A Member Firm of Andersen Global

Blog

Business Deals Will Soon be taking place between Israel and the UAE

With the recent signing of the historic peace agreement, Israel and the UAE have taken steps in normalizing the ties between the 2 countries and formalizing a combined effort to research the COVID-19 pandemic.  This could open ties between such industries as air travel, investment, security, telecommunications, and tourism.  The world could soon be seeing cross-border ventures for doing business in UAE as well as Israel.  All of this resulted from a landmark call that took place between Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan.

Company Alliances being formed

With the announcement of the peace agreement on August 13th, decades of hostility and opposition were finally set aside while promises were made to open ties in the industries above.  For example, Etisalat (Emirates Telecommunications Corp,), the UAE’s largest phone company is in advanced talks with Partner Communications, the wireless operator of Israel.  In addition to this, Israir Airlines Ltd. has applied for landing permits in the UAE.  Finally, Israel’s TeraGroup has agreed to join forces with UAE-based APEX National Investment and research the Coronavirus.

Recent Stock Gains and other News

In other noteworthy news, the peace agreement has continued to reverberate through stock markets in the Middle East.  For instance, Israel’s TA-35 was up as much as 2% while the indexes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai rose 0.6% and 1.3% respectively.  Additionally, Stock indexes were up in other countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

According to the Times of Israel, a recent phone call took place between Bahrain’s Prime Minister and the chief of Israel’s spy agency Mossad.  An Arabic-language news reporter for Israel tweeted that a future meeting between the two has been planned and may lead to a peace agreement between those two countries as well.  Interestingly enough, Bahrain has denied that the phone call occurred while there was no comment from Israel’s Office of the Prime Minister. 

DIFC Unveils a New License in a Bid to Boost Entrepreneurship and Creativity

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has recently unveiled a new license for tech companies, entrepreneurs and start-ups. With the license, DIFC company formation has now been made more efficient. The new license, dubbed “Innovation License,” is expected to attract different types of enterprises and businesses to the center. As per a recent press release by the DIFC, the new license is also an important initiative towards the Dubai Future District plan, which was announced back in January this year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE.

Innovation License is designed to support entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Business organizations will expand and scale their operations using the Dubai International Financial Centre’s independent English Common Law-based data protection regime as well as legal and regulatory framework. Holders of the Innovation License will join the network of tech companies in the region’s largest financial free zone that consists of more than 2500 enterprises and 25,000 professional individuals.

The Innovation License costs $1,500 and provides business organizations with access to co-working spaces at Dubai International Financial Center. License holders also get access DIFC co-working spaces at subsidized, attractive prices. A top executive at DIFC Authority, Salmaan Jaffery, mentioned that the new Dubai Innovation License provides a prominent opportunity for future business aspirants to start, upscale and secure their enterprise within the framework of a global financial centre.

The license has indeed incentivized business setup in Dubai. Jaffery added that he hopes the new license will attract technology-focused enterprises that will transform the financial sector. In his opinion, these entities can shape the economic future that UAE holds.

With an aim of becoming a leading fintech hotspot, the DIFC has been working on and launching various initiatives and policies in order to attract foreign firms. It also intends to build a nurturing environment for businesses to thrive and succeed. The center is a proud home to over 730 active financial companies in addition to 120+ fintech firms.

Intuit Management Consultancy (IMC Group) can help businesses with DIFC licensing processes in a hassle-free manner owing to their experience and hands-on expertise.

FinTech Abu Dhabi searches for Early-stage Startups via Digital Tour of 23 Countries

FinTech Abu Dhabi recently announced that their Innovation and Startups team will be taking a virtual tour of 23 countries to solicit and correspond with founders of some of the most exciting early-stage financial technology sector startups from June through November of this year.  The esteemed FinTech Abu Dhabi program will be inviting the top startups to join them during the 2020 FinTech Abu Dhabi Festival which runs from November 24th to 26th.  The festival is co-hosted by the Central Bank of the UAE and the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

The global digital tour began in the UAE at the end of June and was kicked off with comments from such notables as:

  • Lucy Liu, Airwallex co-founder and President
  • Richard Teng, Abu Dhabi Global Market and Financial Regulatory Services Authority CEO
  • Shu Pui Li, Governor of the Central Bank of The UAE (CBUAE) and Advisor to His Eminence


As the gateway to one of the most important portals and markets, FinTech100 offers a wealth of opportunities globally. The mutual topic of discussion between them was “FinTech – in the next decade.”  It focused on company formation in Abu Dhabi and company formation in the UAE.  This was followed by a 5-way pitching battle of FinTech startups.  Mamo Pay and McLedger were the two companies that were crowned as champions of the match-up and will be a part of the FinTech 100 in Abu Dhabi at the festival this coming November. It will open new frontiers globally and help business network more. 

