Since 2021, the UAE has amended the law on commercial companies, which allows foreign investors to own 100% of shares in most areas of activity, with the exception of certain sectors that are strategically important to the state.
In some cases, depending on the organizational and legal form of the company, even if 100% foreign ownership is allowed, some types of licenses require the presence of a local service agent (“Local Service Agent” or LSA), who will not have a stake in the company, but will represent the interests of the company in government agencies.