Helping a European Retail Brand Build a Compliant Presence in Dubai

Client Overview

A well-established European entrepreneur sought to launch a luxury home décor and interior retail brand in Dubai–targeting the city’s high-end real estate developers and international clientele. While their products were highly successful across Europe, the client needed expert guidance to navigate Dubai’s unique ownership laws and fragmented retail licensing system.

Challenges

The first roadblock was the legal structure. At present, only Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership but limit trading to within the zone or internationally unless special permissions are obtained. To operate as an onshore Limited Liability Company (LLC), the client was required to have a local UAE national as a business partner.

Next, we addressed the ownership challenge. They were concerned about maintaining full operational control and financial transparency. Our consultants helped secure a verified UAE local partner through our trusted network, allowing the client to retain decision-making control while remaining fully compliant.

Then, we tackled the licensing maze. By reviewing Dubai’s jurisdictional requirements, we identified the optimal structure that allowed both physical retail and e-commerce under one unified setup. We liaised with the Dubai Economic Department and free zone authorities, fast-tracking approvals and securing import/export and VAT registrations simultaneously.

Choosing the wrong structure or license could mean compliance risks, shipment delays, and blocked operations.

Our Approach

Oasis Start began with a full assessment of the client’s retail and e-commerce model, analysing their sales channels, supply chain needs, and long-term market goals. To address the ownership challenge, our consultant provided clear guidance on compliant partnership models, helping the client secure a verified UAE local partner through our trusted corporate network, secure full legal protection, and retain decision-making control under secure corporate agreements. 

Next, we tackled the licensing maze. Our experts reviewed Dubai’s various jurisdictional requirements to determine the optimal structure that enabled both physical and online retail under one unified setup. We liaised with the Dubai Economic Department and relevant free zone authorities to accelerate license approvals and secure import/export and VAT registration within the same window.

Our multilingual compliance team managed every step: translations, submissions, and government interactions. We eliminated the risk of errors, ensured precise documentation, and bridged language barriers.

Results

Within five weeks, the client’s company was officially registered and fully licensed for both retail and e-commerce operations.

• VAT registration and customs setup were completed pre-launch to ensure a smooth supply chain.
• Corporate bank accounts and employee visas were finalized on schedule.
• The flagship Dubai store opened successfully, attracting strong sales and media attention.
• Expansion into two additional emirates began within the first quarter.

Business Impact

• Verified UAE local partner secured within 10 days.
• Retail and e-commerce licenses are approved 30 days faster than the industry average.
• VAT, banking, and customs setup completed before launch.
• Rapid multi-emirate expansion supported smooth scaling from day one.

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