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 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 […]

Continue Reading
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 […]

Continue Reading
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 […]

Continue Reading
Online business license in Dubai

Online business license in Dubai: The complete guide

Online business is booming in Dubai. The current e-commerce market size in the UAE is estimated at over $12bn with many projecting that it reach $21bn by 2030. So there’s never been a better time to set up an online business. With a favourable business environment, and a number of strong government initiatives, more and […]

Continue Reading
Signing up for a general trading license in the UAE

General Trading License Dubai: 2025 Guide

If you’re wanting to start a business that trades a variety of goods, a general trading license in Dubai is your go-to option. It’s one of the most adaptable trade licenses available in the UAE, letting companies buy, sell, import, export, and distribute a wide mix of products – even if they’re unrelated – all […]

Continue Reading
Management consultancy business in Dubai

Management consultancy license in Dubai [2025 Guide]

Yes, you can get a management consultancy license in Dubai by following a few simple steps. This 2025 guide breaks it down step-by-step – from the paperwork to the costs and everything in between. These days, there’s no shortage of companies looking for management consultants in Dubai: helping businesses improve their performance, navigate change, and […]

Continue Reading
Digital Content Creator License in Dubai

Digital Content Creator License in Dubai

Dubai has quickly become a magnet for digital content creators, and for good reason. The emirate offers exciting opportunities for social media influencers, bloggers, streamers, and social media marketers. But to operate legally and professionally in the UAE, having the proper license is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to […]

Continue Reading
start a research consultancy in Dubai

How to start a research consultancy in Dubai

Business success stems from strategic planning and in-depth market analysis. Dubai is a global business centre, and research consultants play a key role in shaping it. Data-driven insights, analysis, and consulting empower business leaders to shape their companies’ futures and evolve into industry titans. With a diverse market, Dubai offers a fertile ground for research […]

Continue Reading
logistics services business in the UAE

How to start a logistics services business in Dubai

From e-commerce fulfilment to freight forwarding and last-mile delivery, logistics services are the engine room of Dubai’s thriving economy. As one of the world’s busiest trade hubs—with air, sea, and land routes connecting East and West—Dubai offers unmatched opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to launch a logistics business. In today’s fast-paced, global marketplace, businesses rely on […]

Continue Reading
coffee trading business in Dubai

How to start a coffee trading business in Dubai

In a city where over 200 nationalities call home, coffee is more than just a beverage – it’s a cultural connector. Dubai’s cosmopolitan flair has brewed a thriving café culture, turning coffee into a daily ritual and a booming business opportunity. From Ethiopian single-origin beans to Colombian dark roasts, Dubai’s love affair with coffee reflects […]

Continue Reading