How to Start a Business in Dubai: What Do I Need to Know About Choosing a Name for my Business?

There are a lot of things you need to consider when it comes to company formation in Dubai. Chief among them is your business name.

Now, before you get too witty and excited about coming up with a name, there are certain rules and regulations you need to follow. You can’t simply choose any name you have in mind.

Read on to learn what you should know when choosing your name for a business.

The do’s in choosing a business name

• Choose a name that represents your brand.
• Choose a name that is easy to remember and resonate in the mind of people.
• Choose a name that will evoke positive emotional responses and express a powerful message
• Check with the relevant authorities for a list of restrictions that may apply to your business setup in Dubai.
• Choose a name that reflects the primary activity and nature of your company.

The “do not” in choosing a business name

• Don’t choose a business name that is already copyrighted elsewhere. For example, world-renowned brands such as McDonald’s, Toyota, Microsoft, and others should not be considered.
• Don’t use the location of your business as part of your company’s name. In Dubai, you can’t use names of places such as Dubai, Emirates, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other names of cities and districts. So, you can’t use UAE Hardware or Dubai Clothing. However, you can use nationalities as part of your business name such as American, European, Arabian, and similar.
• Don’t use a company name that is indecent, vulgar, and offensive. Moreover, check with Arabic-speakers to see if your chosen business name has an unintended meaning when translated to the local language.
• Don’t use business names that contain the name of God and his divine attributes. Business names that can be religiously offensive is a big no-no.
• Don’t use a business name that is similar to any government agencies, organisations, or departments. You can’t also use any of their abbreviations.
• Don’t choose a business name that has already existed in the UAE. Even if the name just sounds the same, it is still against the rules.
• Don’t choose a company name without consulting corporate lawyers in Dubai. They can save you time, energy, and money when it comes to choosing a brand name.

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ARE YOU PLANNING TO SET UP A COMPANY IN THE UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Is it advisable to engage your lawyer when selling a property?

Generally speaking, you can sell your property without the help of a real estate lawyer in Dubai. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t need one. There are a lot of benefits you can obtain when you have a qualified and competent lawyer by your side.

Perhaps, you are thinking whether you should engage your lawyer when selling a property or not. This post will help you make the right decision by outlining the advantages of having a lawyer.

Market knowledge

Real estate lawyers in Dubai are like no other lawyers. They are focused on handling real estate matters and transactions. With the specialised knowledge and skills, they can help you in determining the right price of your property and how it compares with other properties around your area and in Dubai as a whole.

Help in drafting contract

Sales contracts can be complicated at times. Unless you are knowledgeable about legal terms and how the law works, you would have a hard time preparing it.

A real estate lawyer can step in. He can write down your contract and make sure that it says exactly what you want it to say. The lawyer can also explain to you every part of the contract and ensures you understand what it stipulates.

Help in negotiating

You want to get the most out of the sales transaction? If you’re negotiating the terms, conditions, and price of your property, chances are that things can easily tip in your favor if you have a real estate lawyer.

Help in closing the deal

When you finally have sold your property, the last thing you want to happen is to be bothered with missing documents and forgotten requirements needed for the sale. Thankfully, a good lawyer will ensure that when you close a deal, it is truly closed and you have nothing to worry about.

Your lawyer can help in transferring the title to the buyer. They can also file the sale and record transactions to the relevant government agencies such as the Dubai Land Department.

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ARE YOU PLANNING TO SET UP A BUSINESS IN THE UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Facts you need to consider before registering a company in Dubai
• Types of visa given in the UAE
• Why start an LLC? Advantages and Disadvantages
• Get a trade license in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

New DIFC Employment Law of 2019

The new DIFC Employment Law has come into force last August 28, 2019. The New DIFC Employment Law or better known as the Law No. 2 of 2019 has replaced the Law no. 4 of 2005.

With the new DIFC Employment Law, you need to know what it means for you, your company and employees.

Application of DIFC Employment 
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a financial hub in the Middle East and a special economic zone in Dubai. According to the old Employment Law, only those businesses that have an establishment in the DIFC can create a contract under the DIFC Employment Law.

