DUBAI MAINLAND, EXPLAINED
What is a Dubai mainland company?
Short answer: It is an onshore company licensed through Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism for approved commercial, professional or industrial activity.
Key takeaway: The activity determines available legal forms, ownership rules, premises, government approvals and the real setup cost.
DUBAI LICENSING PLAN
Build the application around the licensed activity
| Stage | Primary decision | Common dependency |
|---|---|---|
| Activity and name | Select activity and reserve a compliant trade name | Availability and naming rules |
| Legal form | Choose the structure that supports ownership and activity | Shareholder documents and MOA |
| Initial approval | Secure permission to proceed | External regulator NOCs where applicable |
| Premises and licence | Complete tenancy and final filing | Ejari, inspections and fees where required |
In our experience: external approvals and premises are the two areas most likely to change a quoted timeline.
Overview of Company Registration on Mainland Dubai
Dubai is undoubtedly an international thriving business hub. Our business setup in mainland can make it easier for investors to put up their business in the city.
The Facts about Mainland Company Formation in Dubai.
Dubai’s developed economy and business environment provide the right combination of infrastructure and services to match prevailing international standards.
From 1st June 2021 , Foreign investor can own 100 percent shares in limited liability company for certain designated commercial activities.
The government has successfully established a business setup system in Dubai. So, each business activity can be associated with specific approval regulated by a designated department like DED, Municipality, Road and Transport Authority (RTA), DTCM, Dubai Health Authority, MOH, KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) and many more.
The distribution of profit and loss can be among shareholders. So, the responsibility of managing an LLC can be vested in any shareholder or even a third party.
Currently, the country hosts people from at least 200 different nations across the globe, making the region a leading global business hub.
The Government has stepped up its efforts to make Dubai a business-friendly destination by implementing IT-integrated systems and training its state officials on how to handle various Government departments with smart digital technology. Most importantly, these systems have a user-friendly interface to facilitate easier navigation online.
Locations in Dubai to Setup Mainland Businesses
Dubai is located between Abudhabi on its south side and Sharjah on its north side. Old Dubai has predominantly two areas, namely Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai. Both areas are connected by the underwater Shindagha tunnel & over water bridges like Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, and the floating bridge. Following are the important points about the different areas to be understood before choosing the location for business setup in mainland areas:
Benefits for Mainland company formation in Dubai
Location flexibility and better infrastructure
Developed internal transportation infrastructure by way of public buses, metro, taxi companies, Uber, Careem, and well-defined roads and bridges. Moreover, there are many local and international law firms situated in the UAE to provide efficient legal support to businesses. In addition, state-of-the-art telecommunications provide better connectivity for smooth business operations. It also provides high-quality and strictly regulated healthcare hospitals and clinics, and each resident must have health insurance.
Broad working scope
Dubai has become an international destination for education by hosting the majority of world-famous universities. Because their curriculum provides internationally certified qualifications. Moreover, the mechanism promotes the tendency of the region to offer future business leaders international exposure starting from university. Additionally, it creates huge opportunities for different training institutes to set up their centers in the UAE. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dubai government successfully implemented 100% online education systems in schools. Dubai houses several international financial institutions, including multinational banks and well-known auditing services companies, to fuel the growth of the UAE. It provides high-quality offices and residential accommodations. Some of the facilities include Old Dubai Desire, Bur Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, well-developed Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown, Dubai media city, Emirates Hills, Meydan, Dubai South, Dubai Land, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
Access to lucrative government contract
The upcoming Expo 2021 has also added a significant increase in business activities to create an infrastructure that supports an inflow of millions of visitors, thus creating huge opportunities for MNCs and SMEs to establish their companies in Dubai, UAE. As a world-class tourism destination, Dubai has numerous attractions like the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, water parks, desert safaris, big malls, the world-famous Gold Souq, Bollywood Park, Global Village, fine dining restaurants, and world-famous nightclubs. Mainland business setup Dubai offers unrestricted access for a company to conduct its business locally, as per its licence activity. Flyingcolour® business setup services offer in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in company incorporation. Moreover, we also assist in the process of mainland business setup Dubai based on the client’s business plan.
Flyingcolour® assists in all types of company registrations in United Arab Emirates. We assist in Mainland, Free zones or Offshore company registrations in all Emirates of UAE. We also assist in opening bank account with all local leading banks. We closely work with all Government Departments and banks.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Dubai mainland setup: frequently asked questions
Dubai mainland economic licences are issued through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and its Invest in Dubai services, subject to the selected activity and approvals.
Start by defining the exact business activity and intended ownership and operating model. Those choices determine the compatible legal form, name rules, approvals and premises.
Full foreign ownership is available for many activities. Restricted or strategically regulated activities can have different conditions, which should be verified before selecting the legal form.
A registered tenancy arrangement is commonly required for businesses that need premises. The exact office, shop, warehouse or eligible flexible route depends on the activity and authority requirements.
Activities regulated by another authority—such as health, education, transport, food, tourism or financial services—can require additional approval before or during licensing.
A Dubai mainland company can conduct its licensed activities in the UAE market, but projects, branches, premises and regulated work may require permits or registrations in another emirate.
A complete budget may include government registration and licence fees, trade name and approvals, constitutional documents, premises and Ejari, immigration services, visas and professional charges.