The next virtual destinations in the FinTech Abu Dhabi Global Tour scheduled for the months of July and August include:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • India
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Switzerland
  • UK
  • US


The FinTech 100 is the gateway to one of the most important markets in the world and is a high-level, by-invitation-only event that serves as a portal to a number of business opportunities.  During the event, numerous startup founders who’ve traveled from many locations around the world to Abu Dhabi will be able to experience the renowned Abu Dhabi hospitality and have a chance to:

  • be introduced to key corporate executives and major investors from the Middle East
  • learn about numerous business and marketing opportunities
  • network with their peers
  • participate in the Innovation Challenge Awards
Dubai Businesses utilize Digital Formats to access New Markets in spite of Pandemic’s Disruptions to the Global Trade Landscape

Even though there have been disruptions to the global trading landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this cloud really has a silver lining.  By utilizing digital formats, nearly a quarter of a million members of the Dubai chamber of commerce have been exploring new market opportunities on a global scale.  According to Omar Khan, current Director of the Dubai Chamber’s International Offices, a series of virtual meetings and webinars were organized and joined by UAE businessmen and their African, Eurasian, and Latin American counterparts.

Khan went on to say that this digital platform has enabled Chamber members to explore newer, attractive investment and trade opportunities internationally.  Furthermore, this has encouraged new company formation in Dubai while at the same time promoting the area as a hub for global business.  The increasing confidence in Dubai among foreign investors is attributed to their higher levels of participation.  Additionally, that growth is expected to continue in the ensuing months as companies are preparing for the post-COVID-19 recovery period.

One of the more recent virtual events hosted by the Dubai Chamber was an online mission to the Canton Fair (a.k.a. the China Import and Export Fair).  The purpose of the virtual visit was to discuss food trade between Dubai and Russia and explore new opportunities in Mozambique’s gas and oil sectors.  This event was attended by many businesses that are eagerly looking to tap into new market opportunities.  According to Khan, Dubai businesses can leverage the Chamber’s network of international offices in order to:

  • access valuable market intelligence
  • benefit from local support when expanding into new markets
  • make well-informed business decisions
  • network with prospective partners


The Chamber is also supporting those high-potential companies who desire entry into the Dubai market and use the UAE as a strategic trading hub to expand their reach in this area of the world.

This digital platform should also benefit the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and DMCC company formation.  Established by Dubai’s government in 2002, the DMCC provides the financial, market, and physical infrastructure require for the establishment of global commodities trading.  It should benefit JAFZA company formation as well.  The Jebel Ali Free Zone began its operations in 1985 and is located in the Jebel Ali area at Dubai’s westernmost end near Abu Dhabi.  It was established to provide ready-built facilities such as standard size offices and warehouses for clients or customers.

One of the Dubai businesses that have taken advantage of the Chamber’s initiatives to assist other companies in reaching out to promising market opportunities is a company named Tradeling.  Tradeling, which launched its entrepreneurial debut in February, is a digital marketplace that has been showcasing products from more than 25 countries and nearly 300 suppliers.  It is a B2B (business-to-business) digital marketplace that connects with global as well as regional suppliers to meet local company demands.

As a part of their operation, Tradeling requires companies to align its plans for expansion with the way in which the business environment is evolving.  For example, when Tradeling witnessed the hit from COVID-19 to its beverages, food, and office supplies (its “verticals”), they knew their e-commerce startup had to adapt to this.  Consequently, they took control of the situation and immediately developed a vertical in the area of health and wellness, which wasn’t a part of their original launch phase.

Muhammad Chbib, Tradeling’s CEO, stated those businesses who want to survive the pandemic’s economic hit will have to adapt using these types of tactics.  Chbib also stated that by launching a new vertical in the midst of an economic crisis has made Tradeling even stronger.  It has provided the company with a sharper focus on adapting to crisis-related economic circumstances.

