Laser Hair Removal Regulations in Dubai

Laser Hair Removal Regulations in Dubai

Laser Hair Removal Regulations in Dubai

Laser Hair Removal Regulations in Dubai

Laser hair removal and IPL (or intensive pulse light) hair removal treatment, in Dubai, is strictly regulated. The regulating authority over such treatment is the Dubai Health Authority, or DHA.

As a starting point, all laser and IPL hair removal procedures must be performed in DHA-licensed health facilitiesFurthermore, health professionals performing hair laser procedures must have 1) separate DHA license and 2) special training

·         Also, only certain health professionals are authorized to perform hair laser removal and IPL, and they are

o    Dermatologists

o    Plastic surgeons, as well as

o    Nurses, beauty therapists and consultants, who carry a DHA “laser technician” license.

 

There are also specific requirements and standards that every health facility, offering laser therapy, must fulfil. Such as, 1) minimum floor area, 2) appropriate layout and spacing, and 3) a series of safety and protective measures

All of these requirements and more are set out, in detail, in the recently updated DHA’s Standards for Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures, Version 2, which became effective in August of 2022. And, in particular, Appendix 5.

Therefore, if you are considering any hair laser treatment, keep these regulations in mind and only seek treatment at properly licensed facilities, in order to protect yourself.

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Dubai Government Launches Feedback Platform

Dubai Government Feedback Platform

Dubai residents can now submit feedback, suggestions and complaints against government departments and/or officials through a dedicated service.

04 Platform – is the name of the feedback service platform that was recently launched by the Dubai government, specifically, HH Sheikh Hamdan. 

  • More than 40 government entities are already registered on the Dubai government feedback service platform.
  • The Dubai government feedback service platform allows residents to file complaints efficiently, in 3 steps.
  • The complaint will then be reviewed by the relevant government officials and addressed accordingly. 

The objective of the 04 Platform is to connect Dubai Government and its customers, to allow the Government to make informed decisions based on customers’ input. 

The Dubai government feedback service platform can be accessed on the website, by typing https://04.gov.ae/

The service is also accessible via WhatsApp for Business, where residents can message directly to provide their feedback.  

Feedback Service by Dubai Government - FAQs

04 Platform is the name of the new feedback service launched by the Dubai Government. You access this service by clicking on this website here- https://04.gov.ae/

Yes. Their service is accessible via WhatsApp for Business, where Dubai residents can message directly to provide their feedback.

The purpose of this platform is to connect Dubai Government and its customers to allow the Government to make informed decisions based on customers’ input.

Dubai residents can now submit feedback, suggestions and complaints against government departments and/or officials through this dedicated service. And it can be submitted in 3 simple steps.

There are more than 40 government entities already registered on the platform.

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UAE Ramadan – Working Hours, Food Outlets, Anti-Begging Law, Donations Law

Ramadan Kareen 2023

Ramadan UAE - Overview

Ramadan Kareen 2023

UAE Ramadan – Working Hours 

The UAE Ramadan working hours must be reduced by 2 hours a day.

This applies, equally, to the: 1) private sector, 2) public sector and 3) schools.

And for everyone – those who fast, as well as those who do not.

The requirement to reduce working hours during Ramadan in UAE for the private sector is set out in Article 15(2) of the Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 re: Implementing Regulations of the UAE Labor Law.

Furthermore, with regards to the public sector, on Fridays, federal employees will work remotely70% of their working hours.

Similarly, schools in the UAE have the option of allowing students and staff to attend school from home on Fridays, during the whole month of Ramadan.

UAE Ramadan – Dubai Restaurants & Outdoor Dining

Ramadan, as we all know, is a month of fasting for Muslims. 

And the UAE observes and encourages a fasting-friendly environment

As such, for the non-fasting population, it is sensible to avoid eating or drinking publicly, out of respect for those who are fasting. 

Over the recent years, the UAE, as an increasingly multicultural society, has relaxed many of its previously stringent Ramadan protocols. 

In Dubai, in 2021, the Department of Economic Development issued a Circular, stating that:

  • Food outlets were no longer required to serve food out of public view, during fasting hours.
  • And that screens and curtains, particularly, in malls, would no longer be required. 
  • Nor would the Dubai restaurants be required to obtain a permit for serving food during fasting hours.

This Circular replaced previous circulars, which had required restaurants to block dining areas from the sight of those who were fasting. As such, as we enter Ramadan 2023, in Dubai:

  • Dubai Restaurants, cafes and bars can remain open and serve food publicly.
  • Supermarkets, pharmacies, malls and businesses can also remain open throughout the day.
  • Though live music will most likely be less popular during this time. 

