F&B food industry business formation in the UAE
Leverage all the opportunities of the United Arab Emirates to build a successful business both in the region’s fastest growing market and in the international arena!
The United Arab Emirates is a low-tax jurisdiction with an unprecedented level of economic stability. It boasts the highest consumer purchasing power in the region and a fast-growing sales market, almost entirely dependent on imports. The UAE is the largest trade hub located at the intersection of the Middle East and Asia, which opens up endless opportunities for your business both inside the country and internationally. SORP will help you set up a F&B business, ensure that you obtain the appropriate license and provide full follow-up support for your company, guiding it to financial success.
Doing business in the UAE’s Food and Beverage industry will provide:
Entry to one of the fastest growing markets in the world
Due to its high level of integration into the global economy, the UAE provides unique business opportunities
State protection for investors
The rights of business people in the UAE are protected in the framework of international treaties and also at state level
Settlements in any world currency without conversion
The ability to open an account and execute settlement transactions in dollars, euros, pounds, yuan, etc.
Participation in international tenders
As a candidate from a respected jurisdiction, your participation in major tenders is greatly welcomed
Reducing tax burden
Doing business which is virtually tax-free and the ability to optimize your operations in the international arena
Optimizing international business
Building holdings and structures for carrying out mutual settlements within the group with no tax consequences
Advantages of the UAE as a country for doing business in the F&B industry
Financial stability
No inflation, fixed exchange rate, absolute reliability of the banking system
Free movement of capital
Unimpeded payments and money transfers, no foreign exchange controls
High purchasing power
According to the IMF rating, the UAE is in the TOP 10 countries for population income
Preferential taxation
Your profits are maximized because you pay no corporate tax or personal income tax, and VAT is only 5% - and only on some categories
Equal rights for business owners
The UAE treats both foreign and local entrepreneurs equally for domestic and international business operations
Protecting confidential data
Beneficiary information is held in the strictest confidence when you incorporate in the UAE and banking secrecy is tight
F&B activities available for licensing in the UAE
Food trade
Food and beverage production
F&B services
Equipment trade
Grocery retail
Catering
F&B Consulting
Facility management
Certificates you need when bringing your products, services and equipment to the local market:
Certification in the United Arab Emirates is mandatory for certain types of goods. It involves testing for compliance with international standards and obtaining a certificate of conformity (CoC). Otherwise the import and sale of products in the UAE is prohibited
Labelling
Subject to mandatory certification in ESMA and registration with Food Control DM for implementation in the UAE for all types of food and drinks. The label must display the Nutritional Essentials and a list of ingredients that must be consistent with the product test report.
Halal
Provided by Islamic associations accredited in the UAE. Certifies all products of animal origin and meat, as well as their components. Not only is the batch of goods subject to such certification, but also the manufacturing plant.
Organic "ECO" products
Products that are marketed as “eco” or “organic” must pass tests and inspections to receive the quality label from ESMA and Food Control. In addition, departments can request information about the manufacturer and technology to confirm the environmental friendliness of products.
Product packaging
Mandatory ESMA certification, as well as passing tests in the laboratory of the Municipality, confirming the absence of hazardous substances in any packaging, container or goods that are in direct contact with food products.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
An international standard that establishes the requirements for the quality management system of companies operating in the HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes), food production and food retail. To confirm the standards, it is necessary to pass a series of Food Control checks by the municipality or accredited organizations.
SORP Group solutions for the incorporation of F&B business in the UAE
Evaluation and business analysis
Evaluation of a business idea, selection of a suitable license, the best place for incorporation and the type of company
Company incorporation
Rapid incorporation through close cooperation with the registration authorities and use of SORP's own experienced resources
Opening bank accounts
Providing professional support for opening corporate accounts, fast passing of compliance checks and KYC procedures
PRO business support
Providing support for obtaining investor visas, visas for employees and their family members, renewing licenses and permits
Dubai incorporation address
Lease of space in the SORP business center for licensing: offices with Ejari / Estidama, flexi-desks and virtual addresses
Business process outsourcing
Services you can outsource to support your business such as full accounting, administrative, tax, legal support and more
F&B industry opportunities under the UAE flag
Managing projects and consultancy
You will be able to conduct consulting or business management activities with no negative tax consequences from a prestigious and stable jurisdiction.