Dubai Companies set to resume Business Operations with the Announcement of JAFZA Incentives

Economic activities in Dubai and throughout the UAE appear to be returning to near normal levels.  As one of the UAE’s largest trading hubs, JAFZA (the Jebel Ali Free Zone) announced the introduction of numerous incentives to support consumers and promote new Dubai company formation and JAFZA company formation.  As a result, many companies will be able to resume their operations and have renewed confidence in this significantly different post-pandemic economic landscape.

According to a recent JAFZA announcement, the easing up of COVID-19 related restrictions in the UAE will enable current and new customers to short-term lease warehouse space without having to pay for custom duties or VAT.  Warehouses ranging from 300 to 15,000 sqm., including FREE electricity and water, will be available.  JAFZA also introduced more flexible terms such as monthly rental payments for new tenants and offered current tenants deferred payments when leasing warehouse space.

The extensive range of a more targeted focus and support also includes the addition of cost-effective shipping services that have enhanced accessibility, increased cost savings, and speedier services.  Other solutions for improved in-house logistics include:

  • 24/7 lease issuance
  • facilitating product movement and trade efficiency
  • fast-track EHS approvals that have been designed to help companies manage the cost of supplies


With times being as challenging as they are, highly competitive business solutions are required in order to see businesses resume their operations and be more profitable in the long term. The new set of economic incentives are an addition to the 70% reduced

Fees for the licensing, registration and administrative fee/levies that were announced in March, before the lockdown began due to the pandemic. Not just UAE, but the pandemic has had far-reaching effects globally.

According to DP World, UAE Region CEO and current managing director Mohammed Al Muallem (he is also JAFZA’s chief executive), customized post-pandemic solutions for the trade sector are being developed for customers. These solutions will enable them to pay less for increased value-added services and support straight across the board.  He went on to say that newer businesses as well as existing companies that we are promoting a back-to-business, investor-friendly environment.

By developing this environment around a market’s emerging needs, it will promote a stronger economic climate for improved business growth in all sectors.  As it currently stands, JAFZA accounts for nearly 24% of the total direct foreign investments and the employment of over 135,000 individuals.  As a result, JAFZA had generated $93 billion in trade as of the end of 2018.  As of this past March (2020), the free zone has reduced all business-related fees by as much as 70% for those businesses operating within it.

How to find a reliable Local sponsor/Local service agent in UAE

9/10 times setting a business in UAE mainland requires a tie up with a local sponsor or a local service. Local Sponsors in Dubai, UAE take care of continuity of the company in UAE. A fact about the Local Sponsor or LSAs is that you cannot expect any civil responsibilities from their end towards the business they are sponsoring. The Local Sponsor could not be held responsible for either achieving soaring profits or the growth of the business. On the contrary, the Local sponsor for business in Dubai ensures to provide facilitation over the business continuity in UAE.

Any foreign company willing to establish a branch in Dubai mainland or other parts of UAE needs to have support from the local service agents in Dubai.


Who are called as Local Service Agents?

Local Sponsors or service agents are UAE nationals, called Emirati who deal especially with the governments’ official and ministry work for the company. They can help in establishing external relations and strengthening the economy of UAE by bringing foreign Investors in the form of new businesses. However, you should be careful about choosing the right Local Sponsor for business in Dubai;

  • If you have a personal contact in the UAE, convince them to become your local sponsor.
  • In case, you do not have someone from UAE by your side, you can seek help from the professional business consultants who in turn suggest reliable local sponsors.
  • Transparency should be the key, as some of the local sponsors may have hidden charges incurred during the contract.
  • Make sure to complete the legal formalities and have everything rightly documented. These documents can include; Contracts, Side agreements and POAs. Managing these well, can help you to protect your business assets in the long run.


Local sponsor in UAE

Many people amongst us get confused among the responsibilities and functions of a local service agent. They could not differentiate between a local service agent and a local sponsor. A local sponsor for business in Dubai is a business partner who is a native Emirati and is willing to sponsor an international firm. The local sponsor will take a significant amount of 51% of the total shares of the company, in lieu of services rendered. In some cases, the company may offer some share of profits. This is a special case with a local sponsor and depends on the agreement made with the sponsor at the time of incorporation. In the case of a Local service agent, the person is provided with an annual fee for a business partnership.

The Local sponsor which is appointed by the foreign companies is generally structured as an LLC (Limited Liability Company). The need of having a local sponsor highly varies upon the company’s structure and nature.


How to find a reliable Local sponsor or LSA?

