Gateway to Limitless Potential
Booming economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Advantages
Key factors to Start a Business in UAE
The Burgeoning Economy
The UAE has the most liberal trade regime in the Gulf. For the last 40 years, it has been an open economy with high per capita income and a high annual trade surplus. Companies from all over the world are shifting base to UAE and opening offshore companies here. Today the UAE is home to many start-ups and multi-million dollar conglomerates.The emirates state is wealthy and offers stable financial situations to all companies, leading to a huge inflow of foreign capital in this region. Thus making the economy even more strong.
Infrastructure and Amenities
The UAE government has left no stone unturned in ensuring the foreign investors face absolutely no trouble in running their businesses. This resolve has translated into world-class infrastructure and amenities in business parks, office spaces, warehousing, transportation, connectivity, and utilities.
Global Position
The UAE Business environment is ranked as one of the most favourable in the entire GCC region. According to a World bank’s 2015 ‘Doing Business’ report, UAE has ranked 26th ahead of other GCC nations like Saudi (49th). UAE is ahead of European nations as well. The Netherlands ranks at 27th, France and Turkey are at 31st and 55th. This speaks volumes about the favourable conditions for doing business in the land.
Business Ownership
Under typical foreign direct investment laws, the foreign business investment has only up to 49% of the business share while the local partner gets to have 51%. Under different company formation in UAE, foreign business owners can enjoy 100% business ownership.
Tax Exemptions
One of the major hassles of opening a business in a foreign territory is developing an understanding of their tax laws and manoeuvring your business so that you have minimum taxes to manage. The Emirates offers various kinds of business ownership patterns and tax categories. One among them stands out to be the free zones with the feature of 100% tax exemptions. There is 0% corporate and income tax, 30 % tax rebate on international film and TV production spend. This means you can keep your business profits without paying any business/income tax to the government. Just make sure you register your companies under the free zones umbrella.
Global gateway to trade
Dubai reigns supreme as a global gateway for trade. Its strategic location bridges East and West, offering unparalleled access to markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe. A world-class infrastructure with efficient ports, airports, and free zones fosters seamless trade, while business-friendly regulations and reduced costs make Dubai an ideal launching pad for your international trading endeavors.
Dubai Economic Agenda D33
Dubai's ambitious vision for the future is embodied in the D33 Economic Agenda, a roadmap for transformative growth by 2033. This plan sets out to double foreign trade and expand trade partnerships across the globe. Sustainability takes center stage with initiatives for green manufacturing and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Innovation is a key driver, with programs to attract leading universities, nurture homegrown startups, and create a "Sandbox Dubai" for testing cutting-edge technologies. Empowering the next generation is crucial, with initiatives to integrate young Emiratis into the workforce and support the growth of talented entrepreneurs. D33 aims to solidify Dubai's position as a global leader in trade, investment, and innovation, all while ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens.
Jurisdiction
Mainland Company
Dubai's mainland companies offer full access to the UAE market and allow 100% foreign ownership with a local service agent. This flexibility comes with the requirement for a physical office and potential future corporate tax. The setup process is more complex, but these companies can participate in government tenders.
Freezone Company
Freezone companies operate within designated zones with streamlined setup, 100% foreign ownership, and tax exemptions (depending on the zone). They benefit from world-class infrastructure but face limitations on business activities (restricted to the free zone's permitted activities) and may have annual fees.
Offshore Companies
Offshore companies, registered outside the UAE, are ideal for international trade and investment holding. They offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and low setup costs, but cannot conduct business directly within the UAE mainland and have limited banking facilities there.
Startup Ecosystem
Dubai's Cohesive Startup Ecosystem
In5 innovation center
In5 is home to hundreds of techpreneur startups. Our tech innovation centre is strategically located in the heart of Dubai Internet City and enjoys access to other media and educational hubs.The in5 tech startups get access to dedicated facilities including smart labs, private offices, coworking spaces, workshops and top investors.
AI and Web3 Campus
Discover the future of innovation at the Dubai AI & Web3 Campus, an integral part of the prestigious DIFC. This hub seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence and Web3 technologies, shaping the next frontier of technological evolution.
Dubai Future Foundation
Dubai Future Foundation is instrumental in driving Dubai's transformation into a futuristic city. Through its various initiatives and projects, DFF fosters innovation, prepares the government for future challenges, and establishes Dubai as a global leader in technological advancements and smart city development.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a free zone offering a mix of residential and business facilities. It provides startups with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, incubation centers, and various business incentives to promote technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
FinTech Hive
FinTech Hive, part of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is a leading accelerator focused on financial technology. It supports startups in the fintech space through mentorship, networking, and access to a robust regulatory framework.
Process
What’s The Process Of Business Setup In Dubai?
01
Choose Business Activity and Structure
Decide on the type of business you want to start and select a suitable legal structure, such as LLC or sole proprietorship, based on your business goals and preferences to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and operational needs.
02
Name Approval and Initial Application
Choose a unique business name and submit an initial application for approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority to ensure compliance with naming guidelines and secure the right to operate under the chosen name.
03
Prepare Legal Documents
Draft essential legal documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA), outlining business activities, shareholder roles, and other key details to establish clear governance and operational guidelines for the business.
04
Obtain Licenses and Permits
Acquire the necessary licenses and permits for your business activity from the DED or free zone authority to ensure legal compliance and authorization to conduct operations in Dubai, adhering to specific regulations and requirements for your industry.
05
Register Your Business
Complete the registration process with the relevant authority, such as the DED for mainland businesses or the free zone authority for companies located in free zones, to officially establish your business entity and obtain a trade license permitting commercial activities.
06
Visa Processing and Compliance
Manage visa processing for employees, if required, and maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations, including renewing licenses and permits as necessary, to ensure smooth operations and legal conformity with Dubai's business laws and regulations.