Alcohol Selling License in the UAE: Complete Guide for Restaurants, Bars and Retail Businesses (2026)
Key Highlights A trade license does not cover alcohol sales in the UAE. You need a separate permit from the relevant emirate authority or face federal fines of up to AED 500,000. Six of seven UAE emirates allow commercial alcohol sales. Sharjah enforces a total ban, including possession, consumption, and transport through the emirate. Dubai […]
How to Start a Civil Company in Dubai: Costs & Setup Guide
Key Highlights Foreign professionals can own 100% of a civil company in Dubai. No equity partner is required, just a Local Service Agent who holds zero ownership and zero profit rights. An LSA is not a local sponsor. The two terms are completely different in law, and confusing them is the single most costly mistake […]
HR Consultancy Firms vs Business Consulting Firms in Dubai: A Complete Handbook
Key Highlights HR consultancy improves people systems inside a running business. Business consulting builds the legal and structural foundation before operations begin. In the UAE, your licensed activity defines what your firm can legally do. One consultancy licence does not automatically cover a different consulting category. MoHRE licences recruitment agencies for UAE citizens only. HR […]
Power of Attorney vs. Will in the UAE: Key Differences, Uses & Costs (2026 Guide)
Key Highlights A Power of Attorney becomes legally void the moment you die. Only a registered Will can direct where your UAE assets go. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, effective February 2023, changed the default inheritance framework for non-Muslims in the UAE. Under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, DIFC Courts hold exclusive enforcement […]
Business Setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): 2026 Complete Guide
Key Highlights JAFZA hosts 11,000+ companies from 140+ countries and contributes approximately 24% of all FDI into Dubai. 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full capital repatriation with no restrictions. Your JAFZA company can be fully incorporated in as little as 3 business days. JAFZA companies can now formally operate on the UAE […]
Company Liquidation in Dubai, UAE: The Complete 2026 Guide (Mainland, Free Zone, DIFC and ADGM)
Key Highlights An expired UAE trade licence is not a closed company. Fines, tax obligations, and blacklisting run until formal liquidation is complete. The 2025 CCL Amendment now requires dual-license holders to cancel both their mainland and free zone registrations independently. Missing your VAT or Corporate Tax deregistration deadline after closure costs AED 1,000 per […]