractive
to companies from all over the world.This
wealthy nation has a stable financial climate.
9. Legal Framework: Entirely different set of
rules and regulations (except for criminal law)
are applicable to foreign investors who want
to set up business in UAE. Paperwork is
minimal and procedures are fast tracked so
that it becomes extremely easy for company
setup, licensing and registration and so on.
10. Physical Infrastructure:The governing
bodies of the free zones provide excellent
infrastructure and warehousing, office
spaces, power supply, connectivity, and so
on.
11. Availability of Manpower:There is no
shortage of manpower in the UAE and
especially so in Dubai. Both skilled and
unskilled labour flock to the UAE in search of
opportunity as wages are high and taxes low,
or non-existent. It is therefore easy for a new
company to find the requisite manpower for
their operations.
12. Investment Support and Promotion by the
Government:The government provides
several pre-and post-support services to
investors doing business in Dubai or
elsewhere in the UAE, like help with
documents, licenses, certificates, and so on.
13. There are several special areas within the
UAE which have special tax customs and
imports rules and regulations; these are
called Free Zones. In the UAE are over 35 free
zones which are spread across Dubai, Abu
Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima, Fujaira,
Ajman, and Um Al Quwain.These free zones
are also spread across the mainland airports
and seaports.
14. The special benefits of these free zones are:
Complete exemption from import and export tax
No corporate tax for up to 50 years
Exemption from personal income taxes
Possible to repatriate the entire capital and profits
Support services like assistance with hiring,
sponsorship, housing, and so on.
15. OpenTrading Hub: Being a member of the
WorldTrade Organization, UAE encourages
open trade and has established stable trade
relations with several countries in Asia and
Europe and North America. In fact, it is a kind
of meeting point between the east and west
as far as international trade is concerned.
16. Quality, Lifestyle and Culture of Excellence:
Dubai is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of all
the emirates within the UAE, thus making it a
popular destination for tourism and business
alike. Dubai also hosts several trade shows
and exhibitions, allowing businesses to
showcase their best to the world.
17. UAE Company Ownership: LLC company
formation in Dubai and around UAE compels
on a partnership with a UAE national.
Moreover, the norm also states that the
investor will only be allowed to have 49% of
the possession in the company, while 51% of
stakes will be owned by the UAE national.
18. Probable Implication ofVAT: UAE is a tax
free country, but will it always be? Business in
UAE is done without any tax burdens, that
has made UAE an ideal commercial
destination but the introduction ofVAT
speculated in 2018 has already created
qualms in the market
19. Communication & Culture: Business
communication and the Islamic culture needs
to be addressed before setting up a business
in Dubai or any other Emirates.The level of
business communication is different in every
world, likewise UAE follows a formal
approach and directness is limited.Also men
and women are communicated at different
levels.
20. Attitude to time: In comparison with Europe
and the US, timekeeping is viewed with a far
more relaxed attitude in the UAE. Meetings,
for instance, will often run over, start late or
be cancelled at the last minute without any
warning.Another important difference in
business culture in the UnitedArab Emirates
is that the working week is different from
that of Christian countries