Blog
Unicorn sighting? What you can learn from the UAE’s billion-dollar frontrunners
Uber. Airbnb. Dropbox. They’re household names – unicorns – all valued at over USD 1bn. But what about the Middle East’s rapidly growing digital disruptors such as Propertyfinder, Wadi and Namshi? These Dubai-based unicorns-in-waiting are attracting huge amounts of...
The latest UAE visa changes and how they might impact the economy
During the course of May and June 2018, the UAE Federal Government announced a series of substantial changes to the UAE’s visa system, relaxing certain restrictions and making it easier for individuals and businesses to settle and operate in the country. With many of...
Does size really matter? The ups and downs of owning a microbusiness in the UAE
The dream of business growth is often seen as a desirable progression as part of an entrepreneur’s long-term business plan. But some business owners prefer to keep their business small because they see far greater benefits in running very small ventures. Often...
Sponsoring Dependants in the UAE: Everything You Need to Know
There are a host of great reasons to live and work in the UAE. From a business perspective, the country’s favourable tax regime – 0% on personal and corporate incomes – makes it an incredibly attractive proposition. As does its vibrant economy and its strategic...
5 benefits of setting up a branch office of your company in the UAE
The UAE’s authorities aim to make it as easy as possible for foreign companies to start a business in the country. This is the guiding idea behind the wide range of options available in the UAE’s free zones, offshore companies and mainland businesses. If you are...
How to set up a mobile app company in the UAE
It’s incredible to think that it is nearly ten years since Apple coined the now much-quoted phrase – There’s an app for that – in its marketing for the iPhone 3g. At the time it was already hard to argue against the company’s claim that there was an app for every...
What Rules are in Place for Choosing Your Company Name in the UAE?
Your company’s name is a powerful thing. By choosing a title which resonates with your customers, you develop a memorable brand, meaning people are more likely to choose your offering. In the book Brand Power, Paul Stobart (the director of Interbrand Group, a branding...
Franchising your brand: Should it be part of your long-term plan?
The benefits of choosing the franchise model as part of your long-term business plan can often be compelling. From raising capital without surrendering equity to supercharging your brand, it can give you the chance to grow your business quickly in the knowledge that...
Dubai is boosting startups and SMEs – are you capitalising?
It’s good to know that the UAE government continues in its determined push to make it as easy as possible for entrepreneurs to start and grow an enterprise. Proof of this proactivity is in the avalanche of new initiatives aimed at cutting red tape and fostering...
Startup tips that bring Silicon Valley to the Middle East
A growing number of entrepreneurs based in the Emirates are bridging the gap between the Middle East and California: in establishing and developing strong links with Silicon Valley to take their tech businesses to the next level. This is creating an exciting new tech...
Why Creative City is a great option
Sometimes, business innovation is about producing a newer, better version of an existing product or service. Other times, it’s about entirely reinventing your business model. Indeed, a Harvard Business Review article on the topic argues that “great business models can...
Why the UAE is an attractive option for entrepreneurs
The UAE is one of the best places in the world to locate a startup due to its healthy economy, attractive finance options, impressive infrastructure and extensive government support. But the icing on the cake for many entrepreneurs is the exciting mix of potential...
