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Insight article

August 11, 2016

Doing Business in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The DIFC is the free zone in Dubai dedicated to financial services and professional services.

BENEFITS OF SETTING UP IN THE DIFC

  • Platform to access regional wealth and investment opportunities.
  • 100% foreign ownership.
  • 0% tax rate on income and profits (guaranteed for a period of 50 years).
  • A wide network of double taxation treaties available to UAE incorporated entities.
  • No exchange controls (free capital convertibility).
  • High standards of laws, rules and regulations.
  • A variety of legal vehicles that can be established with capital structuring flexibility.
  • Access to a large pool of skilled professionals residing in Dubai and the region.
  • A modern transport, communications and internet infrastructure.
  • A responsive one-stop shop service for visas, work permits and other related requirements.
  • An independent common law judicial system.

DIFC – LEGAL FRAMEWORK

A wholly transparent operating environment that complies with global best practices and internationally accepted laws and regulatory processes

Unlike other free zones, the DIFC provides for an extensive variety of legal entities, including:

  • companies limited by shares;
  • limited liability companies;
  • recognized companies (branches);
  • limited liability partnerships;
  • limited partnerships; and
  • general partnerships.

The DIFC is unique in that it has a legislative system consistent with the Common Law of England & Wales:

  • Independent civil and commercial laws and regulations
  • Complete code of law governing financial services regulation.

The DIFC has an independent judicial and dispute resolution system.

  • DIFC Courts are the authority responsible for the independent administration and enforcement of justice in DIFC.
  • DIFC Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all civil and commercial disputes arising within DIFC.
  • DIFC LCIA Arbitration Centre is the independent dispute resolution authority based in the DIFC.

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What clients say...

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025

    "RIAA Barker Gillette has always had the most apt ability to handle, manage and steer complex and difficult matters in the right legal direction."

  • Legal 500 2025

    "We have worked with RIAA on a number of complex multi-jurisdictional matters. Throughout, they provided not only exceptional local advice but proved excellent at collaborating with firms across the world. They were instrumental in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy."

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025

    "Our operation is complex and has many nuances, and they have helped us navigate all of them promptly and professionally."

  • Legal 500 2024

    "Very professional firm, able to provide clear, concise and constructive advice. Proven very astute in formulating overall strategies of engagement."

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024

    "RIAA is highly professional, meeting tight deadlines with the utmost proficiency. They have always come up with out-of-the-box solutions."

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