If you want to start a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are some region-specific steps and procedures you'll need to follow in order to get all of the necessary approvals. Known for its wealth of natural resources in the form of petroleum and gas, the UAE boasts an open economy and is generally viewed as one of the Middle East's more welcoming environments for foreign businesses. If you go about things the right way and have thought through your proposed business thoroughly, there's every reason to believe that you can be successful in your chosen venture.
Instructions
1. Submit an application to the Department of Economic Development. You can get an application and submittal information from the Embassy of Arab Emirates website. You can also call (800) 823-6911.
2. Obtain a preliminary approval. Your lawyer will have to get approval from a notary in a court located in Dubai. The fee associated with this can be as high as 10,000 AED; this is equal to $27,000 in US dollars.
3. Submit the proper documents to the Commercial Registry. This will include a Memorandum of Association, an Auditor certificate, Bank Certification and a letter from the DED Committee approving your company to do business. You can download all of the forms needed from the UAE's government website. Once they are received, you will receive your company's trade license and commercial registration certificate. The rules and regulations for completing this process can also be found on the United Arab Emirates governments website.
4. Register your company. This is done via Dubai's Chamber of Commerce.
