一、迪拜市场概况

迪拜是阿拉伯联合酋长国人口最多的城市，也是该国乃至中东地区的经济和金融中心，位于阿拉伯湾东南岸，为该国7个酋长国之一迪拜酋长国的首府。

迪拜市场充满活力且多元化，经济不断增长。迪拜政府高度重视贸易、旅游和创新，市场前景广阔。凭借其健全的法治环境、外国投资友好政策、高效的争端解决机制以及对知识产权的保护，迪拜为投资者提供了安全、稳定、开放、透明、繁荣的营商环境，堪称全球顶级商业和投资中心之一。

根据2023年9月28日发布的第34期全球金融中心指数城市综合竞争力排名，迪拜高居全球第22名，牢牢占据中东城市第一位。作为阿联酋的经济和金融中心，迪拜在阿联酋的经济腾飞中起到了支柱性的作用。

一、Dubai Market Overview

Dubai, nestled on the southeast coast of the Arabian Gulf, proudly claims the title of the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Not just a local powerhouse, Dubai functions as the economic and financial nucleus for the entire Middle East. As the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates constituting the UAE, it exudes prominence on both regional and global scales.

The dynamic market in Dubai unfolds with vibrancy and diversity, characterized by a perpetually expanding economy. The Dubai government, recognizing the pivotal role of trade, tourism, and innovation, has sculpted a promising market outlook. The city's allure is further heightened by a sturdy legal framework, policies welcoming foreign investment, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and robust safeguards for intellectual property. In this landscape, Dubai beckons investors with the promise of a secure, stable, open, transparent, and prosperous business milieu, solidifying its stature as one of the world's premier business and investment hubs.

Dubai's global standing is underscored by the 34th Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 34), unveiled on September 28, 2023, where it claims the 22nd position worldwide. Notably, it not only secures a spot in the global arena but also maintains its stronghold as the leading Middle Eastern city. Acting as the linchpin in the UAE's economic surge, Dubai proudly stands as the nation's primary economic and financial epicentre.

二、迪拜公司注册步骤

在迪拜注册公司的程序十分简易透明，只需以下10个步骤即可：

1、选择业务区域

在迪拜创立公司的类型，取决于公司可能的业务区域。在迪拜，有两种可选择的业务区域——自由贸易区和内陆区。自由贸易区通常针对特定行业或部门量身定制，位于自由区的公司通常在阿联酋境外开展业务。目前迪拜运营中的贸易区共24个，包括迪拜国际金融中心（DIFC）、迪拜多种商品交易中心（DMCC）等。而内陆区企业可以在阿联酋境内和境外进行贸易，并受迪拜标准法律法规的约束。

2、明确业务活动范围

需要参照迪拜经济发展部（DED）官方网站上批准的业务活动列表选择，形成清晰具体的公司业务综述。

3、选择公司名称

为公司选择一个独一无二的、符合迪拜法律规定的名称，并留意是否涉及宗教敏感信息

4、预先审批

一部分行业（如医疗、保健、教育等）需要迪拜有关部门的预先审批。

5、注册公司

向迪拜经济发展部（DED）提交公司名称、业务活动、股东信息和其他所需文件，并支付注册和其他相关费用。

6、申请签证

签证类型取决于投资和公司中的角色。如果公司包含外国股东或员工，则需要为其申请工作和居留签证。

7、开设公司银行账户

申请公司银行账户，需要准备公司注册文件和个人身份证件。所有商业交易都必须通过公司银行账户进行。

8、特定业务许可

部分业务活动可能需要特定官方机构的许可。

9、税务注册

阿联酋的企业所得税税率为9%。需要向联邦税务局注册并每年提交纳税申报表。

10、其他注意事项

1) 可以通过聘请迪拜的咨询公司以简化流程、节省时间。

2) 可以利用迪拜经济发展部、迪拜投资促进局、阿联酋自由区等在线平台和政府门户网站简化注册和文件提交流程。

3) 通过与其他企业和潜在合作伙伴建立联系，以提升公司业务运行效率。

二、Procedures for Registering a Company in Dubai

Embarking on the journey of establishing a business entity in the UAE involves an intricate process, encompassing a series of ten crucial steps:

