Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Help from entrepreneurial women.

708

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 14:18

Right, so I want to start something on my own later this year and am in the process of doing groundwork/research for the same - licenses/documentation stuff like that. Is there anyone who can guide me or give me any information? Will be home based and want to look into retailing through stores later.

Any help will be much appreciated.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

74

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 20:17

hi ladies, just came across this that might be of interest for you: - TECOM SME meetings @ Knowledge Village are free and do provide info on setting up businesses here - Dubai Business Women Group also has the same service. Good luck with your plans!

656

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:53

To do your line of work you can get the appropriate Trade Licence from either (a) Dubai Media City or (b) Fujeriah Creative Freezone (this is a completely separate freezone from Fujeriah Freezone). Option B will be the cheapest but it is restrictive like you are only supposed to do the work in Fujeriah. Option A, through Dubai Media City is more expensive I think its 25,000. This will include your Trade Licence, Desk and Visa. If you don't need a visa then it might be cheaper. This will allow you to work anywhere in the UAE. I only know all this as DH was thinking of getting a freelance visa and muggings me had to do the calling around.

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:21

I have seen with my own eyes a company trading in Dubai with a RAK freezone license receiving a fine for not being licensed. If they say it is ok, then you had better go to DED and check with them

225

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 20:17

There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there and I would also like to make sure I'm going to operating legally. When I spoke to Fujairah free zone sales office they said they could give me a freelancer licence without visa (I'm on DH sponsorship) which would enable me to work from home and invoice throughout the UAE. This for an annual cost of AED10K. Can anyone shed any light on this? My suggestion is to speak to RAK Freezone directly and get the information from them in writing (it's definitely available in writing).

dutchdesert27532

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 17:04

Fuzz, you can remove your email x

Mother Inferior.

113

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 16:49

Twinsmum & DDougherty PLEASE email me; copykellie AT G mail dot com Have a real need for some DXB based partnership - :)

18

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 16:45

Hi Dutchdesert, Would you mind emailing me also? Thank you! x <em>edited by Fuzz82 on 02/02/2011</em>

dutchdesert27532

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 14:20

Twinsmum, stovetop and Marydots, You got mail.

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 13:07

There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there and I would also like to make sure I'm going to operating legally. When I spoke to Fujairah free zone sales office they said they could give me a freelancer licence without visa (I'm on DH sponsorship) which would enable me to work from home and invoice throughout the UAE. This for an annual cost of AED10K. Can anyone shed any light on this?

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 12:52

no you will be fined by DED

225

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 12:50

You can also work from Dubai via RAK Freezone's office here.

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 12:49

but you are only allowed to work in the Emirate that issues your work permit (like RAK freezone etc)

gleekfamily24043

481

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 12:40

Where is CreativeZone doing their licensing from? Dubai? I know that Virtuzone goes through Fujairah. It just sounds suspect that you'll get a UAE residence visa...does that exist? Aren't residence visas issued by each emirate?

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 12:27

DDougherty - I'm thinking of setting up a marketing consultancy. Have 13 years UAE exp in marketing/branding/PR and my current contract ends this month so thinking of taking the plunge! <em>edited by twinsmum on 24/01/2011</em>

2725

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 11:15

Thanks ladies. Yup, all this groundwork is so that I can do everything the legal way. Don't wish to get into anything fishy. I'm wondering how freelance writers and photographers work - the lagal ones. I'm looking at taking some freelance design consultation projects, as I've been approached for these but like I said, don't want to start anything till I am allowed to and have all the licenses etc in place. SalsB, do you have TashaB's email id? Or do you know her personally so maybe you can tell her about this thread? I'm sure she'll have some valuable info. Stovetop I think I still have your email, will contact you. You got mail. <em>edited by salsB on 24/01/2011</em>

DDougherty21687

70

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 11:13

Ladies-Check out creativezone.ae and if anyone is looking at starting up a production co or marketing/branding consultancy-let me know :)

74

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 11:08

Hi Dutchdesert, Can you please send me info as I am interested as well: maria dot konceicao at hotmail dot com ? Thanks

225

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 08:29

Stovetop, freelance writers/designers/photographers/one-man-band creative types can get a freelance trade license through Dubai Media City. It's quite expensive though as you are required to take a 'hot desk' which is, in effect, your premises. I've yet to meet a freelancer who uses their desk for their actual work though.

dutchdesert27532

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 08:24

Hi stovetop, If you leave you're email,I think I can help you. Just started my company.

708

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 January 2011 - 02:42

Thanks ladies. Yup, all this groundwork is so that I can do everything the legal way. Don't wish to get into anything fishy. I'm wondering how freelance writers and photographers work - the lagal ones. I'm looking at taking some freelance design consultation projects, as I've been approached for these but like I said, don't want to start anything till I am allowed to and have all the licenses etc in place. SalsB, do you have TashaB's email id? Or do you know her personally so maybe you can tell her about this thread? I'm sure she'll have some valuable info.

2725

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 22:56

TashaB started her own company up just over a year ago ( supplying a service ) and had to go thru freezone, maybe she has more info on it. <em>edited by salsB on 23/01/2011</em>

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 22:07

Even if you get a license (using a sponsor) through the DED you will not be allowed to work from home. This license is only issued to UAE nationals, without exception. Freezone, I have no idea about. But if you are going to trade, you will need a license. Fines can run from Dh5,000 -dh.50,000 Somebody recently said they were going to run cookery classes from home. They also said they were 'all sorted' with the license etc, which would be impossible to do. No license would be issued for such activities.

13

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 21:27

There is a new freezone called Dubai Creative Zone based in the Monarch hotel. Try them Or get yourself a local sponsor.

656

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 21:26

Dubai Business Advisors will help you with information. 04 341 9701 with regard to costs etc. The first meeting is free. Just go in there armed with questions. You can go elsewhere afterwards. Its best to set up in a Freezone as well.

keepinfaith17071

122

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 21:21

If you are thinking of a virtual office set up or an online store, its not legal to set up one without a license. During a course I did on entrepreneurship in UAE, we were told that only the local women get licenses to work from home. If you wish to go the legal way. you will need a license to operate and a place to operate from and yeah can vary depending on exactly what you wish to sell.

8

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 17:39

You can't do anything here unless you have a Trade License and a registered premises. The Trade Licence depicts which activities you can do which you select at the time of registration. You can see http://www.dubaided.gov.ae/english/pages/default.aspx to give you the registration process. Having said that many of us do run small businesses from home but please understand this is not legal in the true sense of the word...

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?