UAE Ramadan – Anti-Begging Law


While
honoring the spirit of giving and sharing, during the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE, remember not to do so through begging, or encourage begging. This is because any form of begging in the UAE is illegal

There is a specific law on Anti-Begging, which is the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021.

  • Pursuant to which, anyone who is caught begging in the UAE will be subject to: 1) a fine of AED 5,000 and 2) imprisonment of up to 3 months
  • Furthermore, any type of organized begging is subject to even stricter 1) fine of AED 100,000, and 2) a 6-month imprisonment.
  • Also, begging using online or digital means is subject to a separate law, which is the UAE Cybercrime Law, No. 34 of 2021. And Article 51 of that law, in particular, titled Cyber Begging.
  • Which criminalizes online begging, with 1) a minimum fine of AED 10,000 and/or 2) imprisonment for up to 3 months

Importantly, the UAE Cybercrime Law also penalizes anyone who, through digital means, enables unauthorized raising or collection of funds. 

UAE Ramadan – Donations Law

During this holy month of Ramadan, when the spirit of sharing and giving, in the Muslim communities, is at its highest, it is important to remember that there are specific laws, regulating donations and charitable activities in the UAE

  • In other words, any type of 1) donations, 2) fundraising or 3) other charitable efforts can only be conducted by properly licensed and authorized organizations
  • Unauthorized 1) collection of donations or 2) use of donations can lead to serious penalties, including: 1) imprisonment and 2) a fine from AED 150,000 – 500,000, depending on the offense
  • Importantly, this applies not only to collecting donations without a proper license, but also sending or transferring unauthorized donations.
  • There is also a separate fine of AED 100,000 for any unlicensed entity, which claims to be a charitable or humanitarian organization.

This is governed by the UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2021 on Regulation of Donations. 

However, if you wish to donate or contribute, some examples of licensed organizations in the UAE are:

  • Emirates Red Crescent Authority
  • Khlaifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
  • Al Maktoum Foundation
  • Emirates Charity Portal
  • Dubai Cares, among others…

So, if you want to give or share, there are many meaningful opportunities to do so legally. 

UAE Ramadan Overview - FAQs

The UAE Ramadan working hours have been reduced by 2 hours a day.

No. The reduced working hours during Ramadan in UAE is applicable equally to both fasting and non-fasting employees across private sectors, private sectors and even schools.

Yes. It is mandatory for companies to abide by UAE Ramadan working hours and it is applicable to both fasting and non-fasting employees.

Yes, however, only through licensed and authorized entities in the UAE. Here are some examples of licensed organizations if you wish you donate this Ramadan. 

  • Emirates Red Crescent Authority
  • Khlaifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation
  • Al Maktoum Foundation
  • Emirates Charity Portal
  • Dubai Cares

Yes. As per the Circular issued by the Department of Economic Development in 2021:

  • Food outlets such as cafes and restaurants in Dubai can remain open and serve food publicly. 
  • Even supermarkets, malls, pharmacies and businesses can also remain open throughout the day.

Live music will most likely be less popular during Ramadan in UAE. As such, for the non-fasting population, it is sensible to avoid eating or drinking publicly, out of respect for those who are fasting.

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Dubai Rent Increase Percentage Calculation

Dubai Rent Increase Percentage Calculation

Dubai rent increase limited to a maximum of 20% of the contract value. In other words, the most that the landlord can legally increase your rent by is 20%, from your current rent amount. 

This is irrespective of how much higher, the landlord believes, the current market value of the property may be. 

Importantly, the allowable percentage of rent increase in Dubai depends on the percentage of the increase of the market value of the property. 

Specifically,

  • In cases where the market value of the property has increased by no more than 10% from the contract value, then there is NO increase allowed, all together. 
  • If the market value of the property has increased between 11% – 20% of the contract value – then the maximum percentage of increase is 5%.
  • In cases where the market value is between 21% – 30% above the contract value – the percentage of increase is 10%.
  • If the market value of the property is between 31% and 40% over the contract value – the maximum increase is 15%
  • And, finally, if the market value of the property is more than 40% above the contract value – the maximum percentage of rent increase is 20%

This means, in simple terms, that if your contract rent is AED 100,000 and the property is now valued at AED 300,000, or 3 times more – the maximum amount that the landlord can increase your rent by is AED 20,000, to a total of AED 120,000/per year, which is a 20% increase. 

This is in accordance with the Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013, Determining Rent Increase for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai.

And Article 1, titled Percentages of Increase, in particular.

