Regulatory Compliance

Operating a business in the UAE requires navigating a complex and constantly evolving regulatory environment – spanning licensing, sector-specific approvals, AML/KYC obligations, and government liaison at multiple levels. We provide comprehensive compliance support across all these dimensions.

Regulatory & Compliance Guidance

Regulatory and Compliance Guidance offers essential support for businesses during incorporation, covering key legal requirements, licensing, and ongoing compliance obligations. This service ensures that businesses meet all local and industry-specific regulations, reducing risks and promoting a fully compliant start to operations.

Scope of work

• Identify all industry-specific and general legal regulations applicable to the new business.
• Provide a clear guide on obtaining the necessary licenses and permits for operation.
• Develop a checklist for ongoing corporate compliance obligations (e.g., ESR, UBO filings, license renewal).

Deliverables

• A Regulatory Compliance Memorandum outlining all legal requirements.
• A checklist for initial and ongoing compliance tasks.

Pricing

• AED 10,000 onward (Fixed Fee)

AML/KYC Compliance for Financial Institutions

We work closely with financial institutions to build and refine their compliance frameworks. Our service is highly customized, focusing on developing, stress-testing, and implementing robust AML/KYC policies and procedures that are practical, effective, and fully compliant with the stringent standards of the UAE Central Bank and FATF.

Scope of work

• Work closely with financial institutions to build and refine their compliance frameworks.
• Our scope is highly customized, focusing on developing, stress-testing, and implementing robust AML/KYC policies and procedures that are practical, effective, and fully compliant with UAE Central Bank and FATF standards.

Deliverables

• A bespoke, comprehensive AML/KYC Policy and Procedures Manual.
• A formal report on compliance gaps and recommendations.

Pricing

• AED 15,000 onwards (Hourly rate)

Complex Approvals: Health Authority, Police Security, Civil Defense, Securities & Commodities

Special Approvals (Complex) services help businesses navigate the intricate approval processes required by regulatory bodies for high-risk or specialized sectors. This includes obtaining approvals from the Health Authority, Police Security for sensitive products or cybersecurity, Civil Defense for fire safety and security, and the Securities and Commodities Authority. These services ensure compliance with rigorous regulations and facilitate smooth, lawful operations.

Scope of work

• Provide strategic advice on the complex and stringent requirements for approvals in these sensitive sectors.
• Manage the preparation of the extensive documentation and technical files required.
• Liaise with the relevant authority (e.g., Dubai Health Authority, SIRA) on the client’s behalf.
• Guide the client through any required site inspections or interviews.

Deliverables

• The final, official approval or license from the specialized regulatory body.

Pricing

• AED 25,000 to AED 100,000 and success fee. (Fixed fee and success fee. The fees depends on the type of approval (construction permit to military trading))

Very Complex Approvals: Dubai Municipality (Construction, Engineering, Food), Ministry of Industry, Securities & Commodities (Banking)

Special Approvals (Very Complex) services guide businesses through the intricate approval processes required by highly regulated sectors. This includes obtaining approvals from Dubai Municipality for construction, engineering, and food-related activities, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for industrial operations, and the Securities and Commodities Authority for banking-related approvals. These services ensure full regulatory compliance and facilitate seamless business operations in these challenging fields.

Scope of work

• Provide end-to-end project management for very complex approval processes.
• This scope includes coordinating with technical consultants (e.g., engineers, food safety experts) to prepare the application file.
• Represent the client in high-level meetings with the regulatory authorities.
• Navigate the multi-stage approval process to a successful conclusion.

Deliverables

• Full project management of the approval process.
• The final, critical approval or permit (e.g., building permit, industrial license).

Pricing

• AED 75,000 to AED 200,000 and success fee. (Fixed fee and success fee. The fees depends on the type of approval (construction permit to military trading))

Special Approvals: Dubai Municipality (Porc, Tobacco, Gambling, SPA), Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and other Ministries (Military, Pharma, Oil & Gas)

Special Approvals (Special Approval) services assist businesses in obtaining approvals for highly regulated industries. This includes obtaining permissions from Dubai Municipality for sectors such as pork, tobacco, gambling, and SPAs, as well as approvals from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for military, pharmaceutical, and oil & gas sectors. These services ensure compliance with stringent regulations, enabling smooth and legal operations in specialized fields.

Scope of work

• Provide highly specialized legal and strategic advisory on obtaining approvals in these exceptionally regulated and sensitive sectors.
• The scope involves deep liaison with high levels of government, managing extensive due diligence, and navigating unpublished policies and procedures.
• This is a bespoke service tailored to the unique challenges of each specific approval.

Deliverables

• A strategic roadmap for the approval.
• High-level representation and liaison.
• The final, special approval.

Pricing

• AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000 and success fee. (Fixed fee and success fee. The fees depends on the type of approval (construction permit to military trading))

Government Liaison & Approvals

Government liaison and approvals service streamlines interactions with regulatory authorities, ensuring swift and compliant processing of all necessary permits, licenses, and approvals for business operations. We handle complex documentation and coordinate with relevant government bodies, allowing our clients to focus on core activities while we manage the regulatory requirements. This service ensures a seamless setup and ongoing compliance within the chosen jurisdiction.

Scope of work

• Act as the client’s formal legal representative and primary point of contact with all relevant government authorities.
• The scope includes managing a portfolio of required approvals, from standard to highly complex.
• We streamline interactions, manage all documentation and submissions, and proactively follow up to ensure swift and compliant processing of all necessary permits and licenses.

Deliverables

• A complete portfolio of all required government approvals and licenses for the business operation.

Pricing

• AED 25,000 to AED 1,000,000 and success fee. (Fixed fee and success fee. The fees depends on the type of approval (construction permit to military trading))