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.

Do side hustles work or is the all-or-nothing approach best?

It’s a question that fills hundreds of pages of Quora and Reddit, and no one seems to agree. What is the best way to start a new business? Do you keep it on the side until it’s viable, or do you just jump in and go for it? The reason the question is so pressing […]

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renewable energy engineering

How to start a renewable energy engineering consultancy in Dubai

As the UAE marches towards its Net Zero 2050 goals, Dubai is fast becoming a magnet for renewable energy innovation. From solar farms to wind turbine tech, green energy is no longer a trend—it’s a booming industry. And if you’re looking to turn your expertise in sustainable solutions into a thriving business, there’s never been […]

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start a plumbing business in Dubai

How to start a plumbing business in Dubai

If you’ve got the tools, talent, and drive to succeed, there’s no better time than now to launch a plumbing business in Dubai. The construction boom across the UAE, from high-rise towers to luxury villas, means demand for reliable plumbing services is soaring. And the best part? Starting your own plumbing business here is more […]

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The robots are coming – so what are the opportunities for entrepreneurs?

The first industrial robot was developed by George Devol in 1954 and sold to General Motors, who used it on their production line. Today, robotics is big business. Goldman Sachs has stated that by 2035, the global humanoid robot market will reach USD 38 billion, while Elon Musk predicts it will eventually become a USD […]

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Sole Proprietorship Business Registration in Dubai

Sole proprietorship business registration in Dubai

Dubai is a thriving business hub that offers entrepreneurs, freelancers, and service providers a pro-business environment with 100% ownership, minimal bureaucracy, and attractive tax benefits. This guide covers everything you need to know about sole proprietorship business registration in Dubai—including eligibility, legal obligations, and a step-by-step process. By the end, you’ll be equipped to launch […]

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General trading license Dubai

Dubai continues to solidify its position as a premier global trading hub. With its strategic location, seamless connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and pro-business regulations, Dubai is a gateway to lucrative markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond. Securing a general trading license in Dubai opens the door to limitless opportunities, allowing you to establish […]

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The race to a billion: Why unicorns are no longer so rare

Does it seem like everything in business is moving faster these days? Once upon a time, unicorns were rare, but today they seem to be everywhere. Or at least, companies seem to reach unicorn status much more quickly than they once did. Has the race to a billion really changed that much over the past […]

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Will Dubai still be an investor’s dream in 2035?

Will Dubai be an investor’s paradise a decade from now? Looking ahead, the emirate’s economic trajectory is promising, despite lingering challenges in the broader global financial landscape. Dubai’s strong fiscal policies and diversified economy have been key to its resilience, with forecasts from the IMF suggesting steady growth for the UAE as a whole. In […]

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auto repair shop in Dubai

How to start an auto repair shop in Dubai

Dubai’s dynamic automotive scene is a paradise for car enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. With its ever-growing population, booming tourism industry, and impressive car ownership rates, the city offers a prime opportunity for starting an auto repair shop. But where do you begin? This guide is your road map to launching a successful auto repair business […]

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autonomous vehicle revolution

Which businesses will thrive in the autonomous vehicle revolution?

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) edge closer to mainstream adoption, they promise to be more than just a new way of getting from A to B. Like most new tech, they’re going to disrupt pretty much everything around them. This is concerning in some ways, and exciting in others. A great deal has been written about […]

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