 However, corporate lawyers Dubai mentioned that the changes enable employers and employees outside of the DIFC to be under the said law. Moreover, the New DIFC Employment Law can now be applied to both part-time and short-term employees with a few limitations.

 Limitation period 
 If employees were unjustly dismissed or treated due to age, maternity, pregnancy nationality, sex, and race, they have six months to file a complaint to the DIFC Court. A list of criteria to determine the existence of discrimination would be used on a case by case basis.

Secondment 
If you are an employee who wants to work in DIFC, you can do so using the Secondment arrangement. This is allowed as long as the employee has a valid Secondment card issued by the DIFC Authority.

Positive changes for employees 
There are a lot of provisions and changes made in the New Employment Law that many employees would be happy about.

Among the most noteworthy changes would be the maternity and paternity provisions. Under the New Employment Law, if you are a mother returning to work after your maternity leave, you will be entitled to have nursing breaks up to one hour within six months after giving birth.

 For fathers, they can take up to five days of leave within the first month of the child’s birth. Maternity and paternity leaves are also applicable if employees adopt a child who is under five years old. If you need to learn more, you can visit any of the leading law firms in UAE.


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Are you planning to set up a company in the UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Reasons Young People Should Write a Last Will

You are young, physically active, and healthy. So, why do you need to write a last will? After all, most people would like to avoid this topic since it makes them uncomfortable. Before you dismiss the thought of writing your will, here out what legal advocates in Dubai have to say. Here are some of the reasons you should get a will.

Life is unpredictable

There’s no doubt that things can easily change in just a matter of seconds or minutes. Even if you are young, there’s no guarantee that you will live up to 80 years. While this might sound harsh, but it is a reality of life.

When death comes knocking on your door, you would be happy that you had one of the expat wills Dubai set up already.

You want to ensure your wishes are followed after you pass away

In the UAE, if you don’t have a will, their Law of Inheritance is used to determine how to distribute your assets. UAE’s Law of Inheritance is based on the Sharia Law. It is worth noting that Sharia isn’t a codified law and thus, it is subject to further interpretation.

If you pass away without a will, it is the government who will direct how your assets would be handled. It can be either favorable or not favorable for you. Moreover, according to one of the best international law firms in Dubai, even if you have a will set up in your home country, your immovable assets in the UAE might still be subject to the local Law of Inheritance.

You want to leave your children to the right people

For young people who have children, you would want to ensure that they are well taken care of even if you are gone. If you die without a will, the guardianship of your children might be given to people whom you don’t like or prefer.

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A Will is a legal document...

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Kids Custody While Divorce is Pending

A report was released in 2016 and it shows that one in four marriages in UAE ended in divorce. Divorce can get so ugly and emotional and the ones affected the most are the children. For this reason, it has been a constant question for many people how child custody works in the UAE especially while the divorce is still ongoing. In this case, getting an overview of Dubai Divorce Law child custody would help you make a better decision during your legal battle.

Hadana principle in the UAE

Hadana is an Arabic phrase which means, “means holding a child close to one’s heart by protecting and educating.” Traditionally, hadana applies to the mother. It means, by default, the mother becomes the custodian of the children while their father becomes the guardian. Lawyers in Dubai could explain this concept very well to you.

While the hadana principle is commonly practiced in the UAE, things can easily change and get complicated. There are certain laws in the UAE that could change how child custody works.

Expatriates and child custody

UAE nationals are governed by the Sharia Law. However, for expats, they have the option to apply the divorce law of their home country or rather choose to be under the Sharia Law.

This is where things can get too complicated. When the expat’s home country law goes directly in conflict with Sharia Law, the latter would automatically be imposed. In this case, a divorce lawyer in Dubai can help you determine the best course of action.

According to Sharia Law, the child should live with their mother until they reach their 13th birthday for a girl and 11th birthday for a boy. If the child is at the right age, they can choose to apply for custody.

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Divorce in UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your divorce process.

• What happens if I don't sign divorce?
• Tips to settle your family law case
• Can parent take a child out of the country without the consent of the other parent?

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Increasing Numbers of Expats Drawing up Wills in UAE

According to one 2107 survey conducted by the DIFC Wills & Probate Registry, about 60 percent of expats don’t see the UAE as a place where they want to spend the rest of their lives. However, almost the same number of people say that they intend to live in this country for a long period of time. That’s why it is not surprising to see the number of expat wills Dubai created is steadily increasing.

