Summary An architectural license in Saudi Arabia requires MISA investment approval, Ministry of Commerce registration, and Saudi Council of Engineers licensing, with foreign firms generally needing a Saudi partner holding at least 25% unless they qualify for a 100% ownership exemption. That exemption requires roughly 10 years of operational experience,…
Summary Starting an e-commerce business in Saudi Arabia requires MISA registration for foreign investors, Commercial Registration, and an e-commerce license, with total realistic setup costing SAR 8,500 to 28,000. Foreign investors can generally own 100% of most e-commerce activities through MISA, without a mandatory local partner. If you’re thinking about…
Summary Emiratisation requires private mainland companies with 50 or more skilled employees to raise Emirati representation by 2 percentage points a year, reaching 10 percent of skilled roles, split into a mid-year and year-end checkpoint. Missing the target now costs AED 9,000 to AED 10,000 per month per unfilled position,…
Summary A Dubai technical services license authorises electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry businesses through DET or a free zone authority. This guide covers real costs, a realistic timeline, and two approvals most guides skip entirely, Dubai Civil Defense clearance for fire and electrical safety work, and DEWA contractor classification for…
Summary Dubai has become one of the world’s best places for steel trading, with the UAE running a strong trade balance in steel imports and exports since 2021. Setup costs typically run AED 40,000 to AED 80,000, and while 100% foreign ownership is available both in free zones and on…
Summary An entertainment license in Saudi Arabia is issued by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), covering cinemas, amusement parks, event organizers, and live performance venues. Costs typically run SAR 50,000 to SAR 200,000, with approval taking 4 to 8 weeks, and foreign investors can generally own 100% of the business…
