Investing in Dubai is considered one of the best investments in the world, and the most successful, in terms of the facilities provided by the Emirates to investors in terms of the residence of a foreign investor in Dubai, and in terms of obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct business in the Emirates, as well as the facilities for collecting and imposing taxes, as well as special facilities for opening a company in Dubai, in order to start investing in Dubai.

Also among the facilities provided by the Emirates to investors are the facilities for granting permanent residency to some investors who meet the conditions for obtaining this residency. This is a procedure that is done in order to encourage investment in Dubai and attract foreign investment there through the residency of a foreign investor and providing him with all facilities. To obtain permanent residency in the Emirates.

The main investment sectors in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most important investment destinations in the world, as it is characterized by a dynamic and diverse economic environment that attracts investors from different parts of the world. The UAE is famous for its political and economic stability and diversity in investment sectors, making it an ideal destination for building wealth and achieving financial returns. The UAE provides a variety of investment opportunities in Dubai , including:

• Oil and gas sector: The oil and gas industries are considered one of the most prominent economic sectors in the Emirates, as the Emirates possesses huge resources of oil and natural gas, and is developing these resources continuously.
• Real estate and construction: The UAE is witnessing significant growth in the real estate and construction sector, as it hosts many huge projects in the field of residential, commercial and tourism real estate.
• Trade and retail: The UAE is a major commercial center on the global level, and provides distinct opportunities for investment in the trade and retail sector, whether in traditional commercial centers or online.
• Manufacturing industries: The UAE is working to develop the manufacturing sector and encourage investment in areas such as food industries, light industries, and chemical industries.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Tourism and hospitality are considered one of the main sectors of the UAE economy, as the UAE provides a group of unique tourist attractions, luxury hotels and tourist resorts.
• Technology and Innovation: The UAE seeks to strengthen the technology and innovation sector, and encourage emerging and innovative companies to invest in this field through various initiatives and programmes.

Reasons to invest in the UAE

There are many reasons that make the UAE an ideal location for investment, including:

1. Diversified and stable economy: The UAE has great economic strength and diversity in various sectors such as oil and gas, real estate, trade, and tourism, which makes it economically stable and resistant to economic fluctuations.
2. Suitable investment environment: The UAE provides a suitable and encouraging investment environment that includes clear and effective laws and legislation, and provides a set of facilities and incentives to local and foreign investors.
3. Distinctive geographical location: The UAE occupies a distinguished position on the global map, making it a center for trade, investment, maritime and air transport between East and West.
4. Advanced infrastructure: The UAE has an advanced infrastructure that includes modern transportation, communications, energy and water facilities, making it an attractive place for investment.
5. Educated and multicultural workforce: The UAE provides an educated and multicultural workforce from around the world, which contributes to business development and innovation.
6. Good government: The UAE government adopts advanced economic policies and reforms and aims to strengthen the private sector, support investment, and stimulate innovation.
7. Diverse social and cultural life: The UAE provides a diverse, culturally and socially open environment, making it an ideal place to live and work for investors and their families.

The most important facilities provided by the UAE to foreign investors

The United Arab Emirates offers many facilities and incentives to foreign investors, the most important of which are:

1. Full Ownership: Foreign investors are allowed to own their companies 100% without the need for a local partner in free zones and companies in various specified sectors.
2. Professional licenses: The UAE provides professional licenses for foreign investors to easily practice their commercial activities, including individual company licenses and limited liability company licenses.
3. Advanced Infrastructure: The UAE is characterized by a modern and advanced infrastructure that supports business, including modern international airports, ports, highways, and high-speed communications.
4. Legal regulation: The UAE has a developed and effective legal system that provides legal protection for the rights of investors and companies.
5. Tax facilities: The UAE has a favorable tax system for investors, as the UAE does not impose income taxes on individuals and companies in most sectors.
6. Government Support: The UAE government provides comprehensive support to foreign investors through institutions such as the Investment Regulatory Authority, Chambers of Commerce, and other government bodies that provide support and assistance to investors.
7. Economic Diversity: The UAE offers investment opportunities in various sectors such as real estate, technology, tourism, manufacturing, and financial services, allowing investors to diversify their investment portfolios.
8. Social and Cultural Life: The UAE has a vibrant and diverse environment, where investors can enjoy a wide range of social and cultural events, entertainment facilities, restaurants, and resorts, making it an ideal place to live and work.

