UAE considers changes to laws on foreign ownership of businesses

 

A report out in The National this morning has stated that the authorities in the UAE are currently considering changes in their laws which would allow international companies 100% ownership of the businesses which they own within the UAE. This initiative is seen as part of a larger program to encourage foreign investment in the Emirates.

 

At present, foreign nationals are restricted to a maximum 49% ownership of businesses in the country, with the exception of businesses situated within the free zones. It is estimated that this legislation will be submitted to cabinet within two months.

 

Yesterday, the Minister of the Economy, Sultan Al Mansouri was quoted as saying, 'A lot of industries worldwide are very interested to move here to the UAE, providing there are certain terms and conditions they would like to see in the industrial law.'