UK resident starting a business in Dubai?

[W4NTED]

I'm getting in to the idea of having my own Dubai based business. In particular I'll be looking at taking the franchise route. Dominoes Pizza, Pizza Hut, Subway etc are the ones that immediately come to mind.

Can someone recommend a business consultancy who could help me through the local processes? I've been looking through these company's websites but they seem UK and US focused more than any other country.

I need someone to give me info on local requirements to run a business etc and whether the franchising route is doing well in Dubai?

[Dan Friel]

If you're not an Emirati, I think you can forget the franchise idea....

[RSPhilip]

agreed...

[W4NTED]

But why?

[jas xjr]

W4NTED said:

But why?

i might be wrong but i think you have to be a dubai national

[Shake&Bake]

From an oil and gas view any company wanting to set up shop in the Middle East must find a local "sponsor" who will retain 51% sharehold in said company. For a multi million pound company this is a worthwhile excercise as the remaining 49% will still generate a worthwhile dividend. For a franchise that may turn over 100k max a year I would say it's a non runner. Sorry.

Edited for spelling.

Edited by Shake&Bake on Friday 6th March 15:15

[W4NTED]

Ah so if a Brit wanted to go in and "buy" an ongoing business concern (for eg a restaurant at the Marina) he couldnt do it unless he has a local partner who owns 51% of that business??

Or is that only gas / oil / energy related??

Edited by W4NTED on Friday 6th March 15:53

[Shake&Bake]

I worked there as a contractor but the general rule of thumb amongst my ex-pat friends was yes unless you are tied in with a local it's a no goer.
From a trading point of view you would need a local anyway as all legal documents, leases and labour laws etc will be in Arabic which means you woud need someone on yourside to wade throught the beurocracy and redtape.
It's probably worth your while going on to some living forums in the Middle East to get up to date info.

[sleep envy]

are you getting threatened and need to build up your hardness/company numbers?

[Shake&Bake]

sleep envy said:

are you getting threatened and need to build up your hardness/company numbers?

?

[sleep envy]

http://www.petrolheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

[Shake&Bake]

sleep envy said:

http://www.petrolheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Penny eventually dropped...