Introduction
We previously released a client alert (available here) outlining key amendments to the UAE’s Companies Law, which came into effect on June 1, 2021. Most importantly, these amendments eliminated a section of the Companies Law that required 51 percent minimum Emirati ownership of any onshore company. Since that update, there have been a number of developments, including:
The enactment of Cabinet Resolution No. (55) of 2021, which sets out a list of activities with ‘strategic impact’ (the “New Resolution”).
An expanded list of activities that may be carried out with 100 percent foreign ownership in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Strategic Impact Resolution
The New Resolution applies federally and provides a list of activities that have a ‘strategic impact’, which require (a) foreign (natural and legal) persons wishing to invest in or form companies that undertake an activity with ‘strategic impact’ to first apply for approval; and (b) a certain minimum lev