ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS
IN
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Published February, 2008
(EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PAGE)
Introduction to the UAE: Background, Business and Legal Climate
Strategically located between Europe and Asia, the United Arab Emirates has become the headquarters of choice for hundreds of multi-national public and private companies doing business in the Middle East, the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”), Central Asia, India and Africa.
Abu Dhabi, the U.A.E. capital, plays the central role in the U.A.E.’s economy. The country is comprised of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Qaiwain, ), each having a certain degree of local autonomy similar to the relationship existing between a Canadian province and the Canadian federal government. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the U.A.E.’s two business and economic powerhouses.
Commercial Agency & Commercial Company Laws
The Agency Law makes no distinction between commercial agency agreements, distributorships, franchises, commission arrangements and other sales relationships. All may qualify as commercial agencies....
UAE law provides for different legal entities to do business in the UAE The common thread: one or more U.A.E. nationals must possess at least 51 percent of the company’s capital....
"UAE: the Place to Be"
Companies doing business in or seeking to establish their brand in the UAE have the benefit of a wide array of legal structures to consider in developing the optimal market entry plan.
Given the rapidly changing legal landscape, it is advisable to consult with local law offices in the UAE before selecting one business structure over another.
The UAE is a dynamic and exciting place to do business. US, GCC, European, Asian and other companies have unique access to capital, industrial and emerging and developed markets as well as exceptional tax and business incentives for locating in or relocating to the UAE.
If your company is going international, the UAE is the place to be.
If you are interested in discussing in greater detail the legal and business issues impacting foreign investment and commercial opportunities in the U.A.E., please contact:
James R. Hagerty
Managing Partner
Washington, DC Headquarters
Washington, DC, USA
Haig V. Kalbian
Managing Partner
Washington, DC Headquarters
Washington, DC USA