Foreword
The United Arab Emirates is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for alternative asset managers.
Over the past couple of years, a significant number have chosen to register in one or both of the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) financial free zones, the Dubai International Finance Centre (“DIFC”) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”).
The UAE leadership is making a concerted effort to attract top-tier businesses globally, offering incentives such as an attractive tax regime, long-term resident visas and a proactive government stance towards business development and prosperity. Consequently, there is a notable migration of fintech, crypto and alternative asset firms to the UAE.
Amid this continued surge in interest, we are delighted to present this updated primer. Topics covered include the necessary steps for setting up a financial services firm in the UAE, establishing a separate entity within the country, as well as the regulatory considerations and business restrictions in the UAE financial free zones.
Please note the contents of this primer constitute general information only and it is not intended and should not be relied as legal advice. Due to the dynamic nature of this field, the meaning of key concepts may evolve over time.
We trust that you will find this publication useful.
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Podcast: The Long-Short
The Long-Short is a podcast by the Alternative Investment Management Association, focusing on the very latest insights on the alternative investment industry.
Each episode will examine topical areas of interest from across the alternative investment universe with news, views and analysis delivered by AIMA’s global team, as well as a host of industry experts.
2022 has seen plenty of noise regarding alternative investment funds migrating to the United Arab Emirates with some of the largest names in the industry among those setting up shop in the region. To get an on-the-ground report on whether we should believe the hype The Long-Short speaks to Muneer Khan, Middle East Managing Partner at Simmons & Simmons, who joins to discuss the buzz around growth in the Middle East.
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Disclaimer
This podcast is the sole property of the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA). This audio production and content are intended as indicative guidance only and are not to be taken or treated as a substitute for specific advice, whether legal advice or otherwise. AIMA permits use or sharing of the content in media or as an educational resource, provided always that proper attribution is made. The rights in the content and production, including copyright and database rights, belong to AIMA.