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Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Start a Business in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Thinking of starting a business in the UAE in 2025? You're not alone. The UAE is a magnet for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors worldwide. Thanks to its tax-friendly regime, high-quality infrastructure, and global connectivity, setting up a business here has never been more appealing. But hold on, you can't just land in Dubai and open shops the next day. You need a proper plan, local insight, and a clear understanding of the UAE's legal landscape. Here wewalk you through every step from idea to license, so you can launch smart and succeed faster. Before diving in, you must understand the three main jurisdictions where businesses operate: Ideal for full ownership and tax benefits. You're limited to operating inside the zone or internationally unless you use a distributor. Gives you access to the UAE market directly. As of recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in many sectors. Best suited for international trading or holding companies. Offshore companies can't operate directly in the UAE market. The first step is deciding what type of business you want to start. From tech startups to construction firms or consultants, your choice must align with the activities listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Free Zone : If your clients are international or online. : If your clients are international or online. Mainland : If you want to serve UAE's domestic market. : If you want to serve UAE's domestic market. Offshore: If you need global banking and asset protection. Your business structure defines your responsibilities, liability, and setup needs: Sole Proprietorship : One individual owns and runs the business. : One individual owns and runs the business. LLC (Limited Liability Company) : Ideal for partnerships. : Ideal for partnerships. Branch Office: Great for expanding foreign entities into the UAE. Your business name should be unique, relevant, and comply with naming laws (no religious or political terms). You can check availability on DED or Free Zone portals. This is the government's green signal that they're okay with you starting your setup. Basic documents like passport copies and business activity info are needed. MoA (Memorandum of Association) : Describes your business and partner roles. : Describes your business and partner roles. LSA (Local Service Agent): Required only for certain professional setups in mainland. UAE laws require a physical address. You can pick: Virtual offices (popular with Free Zones) Shared workspaces Leased commercial space Depending on your activity, you might need extra approvals (e.g., health, education, construction). Always check with relevant authorities. Main types of licenses: Commercial – For trading activities – For trading activities Professional – For consultancy, marketing, education – For consultancy, marketing, education Industrial – For manufacturing and production Pick a local or international bank based in the UAE. Requirements include: Trade license Passport copies MoA and company profile You'll need: Investor Visa (for owners) (for owners) Employee Visas (for staff) (for staff) Dependent Visas (for family) Startup costs vary based on location, business type, and license. On average: Free Zone: AED 12,000 – AED 50,000+ Mainland: AED 20,000 – AED 100,000+ Additional: Office rent, visa fees, insurance, and bank deposits Watch out for: Hidden government charges Renewal costs Ejari and tenancy contract fees Setting up in the UAE can get complex, but professional business setup services in UAE can streamline everything. They'll help with: Paperwork & government coordination Trade license applications Visa processing Office leasing and legal formalities Reputable company formation services in UAE guide you through compliance, document submission, and license acquisition. What they offer: End-to-end documentation Legal structure consulting Liaison with Free Zone and DED authorities PRO and translation services Understand the culture : Respect local customs and dress modestly : Respect local customs and dress modestly Build your online presence early : SEO, Google Maps, Social Media : SEO, Google Maps, Social Media Network like a pro: Attend expos and B2B events Choosing the wrong jurisdiction Underestimating operational costs Ignoring local labor laws Not having a proper marketing plan Starting a business in the UAE in 2025 is an exciting journey filled with opportunity. With a booming economy, tax advantages, and ease of doing business, it's no wonder so many are choosing the Emirates as their business hub. But don't go alone. Make use of professional business setup services in UAE and expert company formation services in UAE to guide you through the process and help you start strong. 1. What are the best free zones in the UAE in 2025? DMCC, IFZA, SHAMS, and RAKEZ are among the top Free Zones offering diverse benefits for various industries. 2. Can a foreigner own 100% of a business in UAE? Yes, many sectors now allow 100% foreign ownership in both Free Zones and the Mainland. 3. How long does company formation take? If your documents are in order, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. 4. Is a local sponsor mandatory in 2025? Not always. In many business activities and jurisdictions, local sponsors are no longer required. 5. Can I open a UAE company without visiting? Yes, some Free Zones allow full remote setup. But for banking and some approvals, a physical visit may be needed. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
President Trump meets African leaders in pivotal US policy shift
President Trump met with five African leaders at the White House on 9 July 2025. Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon are West African nations that are part of the summit. With a focus on mutual economic benefits, Trump outlined the goal of shifting from aid to commerce. President Trump praised the visiting leaders and emphasised the importance of strengthening trade ties with Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Senegal, Liberia, and Mauritania, the countries that are part of the summit. Each president highlighted the country's untapped natural resources during the luncheon. The Mauritanian President, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, identified lithium, manganese, and uranium as essential resources. In addition to supporting industrialisation, President Brice Oligui Nguema highlighted the need for energy infrastructure and argued for US investment in Gabon's mineral processing sector. President Trump praised the visiting leaders and described their countries as 'vibrant places' with 'very valuable land' and 'great mineral wealth'. Migration and drug trafficking