Author: As Khurana

EU Delists UAE from ‘High-Risk Third Countries’ List

Introduction On July 09, 2025, the European Union officially removed the United Arab Emirates from its “high-risk third countries” AML/CFT list—mirroring the FATF’s grey-list delisting in February 2024. This marks a watershed moment in the UAE’s financial-compliance journey, reflecting material reforms and unlocking tangible benefits for trade, investment, and international partnerships. 1. EU AML/CFT Regime […]

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance in the UAE : Legal Overview & Practical Guide

The UAE has recently overhauled its anti-money laundering (AML) framework to align with global standards. At the center is Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 (as amended by Decree-Law No. 26/2021), which requires businesses to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. These rules apply broadly – from banks and exchanges to many non-financial sectors – […]

UAE Golden Visa Rumor Debunked – Regulatory Clarification & Client Advisory

Regulatory Clarification & Client Advisory UAE Golden Visa Rumor Debunked Regulatory Clarification & Client Advisory Introduction Recently, various reports have been circulating across media and social platforms suggesting the launch of a new Golden Visa scheme offering lifetime UAE residency for a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately INR 23 lakh). According to these claims, […]

Secretarial Compliance for Companies in the UAE Enhanced Penalty Regime

Back in November 2022, the UAE dramatically expanded its fines for corporate secretarial lapses under Cabinet Resolution 102/2022, amending Federal Decree-Law 32/2021 (the Commercial Companies Law). What was once mere procedural oversights now carry substantial, per-occurrence fines—up to six figures in dirhams. Both mainland and free-zone companies must now treat minute-taking, register-keeping, and timely filings […]

Navigating the UAE’s Virtual Asset Licensing Landscape A Strategic Guide for VASPs

As the United Arab Emirates cements its position as a global crypto hub, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) eyeing expansion into this dynamic region must understand the regulatory landscape. With multiple regulatory bodies across federal and free zone jurisdictions, getting licensed in the UAE requires a tailored, jurisdiction-specific strategy. At HLS Global UAE, we specialize […]

Crypto Market Regulation: Global & UAE Overview

Welcome to the first installment of our crypto regulation newsletter series. Over the coming editions, we’ll dive into specifics — licensing, governance, compliance, and more — focusing primarily on the UAE. In this brief kickoff, we’ll sketch out the global regulatory environment and then zoom in on how the United Arab Emirates is approaching digital‐asset […]

How to Navigate Contract Risks in the UAE: Essential Tips for CEOs and CFOs in 2025

Introduction In the UAE, contracts don’t fail in court—they fail in execution. A poorly structured agreement can cause business deadlock, risk your trade license, or trigger regulatory audits. In 2025, regulatory scrutiny is sharper than ever. The Ministry of Economy, the FTA, and banks now flag contracts that lack clarity around ownership, control, and compliance—making […]

Business Setup Services UAE: How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business Beyond the Trade License?

Introduction Most new UAE investors focus on one number—the trade license fee. But that’s just the beginning. In reality, the license covers only 30–40% of your actual business setup costs. The rest depends on: Your legal structure (LLC, branch, or free zone entity) Type of business activity (especially if it’s regulated) Compliance requirements (AML, UBO, […]

Doing Business in the UAE

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – A BRIEF BACKGROUND The UAE is a federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain). Each emirate has its own local government responsible for passing laws applicable to that emirate. However, the Federal law overrides all the local legislation. The UAE is […]

Dubai Market Entry: Regulatory Triggers Foreign Investors Can’t Afford to Miss

The UAE remains a magnet for international investors due to its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. However, understanding and complying with the regulatory framework is crucial for foreign investors and multinational companies considering entry into the UAE market. The UAE’s evolving legal and tax landscape demands meticulous planning, especially regarding company formation and doing business […]