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Key Considerations in Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs

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Financial Planning

By Dr. Sunita Mathur, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Entrepreneurship is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, and financial planning plays a crucial role in determining the success and longevity of any business. The UAE is one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs due to its business-friendly environment, strategic location, and tax advantages. As the Middle East’s startup ecosystem thrives, the UAE continues to cement its status as the region’s leading destination for entrepreneurs. In Q2 2024 alone, the country registered 5,600 new businesses, reflecting its investor-friendly policies, robust infrastructure, and access to capital. However, financial planning is crucial to ensure sustainability and long-term success. Entrepreneurs must navigate various factors, including startup costs, taxation, funding options, and regulatory framework.

The first step in financial planning is choosing the right business structure. Entrepreneurs in the UAE can opt for mainland companies, which allow businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE but require local sponsorship for certain activities. UAE is home to several prominent free zones that attract startups, such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which has a total number of 5,523 active companies and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), just to name a few. According to Dubai Chamber of Commerce, in the first nine months of 2024, 51,561 new companies joined as members. By the end of the third quarter, ADGM had issued 759 new business licenses. Free zone companies offer 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified setup procedures but often have geographical restrictions on trade. Offshore companies are primarily used for international trade, asset protection, and tax optimisation but cannot conduct business within the UAE. Setting up a business involves costs such as trade license fees, visa expenses, and office rentals. Entrepreneurs should budget for these upfront costs and factor in annual renewal fees to avoid disruptions.

Securing adequate funding is another major consideration for entrepreneurs. While self-financing is an option for some, many businesses require external capital to scale. Entrepreneurs in the UAE have several funding options, including bank loans, but these require strong credit history and collateral. Angel investors and venture capital firms provide funding and mentorship through hubs like DIFC FinTech Hive, Hub71, and Sheraa alone, has supported 180 startups with 52% of women startups generating revenue of USD 248M since its inception in 2016. Government grants and programs such as Dubai SME, Khalifa Fund, and Ghadan 21 offer financial support for startups and innovative businesses. Islamic financing options like Murabaha and Ijara provide Sharia-compliant alternatives. Selecting the right funding source depends on the business model, growth stage, and financial goals.

Managing cash flow efficiently is critical for businesses in the UAE, as payment cycles can be lengthy, especially in industries reliant on government contracts or large corporate clients. Entrepreneurs need to maintain a liquidity buffer to cover at least six to twelve months of operational expenses, plan for delayed payments, which are common in some sectors, and open a corporate bank account early, as the process can take several weeks due to compliance checks. By closely monitoring cash flow, businesses can ensure they have enough working capital to sustain operations and invest in growth opportunities.

While the UAE is known for its tax-friendly environment, entrepreneurs must comply with VAT and corporate tax regulations. Businesses with annual revenues exceeding AED 375,000 must register for VAT and file returns quarterly. A corporate tax of 9 per cent introduced in 2023 applies to businesses earning over AED 375,000 in taxable income, with exemptions for Free Zone businesses meeting specific criteria. Entrepreneurs involved in international trade should also consider customs duties and withholding tax obligations. Proper tax planning ensures compliance and avoids penalties.

The UAE is a highly competitive market, and pricing strategies must be carefully developed to ensure profitability. Entrepreneurs should conduct market research to determine competitive pricing, account for currency fluctuations, especially if dealing with international suppliers, and consider operating costs such as rent, salaries, and logistics when setting prices. Regularly reviewing pricing structures can help maintain profit margins while remaining competitive.

Entrepreneurs must also be prepared for potential risks, including economic downturns, regulatory changes, and industry-specific challenges. Key risk management strategies include business insurance, which is mandatory for employees and can safeguard assets; diversification to avoid over-reliance on a single revenue source or market; legal compliance to prevent financial and operational complications; and establishing an emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses and prevent financial strain during challenging times. As per Dubai SME and other reports, 80 per cent of startups in the UAE fail within the first 2 years, and the key reasons for failure include lack of funding, regulatory challenges and market saturation in certain industries such as e-commerce.

Expanding a business in the UAE requires careful financial planning. Entrepreneurs should leverage the UAE’s strategic location to expand into GCC and MENA markets, explore dual licensing options to operate in both Free Zones and the Mainland, seek government incentives for innovation-driven businesses, and consider forming strategic partnerships to gain market access and reduce costs. Expansion should be backed by financial feasibility studies to ensure sustainable growth.

A well-planned exit strategy is essential for long-term financial success and ensures that entrepreneurs can maximise the value of their business when transitioning out.

Financial planning is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurial success in the UAE. By carefully considering business setup costs, managing cash flow, securing appropriate funding, staying compliant with tax regulations, and planning for risks and growth, entrepreneurs can build sustainable businesses. With the right financial strategies in place, they can take full advantage of the UAE’s dynamic business environment and achieve long-term success.