were strategic issues for the US government. Guinea-Bissau and Senegal are vital transit countries for routes used by drug and migration traffickers. One of the many components of current US policy for Liberians living in the United States is the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) extension, which temporarily delays deportation and is a discretionary presidential directive and not a regulation. Former President Biden issued a memorandum on 28 June 2024, extending the DED for eligible Liberians until 30 June 2026. Until then, eligible Liberian nationals and stateless individuals who last habitually resided in Liberia have protections from deportation under the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) policy. The US Drug Enforcement Administration recently extradited drug traffickers from Guinea-Bissau to face penalties. In addition, President Trump emphasised using trade as a diplomatic tool to reduce violence and instability in the region. Furthermore, the leaders expressed their support for American peace efforts in Rwanda and the DR Congo. The summit follows the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ending US foreign aid to Africa. USAID previously accounted for approximately 2.6% of Liberia's gross national income (GNI), the highest aid to GNI ratio globally. According to a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) global health impact analysis that was published in The Lancet, the termination of USAID programmes could result in more than 14 million needless deaths worldwide by 2030. Over 4.5 million children under five are among the 133 low- and middle-income countries heavily dependent on US foreign aid. Moreover, Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló remains in office, with his five-year term constitutionally set to expire in September 2025. Former Gabon leader Ali Bongo Ondimba faces corruption allegations after the coup in 2023 that installed General Brice Oligui Nguema as the country's leader. During the lunch, President Trump focused on trade and investment, without publicly addressing governance, democracy, or human rights. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Business Setup in Dubai: The Ultimate Blueprint for a Flawless Launch
This guide is your map. We'll break down the journey into three foundational pillars, helping you understand the landscape of business setup in Dubai and how to navigate it with confidence. Before a single document is filed, the most critical work begins: strategy. The decisions you make here will define your company's potential, limitations, and operational structure. The core of this is the company formation in Dubai, which revolves around one key question: Where will your business live? You have three primary options: Mainland Company: This is your ticket to the entire UAE market. A mainland license, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows you to trade directly with local businesses and consumers and bid on government contracts. This is your ticket to the entire UAE market. A mainland license, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows you to trade directly with local businesses and consumers and bid on government contracts. Free Zone Company: With over 40 to choose from, free zones are economic areas offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined processes. Each zone is often tailored to specific industries (like tech, media, or commodities). With over 40 to choose from, free zones are economic areas offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined processes. Each zone is often tailored to specific industries (like tech, media, or commodities). Offshore Company: This is a non-resident entity, ideal for international trade, asset protection, and holding investments. It cannot operate within the UAE market but provides significant tax and privacy benefits. Understanding the nuances between jurisdictions like DED, DMCC, and IFZA is crucial. For entrepreneurs seeking a deep dive into the legal structures and benefits of each, comprehensive guides from specialists like Company Formation Corporate Services Provider ( can be invaluable. Once your strategy is set, you enter the world of administration. This is where the vision meets the paperwork, and it's the stage that can easily overwhelm even the most organized entrepreneur. This is where PRO services in Dubai become non-negotiable. A Public Relations Officer (PRO) is your official liaison with all government departments. They are experts in navigating the portals and processes for: Trade license applications and renewals. Residency visas for investors and employees. Labour and immigration card processing (MOHRE & GDRFA). Document attestation and legal translation. Trying to handle this yourself can lead to costly delays and rejections. Specialists who focus exclusively on PRO Services in Dubai are adept at managing these time-consuming formalities, ensuring your backend procedures are flawless so you can focus on building your business. Your company is legally formed, and your visa is in hand. The final pillar is setting up your financial infrastructure. This includes two critical components: Opening a Corporate Bank Account: A crucial step that has become increasingly stringent. UAE banks have strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and due diligence processes. You'll need a solid business plan and pristine documentation to secure an account. Ensuring Tax Compliance: The UAE now has both Value Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Tax. Understanding your obligations for registration, record-keeping, and filing is essential to avoid significant penalties. Many firms that assist with company formation in Dubai also provide guidance on this crucial step, helping you prepare the necessary documentation for a successful bank application and ensuring you are compliant from day one. The Dubai business setup ecosystem is robust, with a wide range of providers ready to help. You'll find broad-spectrum consultants who manage the entire journey from start to finish, as well as niche specialists who focus on one specific area. Your choice depends on your needs. Whether you prefer an all-in-one guide from a team like Business Setup Experts ( or a combination of specialized providers for each pillar, the key is to choose a partner who understands your specific business model and long-term goals. Starting a business in Dubai is a rewarding journey. With a clear understanding of these three pillars and the right expert support, you can navigate the maze with ease and turn your entrepreneurial vision into a thriving reality. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Breakthrough in Ophthalmology! Hengrui's Heng Qin® (Perfluorohexyloctane Eye Drops) Approved as First Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Associated with MGD