Dubai Rent Increase Percentage Calculation - FAQs

The maximum percentage of rent increase is 20% of the contract value.

If the market value has increased between 11% to 20% of the contract value, then the maximum rent increase is 5% for your property.

It will be 20%, which is the maximum percentage of rent increase in Dubai

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Trademark Registration in UAE – Q&A

Trademark Registration In UAE - Q&A

  1. How do you define a trademark?
    -A trademark is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services.
    -In the UAE, a trademark can be a name, word, signature, drawing, packaging etc.

  2. What are some of the criteria for registering a trademark in UAE? 
    -Anything that distinguishes one good from another qualifies.  And it must be used in a commercial setting, to enjoy protection.
    -Ordinary elements related to a person, which do not distinguish them, do not qualify as a trademark.  Also, certain public symbols or words cannot be trademarked.

  3. Does the UAE have trademark laws and if so, what are they? 
    -Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021.
    -And Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2022 re: Executive Regulations to the Trademark Law. 

  4. Is the UAE a member of any international trademark protocols or treaties?
    -The U.A.E. adopted the Nice Classification system in its Federal Decree-Law No. 156 of 2021.
    -Also, in 2021, the UAE adopted the Madrid Protocol, which is the Federal Decree-Law No. 67.

  5. How much does it cost for trademark registration in UAE? 
    -The initial application fee is AED 750/trademark.
    -And the trademark registration fee is AED 5,000.

  6. What are the penalties for trademark infringement? 
    Anything from closing down the business, to seizing and destroying the goods, 3) to fines, which can range from AED 10,000 – AED 1 million.
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Nominal Ownership of Property in UAE – Q&A

Nominal Ownership Of Property In UAE - Q&A

  1. What is nominal ownership of a property?
    It is when a property is officially registered in the name of someone other than the owner.  For example, I buy a property and register it under my friend’s name.

  2. Is nominal ownership of a property in the UAE legal? 
    -The UAE does not recognize nominal ownership of real estate assets. 
    -In the UAE, property registration, as is reflected in the title deed, is undisputed evidence of property ownership.
    -For title deed to be treated otherwise, would contradict the principles of 1) security and insurance, 2) confirmation of property registration, 3) integrity of the land registry
    -Therefore, the title deed is considered to be an absolute authority.

  3. Are there ways to challenge such ownership?
    Only if there is proof of either fraud or forgery

  4. What are the consequences of nominal ownership? 
    -Attempts to challenge the ownership will result in extensive legal fees and court proceedings.
    -The person listed on the title deed is the legal owner.
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Health Insurance in UAE

Health Insurance in UAE - Q&A

  1. Is UAE health insurance mandatory?
    Yes, although it is more regulated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as compared to other emirates.

     

  2. What laws cover UAE health insurance? 
    There are both federal and emirate-based laws. Most Emirates have their own specific health-insurance regulations, which apply to their residents. But at the federal level, the UAE Immigration Law lists health insurance coverage as a requirement for all types of visas and residencies.

     

  3. Who does the UAE health insurance apply to? 
    All residents of the UAE are supposed to be covered by health insurance.  This includes even those who are self-sponsored, for example on Golden Visas. Furthermore, even tourists are supposed to have health insurance in UAE.

     

  4. Who has the responsibility of providing health insurance in the UAE?
    The sponsor has the obligation to provide health insurance in UAE.  For example, companies sponsoring employees must provide health insurance to their employees.  However, if employees are sponsored by someone else or self-sponsored, then the obligation is on the sponsor.  This applies to Golden Visa sponsors.

     

  5. Is there a basic level of protection/coverage for UAE health insurance?
    Yes, it is called the Essential Benefits Plan and it applies automatically to all residents in Dubai.  This plan covers 1) basic tests, 2) diagnosis, 3) treatment, 4) as well as emergencies in all Emirates.

     

  6. What are the penalties for not providing/having UAE health insurance?
    The penalties depend on the violation.  Under the Dubai Health Insurance law, the penalties range from AED 500 to AED 150,000.  Employers who fail to provide health insurance to their employees, are subject to AED 1,000 fine/employee. Employers who demand their employees to cover the costs of health insurance can be subject to AED 10,000/fine.  
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Business Set Up In UAE | Minimum Age

minimum age to trade in uae

Minimum Age To Start Business In UAE

minimum age to trade in uae

Minimum age for starting a business in the UAE has been lowered to 18 years of age. This is as compared to the previous law, which had set the minimum age to 21

This means that, now, individuals who are 18 years old, and above can freely own, transact, manage and set up a business in the UAE. 

