How Do I Start a Business in the Mainland Dubai?

Establishing a mainland company in Dubai could be a profitable choice for investors and commercial enterprises. Mainland companies are those that are legally allowed to conduct business within the limits of Emirati territory that fall under areas that have been commercialized. The term “Dubai Mainland License” refers to any company entity in Dubai that is registered with the Dubai Economic Department (DED) as a commercial, professional, or sole establishment. First and foremost, a Dubai mainland license gives you the greatest flexibility and freedom to expand and run your company. The government that oversees the operation of mainland enterprises in the United Arab Emirates has made amendments to a number of legislation and policies.

We are the only mainland company that can provide you with the best mainland business establishment services in Dubai. With offices in the country’s most profitable regions, we provide business consulting for acquiring a license as well as advice on how to start your own successful business!

Mainland Business Setup Jurisdictions in Dubai

Mainland business setup has the advantage of choosing a broad range of locations. the most preferred mainland business jurisdictions in Dubai are listed below.

Business Bay – It is a business hub ideal for service and hospitality sector business concerns. From small shops to big MNCs, Business Bay is a perfect location for a diversification of business establishments. The region is situated between Dubai Creek and Sheikh Zayed road.

Deira – Deira is one among the oldest parts of Dubai. Located in Dubai north, Deira shares the border with Sharjah and is a perfect location for establishing small shops and medium enterprises.

Al Quoz – Al Quoz is situated in South-west region of Dubai. The region is essentially an industrial area. Both the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road run parallel to either side of Al Quoz in the north-south direction. As an industrial area, Al Quoz may be a preferred destination for starting warehouses, industrial concerns and other related business activities.

Al Qusais – Al Qusais is situated near Dubai International Airport, Al Qusais is another well-known industrial area. The region has well-equipped residential complexes too. Al Qusais is right for starting commercial establishments, educational concerns, etc.

Jumeirah – Situated in the west-coast, Jumeirah features a lot to supply for the real estate and tourism sectors. The resorts and restaurants within the region attract tourists from every nook and corner of the world.

Generally, four major licenses are issued for businesses operating in the Dubai mainland:

1. Professional License – License issued for firms engaged in service-oriented endeavors. Professional License are required for professionals who undertake any professional activity like consulting. Compared to other licenses, the issuance of Professional License cost is less.
2. Commercial License – License issued for those business establishments that engaged in buying and selling of goods or services or just trading. Most traders choose the general trading license to conduct more than one trading endeavour with one license. Commercial licenses are quite common in Dubai and the UAE mainland. the complete formalities connected with Professional License like issuance, amendment, cancellation can be accomplished easily with KGRN support.
3. Industrial License – License issued for firms that are engaged in manufacture of goods like factories, industries etc. When it involves Industrial License, you’ll have to seek the approval of External Ministries and government departments depending upon the nature of commercial activity.
4. Tourism Licence – All tourism related activities require a Tourism License. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing DTCM has a major role for issuance of Tourism licenses. a Tourism license is mandatory to conduct inbound and outbound tour related activities.

Steps for Starting a Mainland Company in Dubai:

1. Memorandum of Association (MOA) – prepare the MOA that clearly indicates the operational guidelines of your company like the objectives, capital involved, share details etc.
2. Obtain Initial Approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) – DED performs the notarization of MOA then issues the Initial approval. You may contact our business development managers to get this formality done.
3. Trade name registration – Find an appropriate name for your business and register it with DED. DED has the power to alter or discard the trade name if it’s already been selected by another company.
4. Office space requirement – An office space is mandatory to start any mainland business in Dubai or UAE. An address of registered office is required for the issuance of a trade license. Information regarding ownership agreement or tenancy need to be produced as evidence of a registered address.
5. Apply for the license – If all the above-mentioned prerequisites are satisfied, you can proceed to apply for a trade license. DED issues the mainland license in Dubai, UAE.
6. Pay the license fee – Submit all the relevant documents required for company incorporation to the Commercial registration department and DED and pay the required fee.
7. Get the license – Get the trade license from the DED. The company registration procedures can be completed in a week if all the formalities are through.

The below are the list of documents required to start a business in the mainland Dubai:

• Completed application form for business registration and licensing.
• Proof of reserved trade name.
• Copies of passports and visa details for all shareholders and appointed managers.
• A duly attested Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement, depending on your chosen legal structure.
• Copy of the lease agreement, duly attested by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Dubai.
• Approvals from other relevant government entities, if required for your specific business activity.

Additional documents might be needed depending on your specific business and legal structure. It’s always recommended to consult with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai or a business setup consultant for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required documents for your specific case.

Advantages of Starting a Business in Mainland Dubai

1. Strategic Location and Supportive Environment: This subheading highlights the geographical advantage and government support.
2. Favorable Tax Regime: This subheading focuses on the tax benefits like zero corporate tax and no personal income tax.
3. Gateway to a Lucrative Market: This subheading emphasizes the access to a large and diverse consumer base.
4. Greater Flexibility and Streamlined Processes: This subheading focuses on the flexibility in business activities and ease of company setup.
5. Additional Advantages for Businesses: This subheading highlights other notable benefits like 100% foreign ownership and excellent infrastructure.

Future Outlook for Businesses in Mainland Dubai

The future for businesses in mainland Dubai appears promising, driven by several positive factors:

1. Strong economic growth: Dubai aims to double the size of its economy by 2033 through its ambitious “D33” economic agenda. This growth is expected to create abundant opportunities for various sectors.
2. Focus on innovation and diversification: Dubai is actively diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, focusing on innovation and technology, which will attract new businesses and investments.
3. Strategic location and global connectivity: Dubai’s strategic location makes it a key trade and logistics hub connecting the East and West. This position positions mainland businesses well to tap into global markets.
4. Growing tourism and population: Dubai’s thriving tourism sector and growing population create a large and diverse consumer base for businesses in various sectors.
5. Government support and business-friendly environment: The Dubai government continues to implement pro-business policies, making it easier and more attractive for businesses to establish and operate.

If you’re new to Dubai or UAE and/or have doubts regarding company incorporation and license issuance, it’s advisable to entrust the work to an experienced business consultant. KGRN Business Formation Services can assist you thru the entire tasks related to mainland business formation in Dubai and UAE.

KGRN’s advisors and consultants are always ready to assist you.