UAE Freezone Company & Economic Substance

Hi Guys,

Was hoping someone might be able to shed some light on this:

I am researching my options and now looking at a Freezone company (probably SHAMS) for general trading/IT hardware distribution. The hardware would be purchased from outside the UAE and goods shipped to countries outside of UAE.

I would plan to take UAE residency, although not live in the UAE (at least not initially). I currently reside in a SE Asian country, am not employed here and have no legal connection with any entity here or elsewhere.

• Main question I have - If I set up as a SHAMS entity (Freezone Limited Liability Company) and conduct a hardware distribution activity then ESR would apply? I believe yes but would be great to hear others thoughts.
• If I were to setup on a SHAMS Freelance license - ESR would not apply under the new guidance? However the company license would be under my personal name and not a company name? Not ideal for dealing with factories and suppliers etc

To be frank, I would want to avoid the business being subject to exchange of information with the authority in my country of residence. In order to do this, my understanding is that I would need to show economic substance?

I would be ok in employing someone for this if required - am curious to understand if anyone knows of any outsourcing agents that may offer such a service - accounting, admin, placing orders, negotiating with suppliers etc?

Thanks for any thoughts ad input!!