The IT consulting industry in Dubai is highly competitive, with many established players already in the market. However, there is still a significant demand for IT services and solutions, as many businesses in the region are looking to digitise their operations and optimise their IT infrastructure.
When you set up an IT consulting firm in Dubai, you will typically offer a wide range of services related to computer consultancy and computer facilities management. This includes providing valuable advice and guidance to clients on how to use technology to achieve their business objectives, manage IT projects, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, data analytics, and technical support.
You will work with various businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, healthcare organisations, financial services firms, and government agencies, providing specialised solutions and services to meet their unique needs and comply with regulatory requirements.
6202.00 – Computer Consultancy and Computer Facilities Management Activities
An IT consulting firm offers computer consultancy by providing expert advice and guidance to their clients on how to optimise their IT infrastructure and achieve their business objectives. This may involve assessing their current systems, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending customised solutions that meet their unique needs.
An IT consulting firm also offers computer facilities management by providing on-site management and operation of their clients’ computer systems and/or data processing facilities. This includes managing and monitoring the system to ensure it is running efficiently and effectively, as well as providing support services such as troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrades. The IT consulting firm will work closely with the client to understand their specific requirements and ensure that their systems are optimised to meet their business needs.
They provide a range of services related to computer systems integration, management, and support. One of the key services they offer is planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. They work with clients to identify their technology requirements and design solutions that meet their unique needs. They may provide the hardware and software components of the system as part of their integrated services, or these components may be provided by third parties or vendors.
IT consulting firms also often install the system and provide training and support to the users of the system. This ensures that clients are able to fully utilise the system and get the most out of their investment.
Exclusions:
An IT consulting firm excludes the following from its business activities:
Separate sale of computer hardware or software: This is because their focus is on providing integrated solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. By providing hardware and software components as part of their integrated services, they are able to ensure that the components are compatible and work seamlessly with each other. Additionally, by providing these components themselves, they can ensure that they are of high quality and meet their clients’ requirements.
Separate installation of mainframe and similar computers: An IT consulting firm may also exclude the separate installation of mainframe and similar computers from their business activities because these installations can be complex and require specialised knowledge and skills. By focusing on providing integrated solutions, they are able to ensure that the mainframe or similar computers are installed correctly and integrated into the overall system.
Separate installation (setting-up) of personal computers: An IT consulting firm may exclude the separate installation (setting-up) of personal computers from their business activities because this can be a time-consuming and low-value task. By focusing on providing integrated solutions, they are able to ensure that the personal computers are integrated into the overall system and work seamlessly with other components.
Separate software installation: An IT consulting firm may exclude the separate software installation from their business activities because this is often a low-value task that can be easily automated. By focusing on providing integrated solutions, they are able to ensure that the software is installed correctly and integrated into the overall system.
Third-Party Approvals – Post License
This business activity does not require third-party approval.
ESR
The Economic Substance Test (EST) is a mandatory requirement in the UAE for certain enterprises operating within the country. To pass the EST, companies must demonstrate that they are managed or guided from within the country, have a substantial number of full-time employees based in the UAE, generate the majority of their income within the UAE, and have adequate assets and operational expenses in the UAE.
To comply with the EST, companies are required to submit an Economic Substance Return (ESR) within one year of the end of their fiscal year. For example, companies with fiscal years that began on or after January 1, 2019, and ended on or before December 31, 2019, are required to file the notification. Newly established companies must file an ESR the following year if their activity falls under the requirement.
Failure to comply with the EST can result in penalties, fines, and even the suspension of a company’s license to operate in the UAE. It is, therefore, crucial for companies to understand the requirements of the EST and ensure that they meet them.
Business activity 6202.00 is not subject to ESR.
AML
In the UAE, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) are required to comply with anti-money laundering laws and counter the financing of terrorism and illegal organisations. This involves meeting the standards set by the Ministry of Economy, which has implemented an awareness campaign to promote compliance. Existing licensees have already been registered for goAML, the anti-money laundering system.
However, failure to comply with these requirements before the deadline can result in penalties and fines imposed by the Ministry of Economy. To avoid such consequences, new licensees must ensure that they meet the requirements after obtaining their license. DNFBPs must also ensure that their staff are trained and aware of the necessary measures to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism.
Business activity 6202.00 is not subject to AML regulations.
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