Dubai Mainland Business Setup
DED licenses allow French entrepreneurs to start businesses in Dubai Mainland and operate online, including through social media. It guides new entrants in the right direction as they enter the UAE business market. The Dubai government uses the DED license to regulate and simplify electronic businesses so that French companies can launch and grow their businesses legally and confidently.
Business Setup Services
When it comes to Dubai Mainland company formation or business setup in UAE, French entrepreneurs need reliable and experienced support. At Flyingcolour®, we offer business setup services tailored for Dubai’s fast-paced and competitive environment. As trusted business setup consultants in Dubai, we provide end-to-end support to help you establish your business smoothly. With Dubai’s strong infrastructure and business-friendly policies, launching your business is simple and compliant.
Dubai's Business Environment
With over 200 nationalities, Dubai is a global business destination. The government continuously improves ease of doing business through digital tools and training officials to deliver smart, tech-enabled services. This makes setting up a business in Dubai more streamlined and easier for French entrepreneurs to manage operations remotely or onsite.
Approval and Licensing
Dubai has a clear and organised system for approvals and licensing. Each business activity is linked to the right government authority—DED, Dubai Municipality, RTA, Dubai Health Authority, MOH, or KHDA—so your setup is compliant from the beginning.
Benefits of Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Buses, metro, taxis, Uber, Careem and a well developed road and bridge network.
Legal & Business Support: Strong law and order and experienced law firms to support business.
Communication & Utilities: Modern telecom services, stable electricity and high speed internet.
Healthcare: Regulated hospitals and clinics, health insurance mandatory for all residents.
Recruitment: Multicultural talent pool with easy recruitment process.
Business Events & Exposure: Home to top global exhibitions, trade fairs and conferences that attracts worldwide business leaders.
Digital & Smart Governance: Government uses digital technology to make approvals and business easier.
Strategic Business Location: Economy supported by global financial institutions and international auditing firms.
Office Locations: Choose from popular areas like Bur Dubai, Business Bay, DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road and JLT.
Post-Expo Growth: Expo 2021 has boosted infrastructure and created more opportunities for foreign companies in Dubai.
Tourism and entertainment: Dubai’s attractions—from Burj Khalifa and Global Village to Bollywood Parks and Gold Souk—continue to attract global tourists—supporting industries like hospitality, food, travel and retail.
Growing sectors: Hospitality, tourism, restaurants, and entertainment industries are major opportunities for French entrepreneurs expanding into UAE markets.
We can help you set up mainland companies in Dubai. Our team will help you prepare a business plan and choose the right company type based on your activity and business objectives.
Business Entity Structure
For French entrepreneurs and businesses looking to operate in Mainland areas of any UAE Emirate (outside Freezones), a trade license has to be obtained directly from the respective Department of Economic Development (DED). Dubai Mainland licenses allow wider business activities than Freezones and investors can get up to 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Freezones operate under their own regulations and are separate from UAE federal commercial laws, while Mainland licenses comply with national laws, offering French businesses full operational reach.
Mainland Business Setup In UAE – Documents Required
Company registration and trade name reservation: Trade name reservation and initial approval from DED.
Additional documents (if under 21): Court approval required to practice business for young entrepreneurs.
Entry stamp or UAE visit visa copy (if applicable): If French nationals are visiting UAE to start business.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): If already on a residence visa (e.g. employment or dependent) from your current UAE sponsor.
Board Resolution: If you are an existing foreign company setting up in UAE Mainland, a board resolution is required to authorise the branch or new UAE company setup.
Director Documents: Passport copy, Emirates ID (if resident), and a NOC from their current sponsor (if residing in UAE).
Activity-Based Approvals: Additional approvals from UAE government ministries based on your chosen activities.
Passport and Visa Passport Copies: For all shareholders and directors with entry stamp if already inside UAE.
Mainland Company Setup in Dubai Requiring Special Approval
Certain business activities will need to solicit special approval from the authorities for their formation.
Educational Services
Travel & Tourism
Monetary Exchange
Engineering Consultancy
Companies Operating in Trakhees
Healthcare
RTA
Top Business Setup Locations in Dubai Mainland (Ideal for French Entrepreneurs)
Dubai, the top emirate in UAE, has advanced infrastructure, business-friendly laws, and a booming economy – making it one of the best places in the world for French investors and startups. Here are key areas in Dubai Mainland where French entrepreneurs can consider setting up:
Business Bay: A bustling commercial area with consultancy firms, retail shops, and service providers. Ideal for French professionals setting up consultancy, IT firms, or corporate offices.
Sheikh Zayed Road: Dubai’s main highway connects Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. This prime area has numerous office towers and business hubs, perfect for French SMEs and corporates.
Jumeirah: A beautiful coastal area divided into Jumeirah 1, 2, and 3. Suitable for setting up beauty salons, clinics, or boutique businesses catering to Dubai’s high-end clientele.
Bur Dubai: A historic and culturally rich area, Bur Dubai is a favourite among French investors. Known for its retail outlets and restaurants, it’s perfect for setting up traditional businesses or hospitality ventures.
Al Qouz: Fast developing and strategically located, Al Qouz is ideal for industrial and warehouse setups. French exporters and manufacturers find this area business friendly and cost effective.
Al Qusais: Known for educational and medical institutions, Al Qusais is perfect for French entrepreneurs in training, healthcare and education sectors. It also has some light industrial areas for small scale operations.