Where to Start Business in Dubai?
Dubai offers a wide array of opportunities for business investments. Before committing capital, every entrepreneur or investor must prioritize conducting thorough RESEARCH. Investors have the choice between establishing a Mainland company or selecting a Free zone region, each tailored to different business types. For Mainland companies, the Department of Economic Development (DED) issues the necessary licenses. Such companies can operate freely throughout the UAE, both within the local and international markets without any operational limits.
Free zone regions are specific areas allocated for distinct business activities, restricted by the type of business approved by the Free zone’s governing authority, which also issues the necessary operating licenses. Businesses in these zones may operate internationally or within their Free zone but cannot expand to other UAE markets.
For those looking for engagement beyond the Emirates without a physical presence, Offshore jurisdictions cater to Offshore companies. These entities are permitted to operate outside the UAE, however, they are not allowed to conduct business within the country premises. Therefore, it is crucial for investors to clearly understand what options are available and where they should establish their business. Here, ONE STEP CSP business Set up Services provides essential guidance to explore and establish your business presence in Dubai.
Mainland
In the context of Mainland Companies within the UAE, foreign investors are now eligible to acquire licenses while holding 100% ownership. A significant advantage of establishing a mainland company is the ability to conduct business throughout the UAE without the constraints of free zone geographic limits. Dubai offers some of the most favored locations for initiating a mainland company.
The key business and tourist destinations like Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Tower, Financial Centre, etc are located along the most happening Sheikh Zayed Road. The world-famous Burj Khalifa stays very close to Sheikh Zayed Road. Sheikh Zayed Road offers scenic beauty too.
Deira – being one of the oldest localities of Dubai is home to the workforce populace. The region has so many apartments, hotels and is a bustling place. Deira is a desirable niche for many SMEs.
Business Bay is a fast-paced developing region in Dubai. Many projects and developmental activities are taking place in the region. Business Bay is deal for investment in the hospitality sector. The close proximity to Burj Khalifa is another added advantage. Other preferred locations to start mainland company in Dubai are Al Qusais, Bur Dubai and Al Quoz.
Al Qusais is an outlying region of Dubai. Even though it is located in the suburbs of Dubai, Al Qusais has well-developed infra-structure facilities. The region comprises of housing areas and various industrial establishments. Therefore, the region is ideal to start service-oriented endeavours, educational concerns, hospitals, and trading ventures. If you are looking for an economical option, setting up your business venture in Al Qusais can be helpful. Other preferred locations to start mainland company in Dubai are Bur Dubai and Al Quoz.
Free zone
Foreign investors are now eligible to fully own mainland companies in the UAE by acquiring a license that permits 100% ownership. A significant advantage of a mainland company is its allowance to operate throughout the UAE without the constraints often found within the free zones. The operations of a mainland company are not limited by the designated areas of the free zones. Listed below are the top locations to establish a mainland company in Dubai.
The key business and tourist destinations like Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Tower, Financial Centre, etc are located along the most happening Sheikh Zayed Road. The world-famous Burj Khalifa stays very close to Sheikh Zayed Road. Sheikh Zayed Road offers scenic beauty too.
Deira – being one of the oldest localities of Dubai is home to the workforce populace. The region has so many apartments, hotels and is a bustling place. Deira is a desirable niche for many SMEs.
Business Bay is a fast-paced developing region in Dubai. Many projects and developmental activities are taking place in the region. Business Bay is deal for investment in the hospitality sector. The close proximity to Burj Khalifa is another added advantage. Other preferred locations to start mainland company in Dubai are Al Qusais, Bur Dubai and Al Quoz.
Ajman Media City Free zone is a media and creativity hub mainly aimed at media houses, creative professionals and entrepreneurs. The free zone is comparatively new and was established in 2018. Entrepreneurs and investors in the field of media, IT and advertising prefer Ajman Media City mainly due to the affordable Business Setup cost.
Shams Free zone or Sharjah Media City Free zone is considered as the fastest developing media related Free zone in the Emirates. The Shams Free zone was established in 2017 in the Emirate of Sharjah. The free zone appeals to media professionals and innovative ventures who rely greatly on creativity. The free zone offers diverse business activities like media, wholesale and retail and services.
Established in 2011, the Dubai Gold and Diamond Park Free zone is dedicated completely to the jewellery and ornament industry. Gold and Diamond Park Free zone promotes the trading of jewellery items and other precious metals like silver, gold, platinum, expensive ornaments, gemstones and other related add-ons. The trade of jewellery and other high-end products are aimed at both inbound customers and international tourists. Gold and Diamond Park free zone is the one-stop destination for jewellery and ornaments related requirements as it houses the world’s best designs and accessories.
IFZA is located in the Emirate of Fujairah. The free zone has good access to seaports in the Gulf of Oman as well as the Fujairah International Airport. The free zone offers great investment opportunities to investors all over the world by providing affordable warehouses, residential apartments, hotels, offices and retail outlets. The free zone gives much importance to business sustainability. IFZA caters to the needs of diverse sectors like trading, service and industries. The low business set up cost and the strategic location are two major benefits of setting up a business in IFZA.
Widely known as DAFZA, Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the most celebrated Free Zones in Dubai. The proximity to Dubai International Airport gives a clear advantage to DAFZA over other free zones in Dubai. DAFZA is very investor-friendly and is a safe haven for business establishments that handle logistics, electronics and aviation.
Dubai Knowledge Park provides the necessary infrastructure to serve the needs of the education sector. Educational consultants, educational institutes and training providers and universities operate in Dubai Knowledge Park. Many internationally acclaimed universities provide study centre facilities in DKP.
