Business Setup
Dubai Mainland is the best place for Pakistani entrepreneurs and businesses to expand in the United Arab Emirates. Mainland companies require a UAE national sponsor or local service agent to start their business. These companies also need to comply with UAE labour and immigration laws. The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) issues the mainland trade license which allows companies to operate in Dubai. Mainland areas are preferred by Pakistani investors in hospitality, retail and service based industries.
Dubai Marina
There are many locations in Mainland Dubai to set up a business but Dubai Marina stands out as one of the most profitable. It is a high footfall tourist area, hence ideal for businesses to get walk-in customers. This continuous public presence is the key driver for company formation in this area.
Networking Benefits
Close proximity to other established businesses is another reason to choose Dubai Marina for mainland company setup. This allows easy collaboration, partnerships and networking – important for Pakistani business owners to integrate into Dubai’s local community. Dubai Marina also has many shopping and dining options which adds to the convenience and happiness of employees and clients.
Dubai Marina’s location is one of the main reasons why many Pakistani entrepreneurs prefer to set up their businesses here. It is close to Dubai’s major business districts, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Village and Dubai Internet City – areas that are home to many multinational companies. This proximity is perfect for startups and Pakistani SMEs to grow alongside global players.
Dubai Marina has a pro-business tax environment. No personal income tax or capital gains tax. Pakistani investors can enjoy 0% Corporate Tax on annual income up to AED 375,000 and 9% Corporate Tax on income above that. These tax benefits make Dubai Marina one of the most competitive and cost effective jurisdictions for Pakistani businesses looking to expand globally.
The multicultural environment of Dubai Marina is another big advantage. With a large expat population including a significant Pakistani community, the area attracts global talent and investors. This diversity creates an inclusive business environment where Pakistani entrepreneurs can thrive and connect with international clients.
Dubai Marina is known for its luxury lifestyle and premium branding, perfect for Pakistani companies that want to project a high end image. Surrounded by high end restaurants, luxury yachts and elite entertainment options, businesses in Dubai Marina enjoy an aura of prestige that can boost brand value and customer appeal.
Moreover, Dubai Marina has world class infrastructure and business support services that startups and established companies need. From modern, tech enabled office spaces to high speed internet and concierge services, Pakistani business owners will find everything they need to run a professional and efficient operation in this iconic part of Dubai.
Dubai Marina is profitable for many types of businesses. But some sectors are booming here—especially for Pakistani entrepreneurs looking to set up or expand in the UAE.
Let us take a look at the top business sectors in this area:
Retail and E-commerce: The promenade is home to E-commerce and retail businesses catering to local and international customers. For Pakistani retail brands and online businesses, Dubai Marina offers high visibility, footfall and a premium customer base.
Finance and Fintech: With DIFC nearby, finance and fintech companies find Dubai Marina an excellent place to operate. Pakistani startups in payment solutions, wealth tech and blockchain can tap into this ecosystem to get funding and partnerships.
Real Estate and Construction: With the area developing continuously, businesses in real estate and construction sectors have long term opportunities. Pakistani real estate consultants, construction companies and interior designers are setting up offices here to serve high net worth clients and luxury projects.
Technology and IT: Technology and IT sectors are another booming segment in Dubai Marina. Being close to Dubai Internet City—a regional hub for tech companies—makes this location ideal for Pakistani software development companies, IT consultancies and tech startups.
Hospitality and Tourism Sector Tourism and hospitality is one of the fastest growing sectors in Dubai Marina. The waterfront, global footfall and world class hotels make it a prime spot for Pakistani restaurant owners, travel companies and boutique hospitality ventures to capture the premium tourist market.

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai Marina requires you to follow the right path. The path to set up a business in this area has several steps.
Here are the steps to kick-start your mainland business in Dubai Marina:
First you need to decide what business activities to conduct in your business. Pakistani investors must ensure that their desired business activities are permitted under UAE laws. Trading, consultancy, IT services or food and beverage must align with Dubai’s commercial laws.
Once you decide your business activities, you need to choose the right legal structure. Whether it’s a Limited Liability Company (LLC), branch of a Pakistani company or any other legal form, choosing the right entity is important for compliance and operational efficiency.
After choosing the legal structure for your company, you need to register your company with the relevant Dubai Mainland authorities, including the Department of Economic Development (DED). This step includes getting initial approvals and licenses.
After registering your business, choose an office space in Dubai Marina that suits your business needs. Pakistani businesses usually start with a flexi desk or shared office to control costs while having a prestigious address.
After choosing your office space for your business, you need to apply for the required visas for yourself and your employees. The number of visas is usually based on your office space size and selected business activity.
Once your visas are approved, apply for additional clearances. Depending on your industry, Pakistani business owners may need special approvals from authorities like Dubai Municipality, Food Control or KHDA (for education).
You will also need a corporate bank account to start your business transactions in Dubai Marina. Flyingcolour® can open a UAE bank account with local banks for you.
Once you have all approvals, visas and permits, you can start your business in Dubai Marina—a preferred location for Pakistani entrepreneurs for its infrastructure and global exposure.
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Setting up a business in the UAE can be complicated—especially if you are not familiar with the process. Flyingcolour® makes it easy and hassle free for Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors. Talk to our experts for a free consultation and we will guide you on the best way forward for your UAE business