JIANGSU, China & HEIDELBERG, Germany & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. ('Hengrui Pharma'), a global pharmaceutical company focused on scientific and technological innovation, and Novaliq GmbH ('Novaliq'), a biopharmaceutical company focusing on first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics based on the unique EyeSol ® water-free technology, announce today that the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Heng Qin ® (Perfluorohexyloctane Eye Drops) for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) associated with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Heng Qin ® is the first and only drug approved to treat DED associated with MGD and will be available to patients in China in the coming months. According to the Chinese Expert Consensus on MGD: Diagnosis and Treatment in 2023, there is no drug that directly targets the treatment of MGD 1. The incidence rate of DED in China is 21%-30% according to the Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye 2. Epidemiology studies show that 69%-86% of DED patients suffer from evaporative DED, the most common disease subtype resulting from MGD 3,4. Hengrui aims to address the urgent and common clinical need for an effective and safe treatment for the treatment of DED associated with MGD. Heng Qin ® (Perfluorohexyloctane Eye Drops) is based on EyeSol ®, the world's first water-, excipient-, and preservative-free drug technology 5,6. Due to its low surface tension 5, it rapidly spreads over the ocular surface 7. It improves the tear lipid layer, inhibits tear evaporation, and promotes corneal epithelial healing 8,9. In addition, perfluorohexyloctane supplements nonpolar lipids in the lipid layer, increases tear film thickness and improves Meibomian gland function 8,9. The NMPA approval of Heng Qin ® was based on a multi-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind, pivotal phase 3 clinical study in Chinese patients 8. The study demonstrated that Heng Qin ® compared with an active comparator, 0.6% saline solution, significantly improved the clinical signs and symptoms of patients with DED associated with MGD as early as 2 weeks and at day 29, respectively. The effects were maintained through day 57, the end of the study. According to the study findings, Heng Qin ® is safe and well-tolerated. The incidence of instillation site reactions following administration of the eye drops is low and comparable to the study comparator. In 2019, Hengrui Pharma and Novaliq announced a strategic collaboration under which Hengrui Pharma secured exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize perfluorohexyloctane (development name: SHR8058 eye drops) in China. Perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution was approved as dry eye drug therapy in the United States and in Canada in May 2023 and September 2024, respectively. About Hengrui Pharma Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Hengrui Pharma) is an innovative, global pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of high-quality medicines to address unmet clinical needs. With a global R&D team that includes 14 R&D centers and more than 5,500 professionals, Hengrui Pharma's therapeutic areas of focus include oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, immunological and respiratory diseases, and neuroscience. To date, Hengrui has commercialized 23 new molecular entity drugs and 4 other innovative drugs in China. Founded in 1970 with the core principle of putting patients first, Hengrui Pharma remains committed to advancing human health by striving to conquer diseases, improve health, and extend lives through the power of science and technology. About Novaliq Novaliq is a private biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics. Novaliq developed EyeSol ®, a novel drug category of water-free topical eye medicines. Two FDA-approved EyeSol ® medicinal products for dry eye disease – Miebo ® and Vevye ® – are on the market in the United States revolutionizing patient care. The Novaliq R&D pipeline provides multiple development opportunities in ophthalmology and retina therapies. Novaliq is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany and has an office in Cambridge, MA, USA. The long-term single shareholder is dievini Hopp BioTech holding GmbH & Co. KG, an active investor in Life and Health Sciences companies. More on Reference Chinese Branch of the Asian Dry Eye Society, Ocular Surface and Tear Film Diseases Group of Ophthalmology Committee of Cross‑Straits Medicine Exchange Association, & Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Group of Chinese Ophthalmologist Association (2023). [Zhonghua yan ke za zhi] Chinese journal of ophthalmology. 2023 Nov 11; 59(11), 880–887. doi: 10.3760/ Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye. ISBN: 9787523506189 Jie Y, Xu L, Wu YY, Jonas JB. Prevalence of dry eye among adult Chinese in the Beijing Eye Study. Eye (Lond). 2009 Mar;23(3):688–693. doi: 10.1038/ Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD. Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea. 2012 May;31(5):472-8. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318225415a. Tsagogiorgas C, Otto M. Semifluorinated Alkanes as New Drug Carriers-An Overview of Potential Medical and Clinical Applications. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Apr 11;15(4):1211. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041211. Sheppard JD, et al. MOJAVE Study Group. NOV03 for Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease Associated With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: The Randomized Phase 3 MOJAVE Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023 Aug;252:265-274. doi: 10.1016/ Agarwal P, et al. Preclinical studies evaluating the effect of semifluorinated alkanes on ocular surface and tear fluid dynamics. Ocul Surf. 2019 Apr;17(2):241-249. doi: 10.1016/ Vittitow J, et al. In Vitro Inhibition of Evaporation with Perfluorohexyloctane, an Eye Drop for Dry Eye Disease. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2023 May 12;98:100704. doi: 10.1016/ Steven P, et al. Semifluorinated Alkane Eye Drops for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Disease. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Nov;33(9):678-685. doi: 10.1089/jop.2017.0042. Tian L, et al. Perfluorohexyloctane Eye Drops for Dry Eye Disease Associated With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Chinese Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2023 Apr 1;141(4):385-392. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.0270. Any product/brand names and/or logos are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2025 Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. and Novaliq GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany. All rights reserved.