UAE legislation provides unique possibilities and not just to minimize tax on international operations and enjoy free movement of capital without controls. You can also set up holdings and legal schemes to conceal beneficiaries - best accomplished by engaging specialist professional services.
Exporting and re-exporting
Given the UAE’s optimal geographical location, highly developed infrastructure and modern trade and logistics solutions, you can easily establish export and re-export activities.
In addition to the completely tax-free nature of all international business transactions, the support of banks and the protection of foreign investors, you will have unique opportunities to enter and scale your trading business in international markets.
International tax planning tools
The UAE is the latest jurisdiction to optimize all international business with the ability to perform tax optimization and transfer pricing without the risks of deoffshorization.
A supportive taxation structure, free movement of capital, no inflation, guarantees of investment protection, as well as unique tools for maintaining the confidentiality of beneficiaries combine to establish the country’s prestige for international business.
Integrated SORP solutions for international business from the UAE
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International legal consulting
Consulting on international law of other countries and the possibility of applying the UAE’s beneficial legislative mechanisms in those jurisdictions.
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Maintenance of banking operations
Assistance in the fulfillment of all mandatory compliance requirements, confirmation of transactions on the account, communication with the bank.
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Provision of nominee service
Confidentiality of information about beneficiaries, the possibility of using transfer pricing and settlements with related business structures.
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International tax planning
Individual solutions to improve the efficiency of tax optimization schemes for international business based on UAE legislation and much successful experience.
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Registration of tax residency
Obtaining a tax domicile certificate that provides protection against the exchange of tax information under CRS provisions, the application of agreements on the avoidance of double taxation
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Confirmation of economic substance
Proof that business operations are conducted from the incorporation address of your company, the presence of a command and control center there, as well as the tax affiliation of the UAE operations
The UAE is the best platform for setting up and doing business in the F&B sector
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A priority sector of the economy
Included in the 6 highest priority sectors of the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, the F&B sector is positioned among the most important strategic elements of the UAE economy. That inclusion is recognition of its potential for growth in Dubai and the country as a whole – genuine sustainable development.
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Favorable business environment
The United Arab Emirates provides unique opportunities for doing business in the food and beverage (F&B) business. Iin the BMI Risk/Reward index the country is ranked #1 in the MENA region and #4 in the world for its attractive investment environment for catering businesses.
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Import dependency
ОАЭ не в состоянии покрыть спрос на агропродовольственные товары за счет внутреннего производства, они полагаются на импорт: страна покрывает около 90% своих потребностей в продовольствии. Наибольший объем импорта в стоимостном выражении приходится на птицу, рис, готовые к употреблению продукты, миндаль и молоко/сливки
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Export-re-export hub
The Middle East and Africa's (MEA) soft drink market is projected to grow by 4.9% to make up 9.8% of the total global retail value by 2023. The hot drinks market is forecast to grow by 5.7% over the same time period, accounting for 11% of the total global retail value. Dubai serves as a re-export hub for hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, thanks to the Emirates’ ideal geographic position and trade connections.
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Gulfood-2021
Gulfood is the world's largest annual F&B event and the ideal platform for food and beverage vendors to show their products, expand their global presence and access new business opportunities. More than 100,000 guests from 198 countries will visit Gulfood 2021 from February 21 to 25 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
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Prospects for the development of the sector
Industry experts estimate that the UAE's F&B segment will reach US$ 271 million in revenues in 2021. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2021-2025) of 13.2%, resulting in a projected market volume of $445m by 2025.
SORP has 15 years’ experience of solving business problems in the UAE
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