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The founder and chairman of the Shuraa Group, Saeed Khalifa Mohammed Al Fuqaei (right), with the managing partner Shahid Shakeel
Photo credit: Delivered

The Danish-Moroccan entrepreneur Said El Mekki always wanted to open a shop in Dubai. “It’s like Wall Street,” he says. “This is where you have to be if you want to be part of the future.”

However, he didn’t think it would be easy to open a crypto trading consultancy in the emirate. Given the complex process of setting up a business in Barcelona in the early 1990s, he expected a time-consuming process in Dubai as well. It didn’t help that he received contradicting and confusing advice from different quarters.

Fortunately, he came across Shuraa Business Setup, which provides comprehensive business formation services. From helping entrepreneurs determine the most appropriate jurisdiction, business license and corporate structure based on the nature of their business, to obtaining all the necessary documents and permits from various government agencies to issue visas and licenses, Shuraa takes care of all the steps and paperwork so that companies don’t have to worry about the legal process.

Shuraa was founded in 2001 by Emirati entrepreneur Saeed Khalifa Mohammed Al Fuqaei with the aim of simplifying the business creation process for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established companies looking to expand into Dubai. The company is supported by an extremely experienced and competent team. Lawyers, auditors, tax consultants, translators, well-networked PR officers and legal management consultants with extensive knowledge of the operational framework conditions in the UAE together form a one-stop solution provider.

Keeping pace with change

Although the business incorporation sector was hit by the coronavirus pandemic, it managed to weather the storm by quickly switching to online channels. Last year, Dubai Economy issued around 43,000 new business licenses.

“We are fortunate that the rulers of Dubai have quickly implemented technological reforms to build a smart city,” says Al Fuqaei. “You have worked towards setting up e-government with the latest technological tools such as blockchain and artificial intelligence. Thanks to that, many of our operations during the lockdown went seamlessly as government transactions could now be handled through e-channels. “

And Shuraa is not only developing in terms of digitization, says Shahid Shakeel, Managing Partner of Shuraa Business Setup. It has adapted well to the new reality and responded appropriately to the changes in the market. “We understand that several SMEs and young entrepreneurs have been hard hit by the pandemic. With this in mind, we have introduced an affordable all-inclusive package with reduced tariffs for our services as well as for the flexi workspaces. “

The comprehensive Dh18,500 package for starting a business in mainland Dubai covers commercial licensing fees. Name and initial approval; Tasheel fees; LSA notary fees; Company stamp; Sponsorship fees; Immigration card; Investor visa; Emirates ID, medical test, status change and visa stamping; Office contract; Use of the flexi office / conference room; Work visa for two people; Support with bank accounts; free tax advice; and free VAT registration.

Impeccable service

Islam Madroni was impressed with Shuraa’s support in setting up his company, NFC Technologies, which makes smart business cards. “Shuraa seamlessly completed the formalities and documents required to set up my company in Dubai,” says the 29-year-old from the Netherlands. “I was amazed that my professional license was processed within a day and my company was up and running in less than a week.”

Famous video blogger and founder of Nas Daily, Nuseir Yassin, was also relieved that he hired Shuraa to start his media and production company Nas Studios in Dubai. “Your licensing team was quick to prepare our business and immigration documents,” he adds.

Having an in-house economic development department and tasheel counters that allow for rapid processing has worked to Shuraa’s advantage.

Legal advisor Saima Khan with NAS Daily founder Nuseir Yassin
Photo credit: Delivered

To make it easier for entrepreneurs and companies in other parts of the world to start a business in Dubai, Shuraa has established global offices in India, the UK and Bangladesh, and plans to open offices in several other countries.

“This helps entrepreneurs start their own process in their home countries,” explains Shakeel.

With strategic partners and supporting industries such as Shura Advertising, Shuraa Tax, Shuraa Legal Consultancy and Shuraa Business Centers, the company has strengthened its position over the years. By working with travel, brand and marketing companies, telecommunications companies, banks and financing agencies, the service portfolio is further expanded and becomes an indispensable partner for customers who meet their business requirements both in the initial phase and in later phases.

Management consultant Lola Damini is granting business licenses to Shuraa’s new clients Islam Madroni (right), owner of NFC Technologies, and Said El Mekki (left), owner of SE Project Management
Photo credit: Delivered

El Mekki is happy to have started his entrepreneurial journey in Dubai with Shuraa. “Shuraa’s pricing, speed, and quality of service surprised me,” he says. “They were transparent from the start and the engagement and communication of their advisor felt personalized. What more do you need when trying to start a new business in a foreign country? “

Please visit Shuraa.com for more information

This content is from Reach by Gulf News, the branded content team at GN Media.