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Reimagining Banking: Unlocking Endless Potential and Unlimited Growth in the Middle East

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By Keith Redding, Chief Revenue Officer, Universal Banking at Finastra

Reimagining banking in the Middle East is redefining how financial institutions grow, engage, and innovate. As digital transformation accelerates, banks must evolve to deliver seamless, secure, and personalized experiences that meet rising customer expectations.

Across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, adoption of digital banking continues to surge. According to Capco’s “Bank of the Future” survey, 89% of UAE customers have become more confident using mobile banking services, while 83% now access them primarily via mobile apps. Similarly, Saudi Arabia expects online banking penetration to grow by over 16 percentage points between 2024 and 2029, underscoring the region’s momentum toward smarter, connected financial ecosystems.


Reimagining Banking Middle East with Data and Analytics

Data has become the new cornerstone of success. Through AI, analytics, and machine learning, banks can decode customer behaviour and anticipate needs more precisely than ever. As a result, they can personalize offerings, boost retention, and reduce friction across the customer journey.

A clear example of this transformation is Riyad Bank’s Centre of Intelligence (COI) — Saudi Arabia’s first AI-focused banking hub — which enhances operational efficiency while driving innovation in customer engagement.

By reimagining banking in the Middle East with data-driven strategies, institutions can align financial products with real-time insights and deliver experiences that feel intuitive, predictive, and human.


Hyper-Personalization and Omnichannel Growth

Customers today interact through multiple touchpoints — mobile apps, websites, and physical branches — expecting consistent, personalized service. Therefore, delivering a seamless omnichannel experience has become the foundation of loyalty.

In the UAE, 70% of consumers are willing to share personal data for tailored experiences, while in Saudi Arabia, the number climbs to 71%. This readiness empowers banks to use analytics ethically and transparently, transforming everyday banking into relationship-driven engagement.


Digital Sales Outreach and New Engagement Models

Digital outreach is not an option — it’s essential. Mobile-first strategies, social media engagement, and AI-driven marketing are now central to how banks connect with customers.

Take D360 Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s first digital-only institutions. It attracted over 600,000 customers within two months of launch, proving that mobile-first banking can scale fast when powered by user-centric design.


Ecosystem Collaboration: Powering Innovation in the Middle East

Another major force reimagining banking in the Middle East is ecosystem collaboration. By partnering with fintechs, big tech firms, and infrastructure providers, banks can expand capabilities faster than ever before.

Globally, fintech startups have surged from 12,000 in 2020 to nearly 30,000 in 2024. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) now hosts over 1,000 fintech firms, while Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem has more than doubled within a year. This growth underscores the importance of collaboration as a driver of agility and innovation.

Such partnerships empower banks to deploy advanced solutions like AI-powered risk scoring, embedded finance, and real-time payments — all while ensuring compliance with regional and global standards.


Looking Ahead: Building a Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem

The future of reimagining banking in the Middle East lies in intelligent, insight-led operations. Automated recommendations, predictive support, and AI-driven decision-making will soon define how banks engage customers.

Forward-thinking institutions in the UAE are already adopting AI-assisted frameworks that streamline service and elevate the customer experience. In Saudi Arabia, agile innovation models like Alinma Bank’s digital factory accelerate product launches and improve customer alignment.

As the region continues to evolve, banks that combine innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric transformation will achieve sustainable growth and long-term market leadership.

Check this out UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint

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UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint

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By Karl Naïm, Group Chief Commercial Officer, XBTO

The UAE has evolved from a crypto sandbox to a global model for digital asset regulation, demonstrating how policy clarity, investor protection, and innovation can coexist. Once a regional testing ground, the nation now leads in tokenization, blockchain adoption, and institutional-grade compliance — setting a framework others are eager to emulate.


Institutions Move from Observation to Adoption

Over the last two years, institutional investors — from sovereign funds to global asset managers — have shifted from cautious exploration to structured allocations in digital assets. Yet, these investors only engage when they see robust regulatory infrastructure.
Here, UAE crypto regulation stands apart. While the U.S. remains divided over jurisdictional control and Europe’s MiCA awaits full rollout, the UAE offers a complete ecosystem where policy meets execution. This maturity has transformed the country into a trusted base for large-scale blockchain initiatives.


Two Regulatory Paths, One Unified Objective

The UAE’s approach balances innovation and oversight through two distinct yet aligned regulatory arms.

  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), it licenses custody, tokenization, and brokerage activities under strict governance criteria.
  • Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): Instead of classifying asset types, VARA regulates activities, giving firms flexibility to innovate without restarting their licensing process.

This dual model ensures both stability and adaptability — a rare equilibrium that reinforces confidence among enterprises and investors.


Tokenization Moves from Pilot to Production

In 2023, Neovision and Realize launched one of the first tokenized U.S. Treasury funds under ADGM’s oversight, now part of a market valued at over $2.4 billion. Soon after, HSBC piloted tokenized gold settlement in the Emirates, leveraging the UAE’s mature legal and technical infrastructure.
Unlike most markets, where tokenization remains conceptual, the UAE has operationalized it across corporate bonds, commodities, and private equity. This tangible progress makes UAE crypto regulation a benchmark for turning blockchain theory into enterprise-scale reality.