Legal and administrative procedures necessary to start investing in the Emirates

The legal and administrative procedures to start investing in the Emirates require several important steps, including:

• Determine the type of investment: You must first determine the type of investment you want to make, whether it is in the real estate, commercial, industrial, or other sectors.
• Choosing the legal structure of the company: After determining the type of investment, the appropriate legal structure for the company must be chosen, whether it is a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or a joint company.
• Company registration: You must go to the relevant government authorities in the emirate in which you wish to invest to register the company and obtain the necessary licenses. For example, in Dubai, you must approach the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
• Obtaining the necessary licenses: You must obtain all necessary licenses and permits to start work, such as work licenses, environmental and health licenses, etc., depending on the type of activity and local laws.
• Residence visas: If you intend to work and invest in the Emirates, you must obtain the necessary visas for residence, whether it is a work visa, investment visa, or other, and this is done through the competent government bodies.
• Accounting and Taxes: You must adhere to local accounting and tax standards and submit financial and tax reports regularly.
• Compliance with laws and legislation: Investors must comply with all local and federal laws and legislation and laws related to investment in the Emirates.

Dubai Investment Authority

The Dubai Investment Authority was established in 1976 at the commission of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the modern Emirates. It is a government body with an undisclosed financial fund. The goal of establishing the Dubai Investment Authority was to ensure the continuation of the Emirati economy, by Adopting strategic plans to ensure that the UAE economy does not depend on oil and petroleum, by establishing a foreign investor in Dubai and encouraging him to invest in it, and providing all facilities for a foreign investor to reside in Dubai and start his investments there.

Permanent residency in Dubai

Obtaining permanent residency in Dubai is one of the important facilities provided by the UAE to foreign investors. This system gives investors and their families stability and security in the emirate, and allows them to benefit from a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Freedom to work and invest: Obtaining permanent residency allows foreign investors the ability to work and invest in the Emirates freely, without the need for local sponsorship.
• Access to health and educational services: Permanent residents can benefit from the health and educational services provided in Dubai, which are among the best in the world.
• Ease of travel: Thanks to Dubai’s location as one of the largest transportation hubs in the world, permanent residents can easily access different travel destinations around the world.
• Family stability: Permanent residency for foreign investors provides family stability for themselves and their families, which contributes to building a stable and prosperous future in Dubai.
• Access to Banking and Financial Services: Permanent residency allows foreign investors access to a wide range of banking and financial services available in Dubai, facilitating investment and trade operations.
• Participation in cultural and social life: Permanent residents can enjoy the diverse cultural and social life that Dubai has to offer, including cultural, artistic and sporting events.

Investment laws in Dubai

Investment laws in Dubai are flexible and provide a supportive environment for investors. These laws include a set of laws and regulations aimed at facilitating and protecting investment, which are as follows:

1. Commercial Companies Law: This law regulates the establishment and management of companies. It stipulates the requirements for establishing companies, the rights and obligations of shareholders, and different types of companies such as limited liability companies (LLC) and public and private joint-stock companies.
2. Investment Law: This law provides a legal framework to encourage and protect investments in Dubai. It specifies the rights and benefits that investors can obtain, including protection from expropriation and legal guarantees.
3. Free Zones Law: Establishes regulations relating to the establishment of companies in free zones in Dubai. It allows foreigners to own 100% of companies without the need for a local partner, and includes tax exemptions and special facilities.
4. Real Estate Property Law: This law regulates the real estate property rights of foreigners and specifies the conditions that must be followed to buy and own real estate in Dubai.
5. Tax Laws: Although Dubai is considered a low tax centre, there are laws and regulations regarding taxes that apply to companies and individuals, including the value-added tax (VAT) of 5%.
6. Labor Laws: Specifies regulations related to the employment of labor, including working conditions, workers’ rights, and hiring procedures.
7. Environmental protection laws: These include laws that aim to protect the environment and regulate activities that may affect it, which includes all commercial projects.
8. Anti-Money Laundering Laws: These laws require companies to adhere to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures, including verifying customers’ identities and recording transactions.