Now, this is an important thing to get answered. Lots of evidence testifies why there is an acute need of appointing a local sponsor or local service agent for setting up a business in Dubai mainland. Local sponsors for business in Dubai should be reliable and trustworthy so that the branch can rely on them. For Dubai company incorporation and formation, a company can choose an option among individual sponsors, corporate sponsors, and local service agents based on the activity the company will be carrying out. The local sponsor can be an individual or a UAE based company.

Another way from which anyone can come in contact with a professional reliable local sponsor or LSA is through networking. This method is generally recommended. People who own their businesses have particular knowledge about the business flow and operations. No one can rely completely on a random person willing to offer sponsorship services.

It is recommended to opt for local sponsors or agents through consultancy firms as they have presence in the region, are aware of the local laws and obligations and have a reliable network of sponsors they have worked with over the years.

The best locations in UAE for local sponsors are to hire them from major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These are the premium locations where big foreign businesses and enterprises love to invest and hence these regions are flooded with locals who are willing to be Local sponsors and service agents.

High profile LSAs are also available but at a little bit premium rates. They generally offer their services via the method of networking and mostly try to provide exclusive services as compared to the local crowd.


Individual or corporate sponsor

Instead of choosing an individual Emirati one can assist a UAE based company. Due to the obvious reason, that via assisting a company, obstacles such as death or retirement may not have any powerful impact on the business flow.

On working with an individual make sure to clear the disputes based on certain assurances related to events like death and retirement. Such assurances give reliability for a longer period.

In the end, you can consider some criteria for choosing the best local partner in the UAE.

  • Any prior experience in sponsorship services.
  • Business background
  • Status in society
  • Native or immigrant UAE based citizen
  • Legal knowledge, especially about procedures of courts of UAE

These sponsors charge the business, according to the type of business and the sponsorship option. In most cases, the average annual sponsorship starts from AED 25,000.

All the agreements between the local service agents or local sponsor and the company should be registered in the concerned courts of Dubai or other parts of UAE. This is the only way by which you can counter in case a legal dispute happens.


Final verdict

Using a local sponsor is not an easy job. In UAE, investors end up getting a reliable trustworthy Local service agent or local sponsor through one of the ways mentioned aboveFew considerations are obvious to mark since not all the random Emirati is compatible with the position of Local Service Agent.

There is a long list of advantages of appointing a local sponsor or a Local service agent in Dubai, UAE. Apart from the main advantage of facilitation in business movements, LLCs which are formed by local partnerships. do not have any strict restrictions on opening and operating multiple branches throughout the UAE.When developing a strong relationship with reliable sponsorships and partnerships in UAE, business hurdles can be overcome without hampering the overall profitability of the business.

Dubai International Financial Centre launches first Blockchain Data Sharing Platform

The data sharing technology known as “Blockchain” has been used in the creation of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.  Up until recently, it has been used for electronic transactions such as money transfers, payment processors, retail loyalty rewards programs, and more.  In the simplest of terms, it is an ingenious method for passing information from Point A to Point B by using blocks of data that can easily be verified by thousands, if not millions of computers throughout the internet.

DIFC Collaborates with Mashreq Bank

However, as of this past March (2020), licensed businesses and corporations are now able to accelerate their compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements thanks to the use of the Blockchain data sharing platform.  The Swedish corporation Norbloc built the platform, which the Dubai International Financial Centre launched in collaboration with the Mashreq Bank.  As a result, UAE banks and large corporations can use this platform to transfer authenticated and validated company data in order to share it instantly with major financial institutions.

Faster Access to Open Bank Accounts

The DIFC is responsible for generating the primary KYC record during corporate license application process.  One of the primary benefits is that banks will no longer need to spend their resources or time verifying their customer’s identity as this enables UAE companies that are registered with Blockchain to open bank accounts immediately.  A consortium of banks including the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Economy, Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD, HSBC, and RAKBANK have become allies in order to speed up the adoption of the initiative. The collaboration will help streamline the processes better and improve the accessibility.

Blockchain Streamlines Banking Processes

Consequently, the heads of these different institutions have stated that they are all in favor of increasing the usage of Blockchain throughout the financial community as it could transform the process of using pen and paper.  The DIFC’s initiative regarding the utilization of Blockchain technology will enable banks to streamline the new customer sign-up process.  Additionally, the technology promotes the sharing of data between licensing authorities and financial institutions.  The use of the KYC Blockchain is only the first of many future applications and developments that can the government will be able to use in the financial sector. Considering the innovations, this is a major step to improve the banking processes.