Proven Resilience Through Market Turbulence

The UAE’s frameworks were tested during the 2022 digital asset downturn. While some regions froze licensing or enforcement, VARA introduced stricter custodial and marketing rules while continuing to issue licenses transparently.
In 2024, both VARA and ADGM demonstrated accountability by penalizing unlicensed operators and enforcing compliance — signaling a regulatory environment that values both innovation and discipline.


Blockchain Beyond Finance

Beyond crypto trading and tokenization, the UAE is using blockchain to drive cross-sector innovation.

  • Ras Al Khaimah has built a dedicated Web3 zone for decentralized applications.
  • Sharjah is piloting blockchain in public services, from identity to supply chain tracking.
    This diversification proves the national model’s flexibility and depth, blending economic and civic value under a unified UAE crypto regulation framework.

Geography Meets Governance

Situated between Asia and Europe, the UAE benefits from time-zone overlap, U.S. dollar settlement, and investor-friendly tax structures. Yet its real advantage lies in policy precision. Since 2023, VARA has issued frequent updates and consultative papers, responding dynamically to industry input.
Following its removal from the FATF grey list in 2024, the UAE has accelerated compliance reforms faster than most peers, turning global scrutiny into strategic progress.


A Replicable Blueprint for the World

While the U.S. debates regulatory ownership and Europe await MiCA’s maturity, the UAE has implemented a live, multi-emirate framework. It balances openness with oversight — a model now studied by global policymakers.
For institutional investors, the question has shifted from if to were. Increasingly, the answer is clear: the UAE — where crypto regulation is no longer an experiment, but the emerging global standard.

Read our previous post, UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment

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UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment

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By Shabbir Moonim, CFO, The Continental Group

Shabbir Moonim,Chief Financial Officer at The Continental Group.
Shabbir Moonim

A Sharper Edge for UAE Property Depreciation Investors

The UAE property depreciation is reshaping how businesses and family offices view property as an investment. Real estate has always anchored wealth and stability, but its treatment within corporate tax frameworks now determines how effectively it performs over time.

The latest guidance allows depreciation deductions on properties valued at fair market value, adding a layer of fiscal precision. Companies choosing the realization basis—deferring tax until sale—can now claim an annual deduction of up to 4 percent on the property’s original cost or written-down tax value. This refinement strengthens property’s role inside long-term, tax-efficient portfolios.


How Depreciation Boosts UAE Property Cash Flow

Investment success depends not only on appreciation but also on liquidity and reinvestment power. Depreciation lowers taxable income, improving post-tax returns for assets that are typically illiquid.

For structured property holders, claiming depreciation under fair-value accounting boosts internal yield and aligns property with other income-producing assets. Even at a modest 4 percent, the deduction releases capital that can be reallocated or retained, enhancing overall portfolio efficiency.

Moreover, this recurring offset stabilizes cash flows, giving investors predictable returns that complement the long-term nature of property ownership.


Aligning UAE Property Depreciation with Tax Efficiency

Previously, owners had to choose between fair-value accounting and depreciation benefits. Businesses valuing properties at market rates lost tax deductions, while those using historical cost models retained them. The new UAE depreciation rules remove this compromise.

Now, companies can maintain up-to-date valuations and still claim depreciation, ensuring transparency and consistency. This alignment allows property to compete directly with other investment classes, from private equity to listed securities, on a balanced tax basis.

Consequently, financial planners can make clearer, data-driven decisions about capital allocation and portfolio composition.


Small Rule, Big Impact on UAE Property Investment

While no single regulation redefines real-estate logic, subtle fiscal changes can transform investment behavior. This policy turns property from a passive holding into an active component of strategic capital management.

It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to predictable, rules-based governance that supports investment without distorting markets. For business owners and families planning across generations, this stability builds confidence and encourages long-term commitment to the country’s economy.

Ultimately, the UAE depreciation rules help transform real estate from a static asset into a dynamic tool for tax optimization and sustainable growth.


A Foundation for Smarter Real Estate Portfolios

These reforms make it easier to incorporate real estate within diversified investment portfolios. They support businesses in balancing cash flow needs, compliance requirements, and performance targets.

For investors, the message is clear: property can now compete with other asset classes not only on returns but also on efficiency and resilience. The UAE continues to build a financial landscape where predictability and innovation work hand in hand.


About the Author

Shabbir Moonim is the Chief Financial Officer at The Continental Group, with over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, and governance. He aligns financial operations with enterprise growth, oversees risk management and treasury, and drives regulatory readiness and data-driven decision-making across the organization.


About The Continental Group

Founded in 1994 by Ashok Sardana, The Continental Group is a leading insurance and financial services provider licensed by the UAE Insurance Authority, SCA, and DFSA. With over 250 professionals operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the Group offers customized solutions in investments, wealth management, succession planning, and insurance. Its core values — integrity, insight, and innovation — continue to drive client trust and long-term financial well-being.

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