Mainland Business Setup In Dubai International City

Mainland Business Setup In International City

 
Mainland Business Setup

Mainland refers to areas in Dubai and other Emirates that fall outside Free Zones. These regions are governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), which issues business licenses. A DED license gives full operational freedom for businesses across the UAE.

 
100% Foreign Ownership

Following the 2021 update to the Commercial Companies Law, most mainland businesses now allow 100% foreign ownership—no local sponsor is required for a wide range of business activities. This has made it much easier for Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to fully own and operate their businesses in Dubai.

 
Why International City

If you’re a Pakistani investor planning to start a business in Dubai, International City is a great choice. The area reflects Dubai’s multicultural lifestyle and has a large population of nearly 60,000 residents—creating a ready-made customer base. International City also has budget-friendly rental options, making it perfect for Pakistani startups and established businesses looking for operational efficiency.

 
Investment and Commercial Potential

International City is becoming a commercial hot spot. The presence of food outlets, retail stores and essential service providers is attracting major retail brands, real estate developers and corporations. For Pakistani businesses looking for an affordable and strategic location in Dubai, this area offers long term value.

Dubai International City Map

Dicm

International City is located in the Al Warsan area, opposite Dubai’s main fruits and vegetables market. The area is designed around themed residential clusters inspired by various countries, surrounding the Central Business District and the Forbidden City area, which mirrors traditional Chinese architecture.

This area has high footfall, perfect for businesses. Pakistani entrepreneurs can leverage this traffic to tap into a diverse, multicultural audience and grow their customer base.

International City is well connected to other key locations in Dubai, making it ideal for business operations, logistics, and client visits. During non-peak hours, you can reach Dubai International Airport in 20 minutes, Dubai Mall in 20 minutes, Burj Khalifa in 30 minutes, and Mall of the Emirates in 25 minutes.

Benefits of starting a business in International City

 

International City has job and business opportunities across various sectors. Its international appeal, affordability and multicultural environment makes it a preferred location for Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals.

 

The area also has freehold properties, so Pakistani expats can buy commercial space and retain full ownership—an advantage over rental only areas.With lower rental costs for both commercial and residential units, Pakistani business owners can reduce expenses by living and working in the same area.

 

Tenants can negotiate competitive rents while still operating in one of Dubai’s busiest districts.

 

International City also has strong ROI potential depending on cluster location, market conditions and property selection. With proper planning Pakistani investors can secure long term profitability.

 

Plus its proximity to Academic City makes International City attractive for Pakistani families with children pursuing higher education in Dubai.

Types of License in International City

There are various licenses available for businesses operating in Dubai International City. The most common license types are:

Industrial License

This license is for businesses involved in manufacturing and production. It covers conversion of raw materials into finished goods using manual or automated processes. Pakistani entrepreneurs in sectors such as textile, packaging or light manufacturing can benefit from this license.

 

Commercial License

A commercial license allows trading and sales activities. This includes import/export, retail, wholesale and logistics. Many Pakistani traders and SMEs prefer this license due to its wide applicability across sectors.

 

Professional License

Professional licenses are issued to individuals or firms offering skill-based services such as consultancy, healthcare, salon services or design. Pakistani professionals like IT consultants, doctors, beauticians and trainers often choose this license to legally operate in Dubai.

When starting a business follow these steps:

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:

1

Identify the business activity you want to pursue. Whether you’re launching a trading firm or a digital service business, Dubai has over 2,100 permitted activities under commercial, professional and tourism categories. The full list is available on the DED website. Choose activities that align with your business goals.

2

Select the appropriate legal structure. This will define ownership, responsibilities and resource management. Common structures include sole proprietorship, LLC or partnerships. Pakistani businesses must select a format that ensures regulatory compliance and operational flexibility.

3

Gather the required documents and submit your application to the relevant authorities. This includes shareholder documents, MoA and other required paperwork.

4

Pay the applicable government fees for license processing and registration.

5

Choose a unique trade name for your business. The name must comply with DED guidelines and should not contain prohibited terms or sensitive references.

6

Once your application is approved you will receive your trade license. This allows you to operate 

Documents Required for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai International City

Pakistani business owners and investors need to submit a complete set of documents to register a company in Dubai. These are mandated by the Department of Economic Development (DED) to ensure compliance with UAE laws.

Documents to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA): This document outlines business activities, shareholder roles and structure. Pakistani entrepreneurs must clearly define ownership distribution and business goals to meet regulatory standards and simplify banking processes.
  • Lease Agreement: Valid tenancy contract for your business address. International City is a preferred option for Pakistani investors due to lower rental costs for both commercial and residential units. Tenants can negotiate competitive rents while operating in one of Dubai’s busiest districts.
  • Passport Copies: Valid passport copies of all shareholders. Pakistani citizens must ensure at least six months of passport validity.
  • Visa Status: If applicable, include residence visa or entry stamp pages of all shareholders to confirm legal status in the UAE.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): If partnering with a UAE national, Pakistani residents must submit an NOC confirming sponsor approval for the intended business activities.
  • Trade Name Reservation Certificate: Issued by DED to confirm the selected business name is approved. Pakistani brands entering Dubai should ensure their trade name meets international and local regulations.
  • Application Form: Includes details about shareholders, business activity and structure. Flyingcolour helps Pakistani clients in preparing error-free submissions for faster approvals.

These documents are required for trade licenses and legal permits. Mainland setup offers tax benefits, full UAE market access and higher business credibility—ideal for Pakistani entrepreneurs.

Why Choose Us

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 Dubai can be complex, especially for first-time Pakistani investors. Flyingcolour® simplifies the entire process—from legal planning and document processing to banking and visa formalities. Talk to our expert team for a free consultation tailored to your goals as a Pakistani entrepreneur in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, mainland companies in Dubai can bid for government contracts—a great opportunity for Pakistani companies looking for long term, high value projects.

Some of the top sectors with high ROI for Pakistani investors are:
Industrial
Commercial
Residential
Tourism* E-commerce & IT
Logistics & Trade
Tourism & Hospitality
Healthcare & Medical Services
Financial Services
Food & Beverage

Founders and employees need UAE residency visas. This includes a medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and security clearance. Flyingcolour assists Pakistani clients throughout the visa process.

Flyingcolour® provides full support—from company formation and legal setup to bank account opening and visa approvals. With 20+ years of UAE experience, we ensure Pakistani entrepreneurs set up their businesses legally and fast.

Costs start from AED 15,000 and vary based on:
Business activity
Number of visa quotas
Office size and location
Flyingcolour® offers packages for Pakistani startups and SMEs.

Key benefits:Operate in UAE and global markets
Trade with local and government entities
100% foreign ownership available
No minimum capital for most structures
Strong reputation for Pakistani-owned businesses

There are three types of licenses:Commercial License – for trading and retail
Industrial License – for manufacturing
Professional License – for skilled services
Flyingcolour® helps Pakistani clients choose the right license.

Step by step process:Book a free consultation with Flyingcolour® (exclusive for Pakistani clients)
Choose your business activity
Reserve your trade name
Prepare and submit documents
Rent your office space
Apply for license and visa
Open a UAE corporate bank account
Receive your registration certificate