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For Indian entrepreneurs looking to set up shop in the UAE, the mainland areas are basically everywhere outside the Free Zones in Dubai and the other Emirates. These business areas are governed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) - that's the one that used to be known as the Department of Economic Development (DED), by the way. They're the ones in charge of doling out mainland business licenses , which is a big deal for Indian investors because it lets them operate wherever they like in the UAE, do business with the government and service clients from all over - no geographical restrictions to worry about. This is why mainland business setup in Dubai tends to be top of the list for Indian companies looking to put down roots and really make a go of it in the UAE - they're after long-term growth, total freedom to operate, and a ticket to the wider UAE economy.
Following the update to the 2021 Commercial Companies Law, many mainland businesses in Dubai are now open to 100% foreign ownerships without the need for a local sponsor for a number of business activities. The result is that setting up a business in Dubai has become a lot less complicated for Indian entrepreneurs – they can now fully own their business right from the start.
If you're looking to get a new business off the ground in Dubai International City is really the place to start. The area perfectly embodies the cosmopolitan vibe and feel of Dubai, with a massive residential population of around almost 60,000 people - that's a pretty big pool of potential customers right on your doorstep. Whats more the area has some pretty decent rental prices - low enough to be budget-friendly but still offer all the amenities you need to live and work comfortably.
International City is quickly becoming a major commercial hub - lately we've seen all sorts of big names setting up food outlets, retail shops and essential services there - including some major retail chains and real estate developers. Its one of those rare places in Dubai where new businesses from India can get the best of both worlds - an affordable price tag and a prime strategic location.
You can find Dubai International City in the Al Warsan area of Dubai, opposite the main fruits and vegetables market. The area is designed with clusters inspired by international architectural styles. These clusters surround the Central Business District and includes the themed area called the Forbidden City, inspired by Beijing.
As this area is very popular in Dubai, it’s always busy with footfall, which is a big plus for businesses in Mainland International City. The high footfall is an opportunity to reach a large and diverse customer base, especially for Indian entrepreneurs looking to tap into a multicultural market.
The location is also close to key locations in Dubai. On a non-peak hour, you can reach Dubai International Airport in 20 minutes. Burj Khalifa is 30 minutes, Dubai Mall is 20 minutes, and Mall of the Emirates is 25 minutes. So you and your target audience can reach important areas and your business location in about 30 minutes, making it very convenient for operations and client visits.
International City has many job opportunities across various sectors. The multicultural environment and international appeal means opportunities for different skill sets and interests, making it a great place for Indian entrepreneurs and professionals.
International City also has freehold properties. This means Indian expat investors can buy retail space and have ownership rights, which is a big advantage over rental only areas.
Rental costs in International City are lower than many other areas of Dubai. This is not just for commercial spaces but also for residential flats. So it’s a budget friendly option for business owners who want to live and work in the same area. Tenants can get competitive pricing and start a business and life here.
The ROI in International City can vary depending on the location within the area, property type and market trends. By making informed decisions Indian investors can maximize their ROI and be profitable in the long run.
Although it’s slightly out of Dubai, the area is well connected to the main areas of Dubai. One of its big advantages is its proximity to Academic City, which makes it a great location for families with kids studying higher education, especially Indian families who prioritise proximity to educational institutions.
There are many types of license you can apply for when you start a business in Dubai International City. These licenses are for different business activities and are necessary for legal operation. Below are the most common licenses for businesses in International City:
Industrial license is for businesses involved in manufacturing and production activities. These are processes that convert raw materials or natural resources into finished products either manually or through machinery. Indian investors in sectors like textile production, paper manufacturing or metal works can apply for this license.
Commercial license is for businesses focused on trading and commercial activities. It allows activities like import and export of goods, running a general store, wholesale or retail sales and logistics. Many Indian entrepreneurs in trading and distribution sectors prefer this license for its flexibility.
Professional licenses are for individuals or entities offering services based on skills or expertise. This includes professions like doctors, consultants, beauticians and craftsmen. Indian service providers like salon owners, healthcare professionals and freelance consultants often opt for this type of license to legally offer their services in Dubai International City.
There are numerous steps included in the process of setting up a business in Dubai International City. However, it is a little complex to follow these steps for everyone without the help of Flyingcolour Business Setup. However, knowing these steps will help you to get an overview of this process. Let us take a look at the steps for starting a business in this area:
When starting a business, first you need to know what kind of business you are starting. Whether you are starting a small business or a cryptocurrency business in Dubai, you have over 2100 business activities to choose from. These activities are categorized under commercial, professional and tourism. You can see the full list on Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) website. So your first step is to select the business activities that match your business goals.
Choose the legal structure for your company. The legal structure you choose will determine how your business will operate, who will be responsible for what and how assets and resources will be managed. Common structures are sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company.
Once the structure is selected, gather all the necessary documents and submit your application along with these documents to the concerned authorities for review.
After submitting the documents and application, the next step is to pay the fees to the respective government departments.
Next, choose a unique name for your business. Make sure the name follows the naming guidelines issued by the authorities and does not have any restricted or offensive words.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will get the final approval and business license. This license will allow you to operate your company in Tcom International City, Dubai.
To set up a mainland company in Dubai International City, Indian entrepreneurs, business owners and investors need to prepare and submit a set of mandatory documents. These documents are required by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to ensure legal compliance with UAE commercial laws. Here’s a checklist for Indian nationals or NRIs planning to start their business in Dubai.
Documents to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai
Flyingcolour provides company registration, document processing and regulatory compliance services specifically for Indian entrepreneurs looking to set up a long term presence in the UAE.
Starting a business in Tcom International City is considered a streamlined process. However, the easier process might be complicated for beginners or foreigners. Flyingcolour Business Setup can help you convert the complexity of setting up a business into a straightforward process. We can guide you through the whole process of starting up a business in this area.
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Setting up a business in the UAE especially for Indian entrepreneurs or first-time investors can seem complex. However, with Flyingcolour expert guidance, the entire process becomes seamless and efficient. Speak with our experienced consultants at no cost and receive personalized advice on the most suitable business structure, jurisdiction, and compliance requirements—tailored specifically for Indian business goals in the UAE.
Key advantages include:
• Prestigious business address in a globally recognized commercial district • Access to multinational corporations and premium clientele • Ability to operate throughout the UAE market • Excellent connectivity through Dubai Metro and Tram networks • Strong opportunities for technology, media, and consulting businesses • Strategic location near Dubai Marina, JLT, Palm Jumeirah, and JBR
Businesses can generally obtain:
• Commercial License for trading and business activities • Professional License for service-based and consultancy businesses • Industrial License for manufacturing and production activities
Flyingcolour® helps Indian entrepreneurs select the most suitable license for their business objectives.
The process typically involves:
• Schedule a consultation with Flyingcolour® • Select the appropriate business activity • Reserve and approve a trade name • Prepare and submit company formation documents • Secure office premises if required • Obtain the mainland trade license • Open a UAE corporate bank account • Apply for residency visas • Receive the company registration certificate and commence operations
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