Furthermore, minors who are between the age of 15 and 18, can also trade in the UAE. Although they are subject to certain regulations, as per the UAE Cabinet

This became possible by virtue of the UAE new Commercial Transactions Law, which is the Federal Decree Law No. 50 of 2022 re: Commercial Transactions Law, and Articles 18.1 and 18.2, in particular. Which replaced the previous Commercial Transactions Law No. 18 of 1993.

Business Set Up In UAE | Minimum Age - FAQ

You need to be 18 years of age to set up a business in the UAE.

Yes. Individuals aged between 15 to 18 years can trade in UAE however, will be subject to certain regulations as per the UAE Cabinet.

Freelance license in UAE is now available for those who are 18 years of age and up. Read more.

Primarily you need to obtain a business license and it needs to be for a specific business activity that you wish to conduct. Learn more.

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Alimony Under Family Law for Non-Muslim Divorces in UAE

Alimony under Family Law for Non-Muslim Divorces in UAE

Alimony Under Family Law for Non-Muslim Divorces in UAE

Alimony under Family Law for Non-Muslim Divorces in UAE

Alimony for women, under the new UAE Family Law in case of divorce by a non-Muslim, is calculated with various variables that are unique in every marriage. 

The following basis is considered for such calculation: 

• Duration of Marriage: This is the first and foremost factor when deciding on the quantum of alimony.

• Wife’s Age: The age at which a wife is divorced also forms a basis for this calculation.

• Financial Position: The financial position of both spouses is taken into account so that fair support may be granted depending on the financial standing and resources each spouse possesses.

• Father’s Contribution for Child Custody: The contributing father’s financial position is considered in regard to the joint children they may have. Thus, he considers whether the father contributes to childcare and how.

• Wife’s Involvement in the Children’s Lives: How much the wife is involved in the children’s lives and her contribution to taking care of and being with the children is weighed.

• Reason for Divorce: It can also be based upon the cause or grounds for divorce.

A major judgment in the UAE Family Law is that a wife will forfeit her claim of alimony if she re-marries. It was one of UAE Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, effective from 1st February 2023, and hence is setting the bar for all non-Muslim divorces in the UAE.

Also, the Family Law is foreseen to be complemented by Executive Regulations in due course to further clarify its application in certain aspects.

Alimony Under Family Law for Non-Muslim Divorces in UAE - FAQ

Yes. In the cases of UAE divorces, women can get alimony under the new Family Law. However it is calculated based on a number of factors.

The new Family Law for divorces in UAE calculates alimony for women based on a number of factors. Among other things, they include: 

  • Years of marriage
  • Wife’s age
  • Financial position of the spouses
  • Father’s financial support towards joint children’s custody
  • The extent of a wife’s involvement in their children’s lives. 
  • As well as, the reason for divorce.

No. In fact under the Family Law for UAE divorces, the wife’s right to alimony ends if she remarries.

Both parents, by default, have equal and joint right to custody of their children. Importantly, this right is also granted to children, so that they are not deprived of one parent or another.

UAE Golden Visa – Real Estate Investor Visa Dubai & Other Emirates

golden visa for real estate investors

Golden Visa for Real Estate Investors

golden visa for real estate investors

UAE Golden Visa is available for real estate investors. 

Eligibility  

To qualify for UAE Golden Visa on this basis, a number of requirements must be met

    1. The total value of the real estate investment must be at least AED 2 million.  This may include multiple properties.
    2. Next, the real estate investment must be wholly owned by the Investor
    3. If the property is mortgaged, it can also qualify, as long as the mortgage is from a local bank.
    4. Golden Visa is also available for real estate investors in Dubai & other emirates in the off-plan properties.
      • As long as the total value of the investment is at least AED 2 million
      • And the purchase is from local companies, approved by the authorities
    5. There is also a requirement of comprehensive health insurance, throughout the validity of the permit.

Application 

  • Applications for the real estate investor visa in Dubai must go through the Dubai Land Department
  • For other emirates, applications should be made through the ICA.

This is in line with the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. And Article 8, part II, in particular.

UAE Golden Visa - Real Estate Investor Visa | FAQ

  • The total value of the real estate investment must be at least AED 2 million.  This may include multiple properties.

The real estate investors in Dubai can apply for the UAE Golden Visa through the Dubai Land Department.

Application for the UAE Golden Visa for other Emirates must be made through the ICA.

No. In order to qualify for the UAE Golden Visa –  Real Estate Investor Visa in Dubai and other Emirates, the property must be wholly owned by the investor.

Yes. As long as the property is mortgaged from a local bank – the real estate investors in Dubai or other Emirates can qualify for the UAE Golden Visa.