Of all the expats living in the UAE, there are about 2.8 million of them who are Indians. Indians became the largest non-Muslim single national group with the highest number of wills in place. Indians have replaced British nationals in this category.

Expats in the UAE have become an active contributor to its thriving economy. As a result, many expats have accumulated assets and wealth in the UAE. There are about 8 million expats in the UAE and most of them would like to have a complete control of their properties even after their demise.

So, why is there an increasing number of expats who draw up wills in the UAE? There are a few reasons. For one, with more expats living and working in the UAE, the more people are now trying to get a will set up before their death.

Another reason is how the law in the UAE handle properties of its residents. By default, if you don’t have a will in place, UAE’s Law of Inheritance would take over. This means you or your family will not have a direct control of your property when you die. Depending on your country’s law, your religion, where you die, and other factors, the process of transferring property ownership and finding the right attorney in Dubai can easily become complicated.

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A Will is a legal document...

learn more...

Types of Visa Given in the UAE

Are you planning to enter the UAE? Do you want to start a business in this wealthy country? Or you simply want to enjoy the attractions of UAE? Whether it is for pleasure or business setup in Dubai, you would need a visa.

There are different types of visas issued by the UAE government. It is important for any applicant to know which visa is the right one for them depending on their needs, preference, and budget.

Tourist visa

Tourist visas are commonly used by tourist, as its name suggests. People who are not eligible for a visa-free entry or visa on arrival seek tourist visa instead.

Tourist visa’s validity may range from 30 to 90 days. It is important to note though that the UAE embassy in your country does not issue tourist visas. You would need to apply for a tourist visa from a UAE-based airline.

Transit visa

 As its name suggests, a transit visa gives holders 48-96-hour access to the UAE. Transit visas are issued by a UAE-based airline and is usually used to enable a foreigner to legally stay in the UAE in a short period of time. An airline passenger transiting through the UAE airport is usually given this type of visa.

Student visa

Student visas are given to eligible college students who want to study in the UAE. Expat and international foreign students can apply for this type of visa.

Since November 2018, the UAE is now issuing a 5-year visa to outstanding students as well. If you meet the required grades and distinctions, you might be able to apply for this.

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Are you planning to set up a company in the UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Facts You Need to Consider Before Registering a Company in Dubai

Company formation in UAE, particularly in Dubai, is not as easy as it sounds. Especially if you are a foreigner, you might not be that familiar with putting up a business in this wealthy land. For this reason, you would need to acquire as much information as possible before proceeding. This helps you to save not only money but also time and energy.

For this reason, you will appreciate knowing these facts about starting a company in Dubai. Read on so you get a better understanding of how businesses work in this wealthy region.

1. Jurisdictions in a business setup

There are three jurisdictions in Dubai that you need to know before you start a business. These are:

·         Mainland – allows businesses to directly trade in the local market.

·         Offshore – allows businesses to be registered in Dubai without any physical office.

·         Free zone – allows businesses to only do trade within the free zone and enjoy tax benefits.

This is just an overview of the business jurisdiction in Dubai. It is highly advisable that you learn the pros and cons of each option. This will ensure that you get the best business setup possible for you.

2. Licence type

To legally operate your business, you would need one of these three types of UAE business license:

·         Professional licence – given to professionals, practitioners, and experts in various field such as medicine, engineering, education, and others.

·         Industrial licence – given to companies that turn raw materials into products.

·         Commercial licence – given to businesses to sell products to consumers.

Moreover, the issuance of your business licence would also depend on which industry or field your business fall into. To give you an example, a financial company need to get approval from the UAE Central Bank while a medical company from the Health Ministry.

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Are you planning to set up a company in the UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Thinking of Buying an Off-plan Property? Get a Lawyer

Investing in off plan property is a serious decision. If you happened to look at Dubai’s real estate market, you probably have seen the proliferation of off-plan projects across the city and neighboring areas.

By this time, you might be thinking of buying an off-plan property. However, before you do, you need to consider getting a lawyer. Here are some of the most important reasons you need to do so.