1、Opt for the Business Paradigm

Make a strategic decision on the nature of the company, considering the expansive business landscape in Dubai. The city extends two distinctive business domains - Free Trade Zones and Mainland. Free Trade Zones cater to specific industries, enabling international operations for companies within these zones. Currently, there are a total of 24 operational Free Trade Zones in Dubai, including noteworthy ones like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Meanwhile, mainland businesses enjoy the flexibility of trading both domestically and globally, adhering to Dubai's standard legal framework.

2、Specify Business Endeavors

Articulate the company's intended business activities by referring to the authorized list available on the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) official website.

3、Opt for Company Appellation

Choose a distinctive name that aligns with Dubai's legal stipulations, avoiding any content that might be deemed religiously sensitive.

4、Preliminary Authorization

Certain sectors, such as healthcare and education, necessitate preliminary approval from pertinent Dubai authorities.

5、Formalize Company Registration

Present details such as the company name, business pursuits, shareholder particulars, and requisite documents to the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED), accompanied by the necessary fees for registration and related processes.

6、Apply for Visas

Visa classifications hinge on the roles associated with investments and the company structure. In cases involving foreign stakeholders or employees, the application process includes obtaining work and residency visas.

7、 Inaugurate a Corporate Bank Account

Initiate the process of acquiring a company bank account, furnishing the necessary company registration documents and personal identification. All financial transactions must channel through the designated company bank account.

8、Securing Business-Specific Authorizations

Certain business activities may mandate obtaining permits from designated official agencies.

9、Taxation Registration

The corporate tax rate in the UAE stands at 9%. Undertake registration with the Federal Tax Authority and diligently submit annual tax returns.

10、Additional Deliberations

a. Optimize the Procedure:

Simplify and expedite the entire process by engaging the services of a consultancy firm in Dubai.

b. Leverage Online Platforms:

Harness the potential of online avenues and government portals, such as the Dubai Economic Development Department, Dubai Investment Promotion Agency, and UAE Free Zones, to streamline the registration and document

三、董事责任义务

在迪拜，有关公司董事的责任与义务主要在2021年颁布的《商业公司法》中作出规定。以下是该法律中涉及董事责任和义务的主要方面：

1、法定责任

1) 勤勉尽责：董事有责任以勤勉尽责的态度执行其职责，确保公司的经营活动和决策符合法律法规，并有利于公司的长期利益。

2) 公司治理决策：董事在公司治理方面担任关键角色，需要参与并做出决策，以确保公司有效运作。

3) 信息披露和通知义务：董事有责任及时向公司股东、主管机关和其他相关方披露公司的关键信息，确保透明度和合规性。

4) 通报利益冲突：如果董事在公司决策中存在与其个人利益有冲突的情况，需要依法及时通报，并在相关决策中避免投票或参与。

总体而言，这些规定旨在确保公司董事履行其职责时遵守严格标准，保护公司及其利益相关方的权益，促进公司的良好治理和可持续经营。

三、Directors' Responsibilities and Duties

In Dubai, the responsibilities and duties of company directors are primarily outlined in the 2021 Commercial Companies Law. The following are the key aspects of directorial responsibilities and obligations under this law:

1、Statutory Duties

1) Diligence: Directors are obligated to execute their duties with diligence, ensuring that the company's business operations and decisions comply with legal regulations and contribute to the company's long-term interests.

2) Corporate Governance Decision-Making: Directors play a crucial role in corporate governance, actively participating in and making decisions to ensure the effective operation of the company. This involves reviewing and approving the company's strategies, financial plans, and other critical matters.

3)Information Disclosure and Notification Obligations: Directors have a responsibility to promptly disclose crucial company information to shareholders, regulatory authorities, and other relevant parties, ensuring transparency and compliance.

