New ownership rule in six months

Published Thursday, March 13, 2008

By Vigyan Arya

(PATRICK CASTILLO)

The UAE is to allow foreigners to fully own businesses outside free zones in a number of sectors, Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri has revealed.

The move represents a major change in ownership laws – but the minister declined to say which sectors would be affected.

“The legislation will be ready within six months,” he said. “We will allow foreign ownership wherever it helps the economy of the UAE.”

Currently foreign investors are allowed to own a maximum of 49 per cent of a UAE company, with the balance owned by Emiratis. In certain areas of the financial sector, such as insurance, the limit on foreign ownership is as low as 25 per cent.

Former economy minister Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi indicated last June the new laws would allow majority foreign ownership in some areas of the financial services sector.

Full foreign ownership is at present largely restricted to free zones such as Dubai Media City (DMC), Dubai Internet City (DIC) and the Jebel Ali Free Zone. There are, however, a number of other exceptions to the 51 per cent rule:

- Areas where the law requires 100 per cent UAE national ownership.

- Activities open to 100 per cent GCC ownership.

Wholly owned GCC companies entering into partnership with UAE nationals.

- Foreign companies registering branches or representative offices in the UAE.

- Professional or artisan companies where 100 per cent foreign ownership is permitted.

The move to allow greater foreign investment in UAE companies is in line with recommendations made by the World Trade Organisation.

Ajay Gupta, CEO of Westar Properties, which has commercial and residential projects in Dubai and plans to expand into other emirates, said: “Such a move will be very encouraging and will boost the confidence of foreigners in the UAE.” The new company law has taken much longer than expected to prepare.

Jordanian businessman Mubarak Hend, who plans to invest in Dubai, said: “Changes in ownership laws will surely lead to more funds flowing into the country and an additional boost to the economy.”

The UAE aims to significantly increase the amount of foreign investment in the country as it continues to expand its economy and develop its infrastructure.

The country has experienced substantial growth in foreign investment over the last few years but the restrictions on full foreign ownership have been cited as a factor holding back greater investment.

Foreign direct investment in the UAE rose 10.8 per cent to Dh68.63 billion in 2006, according to a recent Ministry of Economy report.

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The page was last updated on: 14 January 2016 16:57