Karl Hougaard

Karl Hougaard

Karl, Founder & Managing Partner of Trade License Zone, ensures exceptional customer experience, distinguishing the company in the business setup sector. His career began with Primovie in South Africa, leading to his move to Dubai in 2001. Over two decades, he has owned multiple businesses and played key roles in major firms, including IFZA, Virtuzone, ITP Media Group, and Dubizzle.com.

How the Gulf region has redefined the business of indoor entertainment

For a number of years, the GCC region has been actively reimagining the potential of indoor entertainment. There are several factors behind this, not least the extreme summer heat that makes year-round outdoor entertainment difficult, the increasing demand from young populations for tech-enhanced experiences, and the broader economic diversification initiatives that many GCC countries have […]

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start a rubber trading business in Dubai

How to start a rubber trading company in Dubai

Starting a rubber trading company in Dubai is a clear and organized process. You’ll begin by registering your business, obtaining a general trading or a rubber and plastic trading license, leasing a physical or virtual office, registering for corporate tax, opening a corporate bank account, and applying for residence visas for yourself and your employees. […]

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likeability important

Is likeability important in sales, and can it be learned?

When it comes to sales, few topics spark more debate than the simple question, “Do salespeople need to be likeable?” Many people say it’s unimportant, while an equal number insist it’s vital. This was demonstrated by research from the Harvard Business Review, which surveyed almost half a million salespeople. What was striking was that almost […]

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start a transport company in Dubai

How to start a transport company in Dubai

Starting a transport company in Dubai follows a clear, step-by-step framework. It involves conducting market research, drafting a business plan, choosing a business jurisdiction, deciding on a company structure, registering your trade name and company, securing a transport license, leasing office space/operational infrastructure, opening a corporate bank account, and launching and growing your business. Why […]

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tea trading business in Dubai

How to start a tea trading business in Dubai

Starting a tea trading business in Dubai isn’t complicated, but it does call for a clear plan and a few well-timed moves. You’ll need to register the company, get the green light from the authorities, secure premises, and apply for your trading license. Once those pieces are in place, you’re ready to enter one of […]

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What happens when the CEO becomes a celebrity?

Becoming a pop or rock star used to be the dream. Today, those stars have to compete with celebrity CEOs who, in many cases, take up more media column inches, cause more controversy, and drive more opinion – for better or worse. The idea of the CEO has changed so much over the years. It […]

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start a juice business in Dubai

How to start a juice business in Dubai

To start a juice business in Dubai, you’ll need a trade license, food safety approvals, and a strong business plan. The process is straightforward with the right guidance. Dubai’s thriving food and beverage industry makes it a prime spot for entrepreneurs in the health and wellness space. With demand rising for fresh, organic, and cold-pressed […]

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How finance directors are increasingly using tech as part of their role

It’s hard to think of a role in the business world which hasn’t been influenced by tech in some way. But finance is one area where we’re seeing huge changes, specifically in how tech is affecting leadership roles – that is, the finance director or the chief financial officer (CFO). The growing reliance on tech […]

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start an insurance company in Dubai

How to start an insurance company in Dubai

Setting up an insurance company in Dubai means meeting strict regulations, securing approvals from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and complying with the minimum capital requirements before you can secure your trade license. Dubai’s insurance sector is one of the fastest-growing in the Gulf region. Its regulatory framework is renowned worldwide for its […]

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minimalist CEO

The art of the minimalist CEO – and what it means for you and your team

Wherever you look, it seems we are in a world where multitasking and hustle is celebrated. But what if we flipped this on its head. What if success isn’t about doing several things at the same time and working longer and longer hours? What if there was an approach that took a more minimalist approach […]

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