An amendment to the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law aims to strengthen the identity of companies established in the country by recognising them as Emirati entities, including those operating in free zones and financial free zones. The move is intended to improve companies’ access to global markets and boost confidence in the UAE as a business hub.
Speaking at a media briefing in Dubai on Tuesday, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri clarified that the provision applies only to companies and not to their owners, shareholders, or investors. His remarks came after questions on whether foreign investors setting up businesses in the UAE could be granted citizenship under the amended law.
Mr Al Marri said that when a company is established in the UAE, it is recognised as a UAE company by law. “This already exists. It does not grant citizenship to the owners. The company itself is recognised as a UAE company,” he said.
He added that the concept follows international practice. According to him, a company takes the nationality of the country where it is registered, regardless of who owns it. “If you open a company in Germany, you are a German company. If you open a company in the UK, you are a UK company. In the same way, if you open a company here, you are a UAE company,” the minister said.
The amendment is expected to further support the UAE’s efforts to attract global businesses and strengthen its economic position.