Lower the risk

“Is it advisable to buy off plan property in Dubai?” This is just one of the many concerns that might be bugging you right now.

That’s completely understandable. After all, buying an off-plan property means you are buying a property that has not been fully built yet. Thus, there’s a risk in buying an off-plan property.

But why would you even consider buying one if it is risky? It is because of the great profit potential. Most off-plan properties are cheaper compared to buying a property that is ready for use.

Thankfully, you can decrease the risk of your investment by hiring a lawyer. With a lawyer, you get the help of understanding the technicalities and legalities of buying a property, especially one that is off-plan.

A lawyer can help you do a background check of the property, go through the paperwork, confirm the developer’s legitimacy, and make sure you won’t be taken advantage of in the deal you are about to make.

Take advantage of a lawyer’s expertise

If you are a foreign investor, chances are, you know little about Dubai’s real estate law. Even if you are a local buyer or you’ve been buying properties for a long time now, you would still benefit from hiring a lawyer.

Now, here’s where things get more interesting. There are lawyers in Dubai who specialise in handling real estate properties. They have the necessary experience in finding the right property for you. They can guide you every step of the buying process.

They have knowledge about Dubai’s real estate industry. Thus, they can give you personalised advice to help you meet your needs, preference, and budget. Not only that, there are property dispute lawyers Dubai who are also ready to defend your legal rights.

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Are you planning to set up a company in the UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Prescribed Companies Regulations

In the latest news in Dubai, DIFC or Dubai International Financial Centre has just introduced a new regulatory framework that leads to the formation of prescribed companies. The new regulation effectively combined Special Purpose Companies (SPCs) and Intermediate Special Purpose Vehicles (ISPVs) into one category. They would not be considered as prescribed companies that will enjoy reduced fees and more opportunities to expand in Dubai.

The new prescribed companies regulatory structure allows companies to start building their own business in DIFC with more freedom and fewer office requirements.

These companies would now include firms under the Dubai Financial Service Authority (DFSA) and those businesses considered as International Financial Services Regulator. Not only that, but Family Offices, Fintech firms, Aviation Companies and other businesses within the Holding and Investment Companies and structured finance would be eligible to fall under prescribed companies. Healthcare companies in Dubai can also possibly take advantage of this new DIFC regulation.

For existing companies, they would still continue to exist as they are but they would use prescribed companies as their additional structuring tool to set up beneficiaries or subsidiaries.

Another great development from the new regulation is the reduction of fees. This means that the annual licensing fee would now be set to $1,000 or approximately Dh3,670. Before, licensing fees may range from $1000 to $3,500. Incorporation fee would also be set at $100.

The new DIFC announcement is considered to be revolutionary by many business setup consultants in Dubai. By replacing SPCs and ISPVs and combining them in a unified business structure, more companies would be attracted to investing in Dubai. Not only that, but the DIFC announcement gives more opportunities for companies to access the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

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Are you planning to set up a company in the UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!

Scam Alert: new bank

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) issued a scam alert and warns the public for a new bank scam that claims you can get an easy loan with them. The scam works by asking unsuspecting customers to pay a certain fee in exchange for a guaranteed approval loan.

In a public service announcement, the DFSA specifically named the scammer as “Skyo Microfinance Bank Limited.” To convince people into transacting with them, they present false Certificate of Incorporation from the DFSA.

They would request victims to pay first for the insurance and administrative fees. Once they get the money, they would then promise the victim that they will receive the loan. However, they would soon become unresponsive and would eventually be gone with the victim’s money.

The Skyo’s fake Certificate of Incorporation is now posted in DFSA’s website to increase the public’s awareness about this new scam. DFSA and legal consultants in Dubai urge people not to give their money to Skyo Microfinance Bank Limited nor should they get in touch with any individuals representing this dubious company.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it is important to stay updated with the latest news in Dubai. You can also check with the relevant regulatory agency. You should be able to confirm if the company you are dealing with is legitimate or not.

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Are you planning to set up a company in the UAE?

Check out some informative articles that may help you with your planning.

• Legal Documents for Every Startup
• Need a lawyer for small business?
• Importance of Hiring a Business Lawyer
• How to Set Up a Business in Dubai

For a quick and easy process of company formation contact or visit us today!