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority launches Economic Incentives to support Free Zone based Companies

In order to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority or DAFZA launched a series of economic incentives aimed at helping companies that have suffered losses during this event.  In order to mitigate the impact that the virus has had economically throughout various business and industrial sectors, the incentives will provide continuity and flexibility.  This could also be beneficial for a business set-up in the Dubai Free Zone.

Counteracting the Negative Economic Impact

According to DAFZA Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, launching these incentives will lessen the impact of the pandemic on many businesses.  By standing with other Free Zone companies, the Chairman believes it will enable companies to overcome the economic challenges associated with the spread of the Coronavirus.  The incentive packages will enable companies to mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact while at the same time ensuring the continuity of business in numerous sectors.

He was of the view that even though the world economies over have been affected, the Government stands with the industries and business to mitigate their losses. Some of the important aspects that have been covered include:

  • Refunding security deposits on leased commercial spaces
  • Refund on the labor guarantees of different companies
  • Exemption on rent for retailers for 90 days
  • Three-month postponement of lease payments
  • New companies get exemption from licensing and registration fees
  • Facilitating and streamlining financial payments in easy repayment installments
  • Cancellation of fines of companies


Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of DAFZA was of the opinion that these are some of the initiatives that give businesses and companies a reaffirmation that the UAE Government stands behind them to help them overcome the detrimental effects of the pandemic. He said that these are in line with the support offered to the companies as they are important to the local and global economic growth.

Provision of Financial Relief

The initiative will provide financial relief by enabling companies to delay lease payments for 3 months by facilitating monthly installments that will be easier to handle.  In other words, Free Zone retailers will be exempt from making lease payments for up to three months if needed.  In addition to the above, the Free Zone will refund labor guarantees and security deposits on leased spaces.  They will also exempt newer companies from having to pay licensing and registration fees and will cancel all company fines as well.  This falls in line with efforts to provide further support for Dubai company incorporation.

With a goal of overcoming difficult conditions immediately and over the long term, DAFZA officials have worked tirelessly to limit the spread of COVID-19 by implementing a number of preventive measures during this difficult period.  Additionally, DAFZA has formed a committee for crises and emergencies that has worked 24/7 to follow up on their operations within the Free Zone.  In addition to this, they have played a crucial role in ensuring that all Ministry of Health and Prevention directives and instructions, as well as those of other authorities, are being applied properly throughout the Free Zone.

Dubai’s Quest to Create An $870 Million e-Commerce Friendly Trade Zone

As part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) collective effort to diversify the economies of the seven-member nation-states, Dubai’s government recently announced its plans to engage in a major company formation in Dubai project. The exact plans are to create an $870 million e-commerce friendly trade zone that will be populated with companies engaged in digital marketing and various other forms of e-commerce. This area will be located next to Dubai International Airport. It will be called Dubai CommerCity (DCC.)

Dubai’s government collaborated with business set up consultants in Dubai and two nationalized enterprises. These are the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) and a property management firm, was Asset Management Group. Covid-19 was a major catalyst in terms of accelerating this project’s movement from the drawing board to actual construction and execution.

DAFZA general director Mohammed Al Zarooni said that the world has an immediate need for world-class eCommerce services. He was of the opinion that Dubai is already experiencing a growing need for an eCommerce trade zone given its rapidly accelerating market demand. The global social distancing measures which governments around the world are currently enforcing is motivating more consumers to shop online. This is giving eCommerce a real boost. The trade zone is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2020.

The entire zone will occupy 2.1 million square feet. It will be separated into three distinct sections: business, social, and logistics. This was according to the Global Construction Review’s report. The project is being developed by the Hong Kong P&T group.

Amna Lootah, DAFZA’s assistant general-director was of the view that they are combining the latest in technologies and infrastructure to create an ecosystem where eCommerce companies can be successfully established and thrive. The main objective in terms of these companies is integration.

The DCC is the first eCommerce free zone that will actively encourage trade and business growth in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. Dubai’s government is luring eCommerce merchants by completely waiving income and corporate tax requirements. These companies will also have subsidized immigration, healthcare, administration, and banking services. They will be supported by warehouses manned by artificial intelligence. Their workers can enjoy free and discounted food in surrounding restaurants and cafes. The project will be completed in a series of phases. The first of which is scheduled to begin in November. The last phase is scheduled to end in 2023.

