One of the most commonly questions asked by entrepreneurs looking to set up a company in the UAE for the first time is whether they are legally required to have a local partner or not. While the short answer to that question is no, there is more to the story.
Across most of the Emirates, business activities that fall under commercial or industrial licences do in fact require that you have a local partner who holds the majority interest and therefore retains the controlling stake in your business. But the UAE has also given entrepreneurs a way to own their businesses outright for those requiring only a professional services licence.
In this guide we take a closer look at local partner requirements when it comes to setting up your business in the country.