4) Reporting Conflicts of Interest: In cases where directors have conflicts of interest in company decisions due to personal interests, it is legally required to promptly report such situations and abstain from voting or participating in the related decisions.

Overall, these regulations aim to ensure that company directors strictly adhere to the standards while fulfilling their duties, protecting the rights of the company and its stakeholders, and promoting good corporate governance and sustainable business practices. It's worth noting that the specific responsibilities and duties outlined in the law may vary depending on the circumstances, and the applicable regulations need further consideration based on the nature and scale of the company.

四、受托责任

2015年，受托责任被首次写入阿联酋法律。《商业公司法》第22条规定了董事对公司和股东的特定受托责任。具体而言，公司常务董事应当保护公司的权利并审慎行事。此外，其一切行为应当执行与公司宗旨一致，并符合公司授权的范围，具体授权范围以公司出具的授权书为准。

四、Fiduciary Duty

In 2015, fiduciary duties were first incorporated into UAE law. Article 22 of the Commercial Companies Law stipulates specific fiduciary responsibilities of directors towards the company and shareholders. In particular, the Company’s managing director shall preserve the rights thereof and act with due care. Also, he shall carry out all acts that are consistent with the object of the company as outlined in the specific authorization scope specified in the authorization document.

五、本地和外国人就业配额

2024年迪拜常驻人口约为310万，加上流动人口后约为500万。疫情后，迪拜人口增长迅速。2022-2023年下半年期间，迪拜人口在18个月内增长了12.4万。截至2023年，迪拜外来人口占比已超过90%。目前关于迪拜外国人的就业情况，有以下几项规定需要注意：

1、担保制度

迪拜当地公司需要为外国雇员工签和居留许可提供担保，这个制度对外国雇员来说具有一定程度的限制性。

2、签证类别

迪拜针对不同的雇员类型，有不同的签证类别，如就业签证、自由职业签证、投资者签证，以及特殊长期居留许可——“黄金签证” 等。

3、本地化政策

近年来，阿联酋政府将本国国民的就业视为最高优先级，实行了一系列政策，包括为国民保留工作岗位、提供培训机会以及鼓励私营企业雇佣更多本国国民等。

4、最低工资

2022 年 11 月，迪拜宣布对私营部门雇员实行每月 3,500 迪拉姆的最低工资制度，这一制度在特定情况下可以豁免。

五、Employment Quotas for Local and Overseas Workers in Dubai

As of the year 2024, Dubai boasts a permanent population of approximately 3.1 million residents, with an additional transient population, elevating the total to around 5 million. Post-pandemic, the city has witnessed an accelerated surge in population. Notably, in the span of 18 months, from the latter half of 2022 through the initial half of 2023, Dubai witnessed a noteworthy spike of 124,000 residents. As of the close of 2023, the expatriate community's share in Dubai's population surpassed the remarkable threshold of 90%. Here, we outline key regulations governing the employment landscape for foreign nationals in Dubai:

1、Sponsorship System

Local enterprises in Dubai are mandated to serve as sponsors for foreign employees, facilitating work permits and residence permits. This system, however, imposes specific constraints on foreign workers.

2、Visa Categories

Dubai extends a range of visa categories tailored to diverse employment scenarios. These include employment visas, freelance permits, investor visas, and exclusive long-term residency permits recognized as the illustrious "Golden Visa."

3、Localization Policies

In recent times, the UAE government has accorded priority to the employment of its citizens, instituting a suite of policies aimed at reserving job opportunities for nationals, offering training initiatives, and incentivizing private enterprises to prioritize the hiring of UAE citizens.

4、Minimum Wage

In November 2022, Dubai announced the enforcement of a minimum wage, fixed at AED 3,500 per month for private sector employees. Certain exemptions are allowed under specific circumstances, offering a nuanced approach to wage regulations.

