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.

drone business in Dubai

Drone license Dubai: everything you need to know

Flying a drone legally in Dubai depends on approval from both the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), supported by the required operator certification. Recreational flying remains suspended, while commercial use continues under strict licensing and regulatory control. Beyond a single application, the process moves across federal and local […]

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Digital marketing license Dubai

Digital marketing license Dubai: Your complete guide

A digital marketing license in Dubai is a professional license that allows individuals and businesses to legally offer digital marketing services in the UAE. It can be obtained through the mainland Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or through a number of free zones, with costs starting from approximately AED 5,565. As businesses continue shifting […]

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disruption in the market

The uncertainty dividend

Why periods of global disruption have always been the making of new businesses. There is a contentious but meaningful quote that goes something like “Never waste a good crisis”. The words have been attributed to Churchill, Machiavelli, and, most recently, Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff to President Barack Obama, during the 2008 financial crisis. […]

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Entrepreneur visa Dubai

Entrepreneur visa Dubai: The cheapest options explained

Access to an entrepreneur visa in Dubai now includes a range of options, with several low-cost pathways allowing individuals to start a business without significant upfront investment. Residency can be secured through business setup, freelancer permits, or innovation-based visa programs. Lower entry barriers have changed how many founders approach the market; lean structures support early-stage […]

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Commercial brokerage license in Dubai

Commercial brokerage license in Dubai: Explained

Within Dubai’s business environment, movement happens across sectors and across borders. Suppliers seek entry into new markets, service providers look to expand their reach, and companies continue building partnerships beyond local boundaries. Brokerage activity sits alongside this flow, creating points of connection where demand and supply meet. A commercial brokerage license in Dubai allows individuals […]

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foodstuff trading Dubai

Foodstuff trading license in Dubai: Explained

Stepping into the food trade in the UAE begins with understanding the right licensing requirements and how they shape what a business can and cannot do. Our guide, foodstuff trading license in Dubai: Explained, gives that clarity, outlining the permissions needed to handle food products within a regulated environment. Across Dubai, food moves through a […]

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booming trade is reshaping digital freight

How booming trade is reshaping digital freight and smart ports in the UAE

For decades, the UAE has been described as a bridge between continents, and that still holds true. What feels different today is the pace and complexity of what’s moving across that bridge. Trade volumes continue to rise, but the nature of that trade is shifting. Shipments are more complex, timelines are tighter, and data requirements […]

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part-time work Dubai

Can you work part-time in the UAE? [2026 Guide]

Across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), working hours no longer follow a single pattern. Shorter shifts, reduced-hour contracts, and project-based roles now appear across retail, hospitality, education, and digital services. Businesses often expand teams temporarily during busy periods or bring in specialists for defined pieces of work. For many residents exploring additional income or considering […]

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refrigerator truck rental business in Dubai

How to start a refrigerator trucks rental business in Dubai

You can start a refrigerator trucks rental business in Dubai by first clarifying how you intend to operate, then selecting the right jurisdiction, registering the company and trade name, securing the appropriate transport or rental license, sourcing compliant refrigerated vehicles with reliable monitoring systems, opening a corporate bank account, and finally beginning operations with food, […]

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property management business in Dubai

How to start a property management business in Dubai

Starting a property management business in Dubai is mostly about getting the sequence right. The process begins with defining the company’s services, choosing a jurisdiction, obtaining DET and RERA licenses, setting up operational infrastructure, and opening a corporate bank account. The opportunity exists because of how Dubai’s property market behaves away from the headlines. Much […]

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