Hi, we are 2 expat spouses and would like to start doing our business by opening our company. First we are not sure if as a spouse we can do this? Then we don’t know the following step to take knowing that we want to do some trading (import plants) in Dubai. We are a bit lost as to what to do next (do we need to go to the ministry of economy and then what… which status to chose from. Is there someone who is dealing with the set up of a company? Please your help is very important .

For this answer I consulted Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy and this is their reply:

To start trading and selling to clients in the Emirate of Dubai, there a variety of procedures which need to be followed in line with the Dubai Economic Department’s (DED) requirements. From seeking an initial approval for the name, to determining the exact license group and activity or drafting the company documents (to be in both English and Arabic), it is important to have a legal consultant advising you throughout the process. The process can take between one and three weeks, and it is important to note that an office premises must be leased too. We can consult you on this business set-up and assist you with the legal procedures.”