六、知识产权

近年来由于积极的立法、健全的基础设施和优越的战略区位，迪拜在知识产权保护方面发展迅速，主要体现在以下几个方面：

1、行政层面

迪拜经济发展部（DED)针对知识产权问题设立了监管部门，负责知识产权注册、执法和公众意识培养。

2、立法层面

阿联酋制定了涵盖版权、商标、专利、工业设计和商业机密的综合法律。例如，阿联酋2002年第17号联邦法律颁布了关于专利、工业图纸和外观设计等的管理和保护制度；2006年第31号联邦法律规定了对工业知识产权的管理与保护制度；2016年第31号联邦法律规定了对专利的保护制度， 2021年第36号联邦法律制定了对商标的保护制度、2021年第38号法律则规定了对版权和邻接权的保护制度。这些法律符合国际标准，为知识产权持有人提供充分的保护。

3、司法层面

迪拜设有专门的知识产权法院，可高效处理知识产权纠纷。

4、仲裁层面

迪拜政府设立了迪拜国际仲裁中心（DIAC）等一系列机构为知识产权相关纠纷提供替代争议解决方案。

5、基础设施层面

迪拜设立了国际商标注册局作为知识产权中心，配合24个运营中的自由贸易区，共同为知识产权持有者提供便利的注册手续和税收优惠。

六、Safeguarding Intellectual Property Rights in Dubai's Dynamic Landscape

In recent times, Dubai has undergone a rapid evolution in fortifying the protection of intellectual property rights, a transformation credited to forward-thinking legislation, resilient infrastructure, and its strategically advantageous geographic positioning. The pivotal facets of this progress encompass:

1、Administrative Oversight

Operating at the administrative echelon, the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) has instituted a dedicated regulatory arm focused on intellectual property matters. This department shoulders the responsibilities of intellectual property registration, enforcement, and the execution of public awareness initiatives.

2、Legislative Framework

At the legislative stratum, the UAE has enacted exhaustive laws enveloping copyright, trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and trade secrets. For example, UAE promulgates Law No. 17 of 2002 on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property of Patents, Industrial Drawings, and Designs; Federal Law No. 31 of 2006 on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Right; Federal Law No. 36 of 2021 on the Protection of Trademarks, and Law No. 38 of 2021 on the Protection of Copyrights and Neighboring Rights. These laws align with international standards, affording robust protection for holders of intellectual property rights.

3、Judicial System

The judicial arena boasts a specialized Intellectual Property Court in Dubai, efficiently adjudicating disputes related to intellectual property with precision.

4、Arbitration Mechanisms

In terms of arbitration, the Dubai government has pioneered the establishment of institutions like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), offering alternative dispute resolution avenues for intellectual property-related conflicts.

5、Infrastructure Support

Dubai has fortified its intellectual property landscape by instituting the International Trademark Registration Office, serving as a hub for intellectual property. In collaboration with 24 operational free trade zones, this centre streamlines registration procedures, extending tax incentives to the custodians of intellectual property rights.

李晶晶律师擅长常规商事业务、国有资产监督管理、科技创新与科技成果转化、争议解决等业务领域，曾为多家行政机关、事业单位、大型国有企业客户提供国有资产监督管理相关法律服务，特别是对于科研机构、高等院校在科技创新与科技成果转化业务领域方面，从科研项目的立项、研发过程中各类技术合同签订、知识产权保护、科技成果转化及奖励、项目公司的规范治理以及各轮次融资等环节，提供全方位的法律支持。

李琳律师在公司法务、资本市场（IPO/RTO）、私募股权投融资、M&A/企业重组、破产重整等领域具有丰富的从业经验，自执业以来，其先后代理过数量众多的投融资并购项目，在募、投、管、退等各个阶段提供专业的法律服务。此外，李琳律师还担任数家大中型企业的常年法律顾问，为企业提供改制重组、混改方案设计、合规、信息披露、职工持股、合同管理、法律风险防控以及争议解决等专业服务。李琳律师在提供法律服务过程中，把关疑难复杂重大业务，参与重要交易谈判，能平衡各方利益从而促成交易，其细心、诚恳、热情、专业的法律服务得到了委托人的一致好评!