Summary You can check your UAE residence visa status for free through the ICP portal (for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates) or the GDRFA portal (for Dubai), using just your passport number and personal details, no login required. As of 11 February 2026, the grace period after a…
Summary DMCC offers ten distinct license categories, from Trading and Service licenses through Holding Company, SPV, and Crypto/VASP structures, with costs commonly ranging AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 depending on activity and office type. Contrary to some guides, DMCC companies aren’t automatically tax-free, corporate tax applies unless specific qualifying conditions…
Summary Abu Dhabi offers two genuinely different freelance licensing routes: a media-specific permit through twofour54, regulated by the Creative Media Authority, and a broader freelance permit covering IT, consulting, design, and other professions through ADDED or the TAMM platform. Costs range from roughly AED 3,500 for a media permit alone…
Summary Starting a plumbing business in Dubai requires a trade license from DET or a free zone, Dubai Municipality technical approval, and certified technicians, with mainland setup costing AED 25,000 to 50,000. Profits aren’t automatically tax-free, corporate tax applies unless specific qualifying conditions are met, a detail worth getting right…
Summary Dubai’s tourism sector has grown from a regional stopover into a genuine global destination, driven by government investment, world-class infrastructure, and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s push toward higher annual visitor numbers. Entrepreneurs can now access 100% foreign ownership for most tourism business activities both in free zones and…
Summary PCI compliance in the UAE helps businesses protect cardholder data, reduce payment-security risk, and meet requirements set by card brands, acquiring banks, payment processors, and other compliance-accepting entities. This guide explains PCI DSS v4.0.1, who needs it, the 12 core requirements, SAQ and ROC validation, audit steps, cost and…