Documents required for investment in Dubai

To invest in Dubai, the required documents may vary depending on the type of investment and the entity you are dealing with. Here is a general list of papers you would typically need to invest in Dubai:

• Identity documents: Passport or ID card for individuals, and a copy of the residence permit if required.
• Corporate Document: If you represent a company, you may need a copy of the company’s articles of incorporation and legal documents.
• Company documentation for investment: If you are investing as a company, you may need a company presentation, operational plans, and any financial performance analysis reports.
• Investment Permit: In some cases, relevant authorities may require prior authorization to undertake certain types of investments, especially in sensitive or specially regulated sectors.
• Financial Accounts: You may need proofs of the source of the money invested and evidence of your ability to afford future costs and investments.
• Evaluation reports and economic studies: In some cases, stakeholders may require independent investment evaluation reports or economic studies to provide plans and forecasts.
• Additional licenses and permits: You may need additional licenses depending on the type of activity invested in, such as building permits, environmental licenses, or professional licenses.

Investment costs in the UAE

Investment costs in the UAE vary based on the type of investment and the sector in which the investment is made. Here are some elements that can affect the costs of investing in the UAE:

1. Cost of incorporation and licenses: There may be costs to establish the company and obtain the necessary licenses depending on the type of economic activity and the legal form of the company.
2. Taxes: The UAE is mostly tax-free for businesses, but there may be some local and federal fees and taxes applied to some economic activities.
3. Labor costs: Labor costs are important in the UAE, especially in sectors that require a qualified professional workforce.
4. Rental costs: Rental costs vary based on the location and type of property, and rental costs may be high in prime areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
5. Costs of living and services: Costs of living and services such as transportation, shopping, and entertainment vary based on location and level of luxury desired.
6. Shipping and logistics costs: If you work in a trade or industrial sector, there may be shipping and logistics costs that affect production and distribution costs.

Our work is in establishing companies

Itqan Company offers a wide range of services to assist in establishing companies in Dubai and the UAE in general. Here are some ways that Itqan can help you establish companies:

• Business Consulting: Providing comprehensive consultations on the company establishment process, including choosing the appropriate legal structure and identifying appropriate business activities.
• Establishment arrangements: Assistance in arrangements for establishing the company, including preparing the necessary documents and submitting them to the relevant authorities to obtain licenses and permits.
• Financial arrangements: Assistance with financial arrangements related to establishing the company, including financial advice and preparation of necessary financial reports.
• Registration and licenses: Assistance in officially registering the company with the relevant government agencies and obtaining the necessary licenses to start work.
  Guidance and follow-up: Providing ongoing guidance and advice to help you successfully implement the business plan and deal with the challenges that the company may face.
• Integrated services: Providing integrated services that include all aspects of establishing the company, including legal, financial, operational and marketing.
• Communication with relevant authorities: Facilitating the process of communicating with relevant authorities in Dubai and the Emirates, and negotiating and coordinating to obtain approvals and licenses smoothly.
• Continuing support: Providing ongoing support after the company is established, including accounts management, accounting, and periodic reports.

With Itqan Company, you can get comprehensive support and customized services to facilitate the process of establishing and successfully operating a company in Dubai and the UAE.

By consulting Itqan Company, investors can benefit from its extensive experience in establishing companies. Itqan’s services consist of providing legal and financial advice, preparing the necessary documents for registration and licensing, and providing support during all stages of the incorporation process, ensuring compliance with government laws and regulations and obtaining the necessary advice to build their business successfully.

The most important frequently asked questions about the facilities provided by the Emirates to investors