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
A newlywed was shackled by ICE officers after her US honeymoon: ‘Moved like cattle, no food or water'
A newlywed Palestinian woman from Texas says she was shackled, denied food and water, and 'moved around like cattle' during nearly five months in US immigration custody, all for being stateless. Ward Sakeik, 22, who has lived in the United States since she was eight years old, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February while returning from her honeymoon in the US Virgin Islands. Despite a court order barring her deportation, she remained in detention for 140 days until her release earlier this week. 'I did lose five months of my life because I was criminalised for being stateless, something that I absolutely have no control over,' Sakeik said during a press conference in Texas on Thursday, according to an ABC News report. 'Humanity was stripped away from me.' After her detention, the US government attempted to deport her twice. During the first attempt, she was told she would be taken to the Israeli border, at the very moment Israel was launching airstrikes on Iran. The second time, authorities again moved to deport her, despite a judge's order explicitly prohibiting her removal from Texas. 'I was moved around like cattle and the US government attempted to dump me in part of the world where I don't know where I'm going and what I'm doing or anything,' Sakeik said. As per a report in The Guardian, Sakeik was born in Saudi Arabia to a family originally from Gaza, but because the kingdom does not grant citizenship to children of foreign nationals, she entered the US with her family in 2011 on a tourist visa. The family later applied for asylum. Though she was issued a deportation order as a child, she was allowed to remain in the country under an 'order of supervision,' a designation that allowed her to work and regularly check in with immigration authorities. Over the years, Sakeik graduated from high school, earned a degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and built, what she called 'a successful wedding photography business'. Earlier this year, she married 28-year-old Taahir Shaikh, a US citizen, and filed for a green card. The initial phase of her application was approved while she remained in detention. A post shared by @justiceforwardsakeik ICE tried to deport her again, in violation of the court order and existing protections under the Biden administration's Deferred and Forced Departure (DED) policy for Palestinians, according to her attorneys. 'She had the right to travel to a US territory, which is what she did,' said attorney Maria Kari. 'This young couple researched their options, they went to the US Virgin Islands, a domestic flight, yet here we are with Ward having spent nearly five months in detention as a result.' The Department of Homeland Security was quote in The Guardian as claiming that Sakeik was flagged because she 'chose to fly over international waters and outside the US customs zone' and was stopped by Customs and Border Protection while attempting to re-enter the continental US. However, the US Virgin Islands are a US territory, and no passport is required for travel there. 'The facts are: she is in our country illegally. She overstayed her visa and has had a final order by an immigration judge for over a decade,' said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Sakeik described the conditions at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas, from where she was released on Tuesday, as 'inhumane,' citing dirty bathrooms, rusted beds, and insect infestations. 'The restrooms are also very, very, very much unhygienic. The beds have rust everywhere, are not properly maintained — ants, cockroaches, grasshoppers, spiders all over the facility. Girls will get bit. Girls will wake up with giant bruises,' she said. A DHS official told ABC News that Sakeik was released after she filed the proper applications to adjust her status based on her marriage. Her attorneys rejected that explanation, saying ICE continued to pursue her deportation even after learning her green card petition had been approved. 'We thought the US government didn't recognise Palestine as a country,' said attorney Eric Lee. 'Apparently, that wasn't a problem when they tried to deport her there…to a place that's experiencing a genocide.' Sakeik's family remains stateless, and she is still navigating the legal process to gain permanent residency. In the meantime, she says she plans to advocate for others in ICE custody. 'Women come here seeking a better life, but they're criminalised for that. They are dehumanised, and they're stripped away from their rights. We have been treated as a 'less-than' just simply for wanting a better life,' she said. 'I want to speak up for those who are still inside.'
