Allows full foreign ownership for thirteen sectors

Following the enactment of the UAE Federal Law No. 19 of 2018 on Foreign Direct Investment, the UAE Cabinet has adopted a "positive list of activities" covered by Article 7-3 of the Law, on 2 July 2019. The UAE Cabinet has approved 122 economic activities across thirteen sectors that will be eligible for up to 100% foreign ownership. These sectors include: transport and storage, agriculture, space, manufacturing, renewable energy, hospitality and food services, information and communication, professional, scientific and technical activities, administrative and support services, educational activities, healthcare, art and entertainment, and construction.

• Type:

  • Entry and establishment (Ownership and control)

• Industry:

  • Not industry specific

• Sources:

  • Baker McKenzie, UAE Approves Foreign Ownership over 122 Business Activities, https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/2019/07/uae-approves-foreign-ownership, 08 Jul 2019
  • Advisory Excellence, 100% Foreign Ownership for 13 Sectors in the UAE, https://www.advisoryexcellence.com/tag/uae-foreign-investment-law/, 04 Jul 2019
  • Gulf News UAE, 100% foreign ownership in 122 UAE economic activities, https://gulfnews.com/uae/100-foreign-ownership-in-122-uae-economic-activities-1.1562063732689, 02 Jul 2019