Editorial standards
How we source, check, update and correct what we publish, and how we keep paid content separate from journalism.
These standards apply to everything we publish. They exist so readers can rely on us for decisions that cost real money: choosing a licence, checking a visa or working out an end-of-service payment.
Accuracy and sourcing
- We use primary sources wherever they exist: federal and emirate government portals (such as u.ae), ministries and authorities (such as MOHRE, ICP, GDRFA and the Federal Tax Authority), free zone authorities’ published fee schedules, and the text of the law.
- Each guide lists its sources at the end, so you can check them yourself.
- Fees and prices are shown with the date we checked them. Where a figure comes from a provider’s quote rather than an official schedule, we say so.
- We don’t publish figures we can’t source.
Review and updates
- Every article has a byline. Guides are checked against their sources before publication, and the date we checked them is shown on the page.
- Guides on law, tax and money will also carry the name of a reviewer with relevant qualifications as our team grows.
- Guides are updated in place when the rules change. Significant changes are recorded in the article’s update log.
Independence
- Editorial decisions are made by our editor alone. Advertisers, partners and the companies we write about don’t review or approve articles before publication.
- We don’t accept payment for coverage, rankings or positive reviews.
- Paid content is labelled “Partner content”, kept separate from editorial guides, and its links are marked as sponsored. See our partner content policy.
Conflicts of interest
Writers must tell the editor about any financial or personal interest in a company or subject they cover. Where an interest is relevant, the writer doesn’t cover the subject, or the interest is disclosed on the page.
Corrections
We correct errors quickly and openly. See our corrections policy.
Use of AI
AI tools may help with research and editing, but people check and take responsibility for everything we publish. See how we use AI.
Not professional advice
Our guides explain the rules in general terms. They are not legal, tax or financial advice for your circumstances. For decisions with significant consequences, speak to a qualified adviser or the relevant authority.