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.

global is your e-commerce strategy

How global is your e-commerce strategy? Here’s how to make it work

E-commerce is a giant market. It may once have been a kind of secondary sales channel, but today it’s nothing less than a defining force in global trade. Consumers expect to browse and purchase products from anywhere in the world with the same ease they experience locally. The roadblocks that many businesses encounter while trying […]

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The Gulf’s logistics sector revolution – and what it means for startups

The GCC has some of the most strategically placed and busiest ports and airports in the world. So, it’s no surprise that logistics is a key sector in the region, whether that’s moving massive amounts of cargo or ensuring that a small item a customer ordered at 3 am is delivered within the hour.

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payments company in Dubai

How to start a payments company in Dubai

Starting a payments company in Dubai is a straightforward process. Getting your business up and running involves just eight steps: research your market and build a business plan; choose your jurisdiction; select a legal structure; register your trade name and company; apply for a payments or fintech license; secure approval from the Central Bank of […]

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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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