This project is not Dubai’s first foray into the digital world. Its government actively explored and researched digital wallet technology in 2019. The objective was to find a way around the exorbitantly high government fees that were levied on businesses and consumers. The government created a proposal in 2014 which envisioned using digitization measures to transform Dubai into the ‘happiest city on Earth’. The proposal was one component of the ‘Smart Dubai Program’ which was launched in 2014. The national government is expanding access to financial and banking services for its consumers as part of an effort to finance this.

Dubai may become the next Silicon Valley

DCC is just one of many initiatives by Dubai’s government to ‘plug the city into the digital world.’ Dubai’s government and private enterprises are currently launching many projects to make this a reality. Indeed, with enough luck, Dubai may soon become the next Silicon Valley.

Current State of the Economic Substance Regulation in the UAE amid Covid-19 Crisis

In the wake of the scourging global pandemic i.e. the Coronavirus threat, the existing ESR or the Economic Substance Regulations pertaining to the UAE get a decisive and much-anticipated makeover. While businesses are usually required to file the ESR notifications each year within 31st of March, the pandemic has shifted the deadlines to 30th of June.

We believe that our readers would still want certain insights regarding the ESR compliance before getting the exact point of this declaration, straight from the Ministry of Finance.

ESR or Economic Substance Regulation entails to one form of financial compliance that requires businesses or rather licensees to declare a few essential details to the Financial Regulatory Authority. While the concept was originally formulated by the European Union, the UAE jumped onto the ESR bandwagon, in 2018.

The main aim of this regulatory compliance was to ensure adherence with the interests of the Economic Substance and to make sure that businesses aren’t conducted only to cater to the more premium tax regime. Needless to say, the ESR duly revolution the Tax Policy within the country besides making room for improved transparency, fairest possible tax competition, and BEPS Implementation.

From UAE’s standpoint, ESR concerns compliance with the following factors:

  • Licensees abiding by the concept of Relevant Activity
  • Even if Relevant Activity is in picture, the entire portion of the gross business income is in direct relation with the relevant business activity and applies for taxing in a jurisdiction outside the UAE or not.
  • The timeframe of the Financial Year pertaining to the Licensee, which is strictly from an accounting standpoint


In order to abide by this regulatory compliance, businesses must file notifications at the specified time, form, and the approved manner. Lastly, the ESR guidelines apply to offshore, onshore, and Free Zone companies, provided income is generated via Relevant Activities.

The Pandemic Shift

The UAE government feels that any kind of meeting or association, in order to discuss about the ESR isn’t prudent enough during the existing scenario. This is why filing dates have been revisited, to manage the risks of non-compliance.

As mentioned by the Undersecretary, Ministry of Finance, UAE, Mr Younis Haji Al Khouri, the cutoff date for filing nomination under ESR has now been extended up to 30th of June. Although this piece of information has already been communicated to the concerned regulators, there are a few who have cut short the dates to ensure proper compliance.

There are quite a few firms and individual associations that have already modified the dates, in addition to the government’s official notification. These include:

Association Name: DAFZA or the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

Cut-off Date: May 3rd, 2020

Additional Details: Filing guidelines available

Association Name: ADGM or the Abu Dhabi Global Market

Cut-off Date: Not announced yet but certainly extends beyond 31st March

Additional Details: Guidance available in regard to better understanding of the filing process

Association Name: DSO or the Dubai Silicon Authority

Cut-Off Date: Extended but date yet to be announced

Additional Details: Guidance available online

Association Name: DIFC or the Dubai International Financial Center

Cut- off Date: Official date is yet to be announced but IMC believes that it would be 30th June, 2020

Additional Details: Filing guidelines are already up on the website with proper guidance

Association Name: RAKICC or the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Center

Cut Off Date: 30th June, 2020

Additional Details: Guidance available

Association Name: DMCC or the Dubai Multi Commodities Center

Cut Off Date: 30th June, 2020

Additional Details: Guidance to be uploaded soon

Penalties

Provided licensees fail to abide by the deadlines and file notifications accordingly, penalties in the ballpark of AED 10,000 to even AED 50,000 can be levied.

How IMC can help?

With the pandemic leading to the date extension, businesses in the UAE, precisely the International Groups, now have the opportunity to revisit the drawing board and assess whether they are following the Relevant Activity guidelines to the T or not.

We, at IMC, are currently helping our clients ascertain the non-compliance threats related to the ESR while offering remedial measures to mitigate the risks related to business sustenance.

Follow Us

Recent Posts