Business Setup Overview
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Mainland is a non-free zone territory in Dubai, governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), which issues mainland licenses. These licenses enable UK businesses to operate fully within the UAE, offering a robust jurisdiction for company setup and growth.
Thanks to updated Commercial Companies Law by UAE authorities in 2021, UK investors can now enjoy 100% foreign ownership for mainland businesses in Dubai International City. This depends on the business license type and activities, making it an attractive option for British entrepreneurs.
Dubai International City is a thriving investment area with numerous food, retail, and beverage outlets, appealing to UK visitors and expatriates. The high standard of living has attracted corporate giants, retail leaders, and real estate developers, offering lucrative opportunities for British investors.
Locate Dubai International City in the Al Warsan neighbourhood, opposite the central fruits and vegetables market. This strategic location, near the Central Business District, ensures easy access for UK businesses. Its proximity to Dubai International Airport (20 minutes) and key spots like Burj Khalifa (30 minutes) and Dubai Mall (20 minutes) allows UK entrepreneurs to reach a vast target audience efficiently. With excellent connectivity, your business can attract UK clients within the same timeframe.
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 UK 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.
Dubai International City offers numerous investment opportunities, spawning various industries. For UK businesses, this freehold development in Dubai provides a vibrant hub with expert investors and a shop-to-let model, fostering a multicultural community ideal for international growth.
The area is in Dubai’s City of Arabia, close to Academic City, and is well-connected to the city’s key areas. Perfect for UK entrepreneurs, the affordable rents, strategic location near Academic City, and proximity to major Dubai areas make it an excellent choice for business setup and expansion.
The Dubai International City might be located on the outskirts of Dubai. The lower rent rates are making a business area. UK investors can benefit from lower rent rates on the outskirts, enhancing ROI with flexible lease terms and offering a cost-effective base for starting a business in this thriving area.
The area is proximate to the Academic City which is highly convenient for families with children of university students. This proximity is a boon for UK families, providing a convenient lifestyle and access to educational hubs, making it an attractive spot for business and residence.
There are numerous types of business licenses you can obtain for setting up a business in Dubai International City. The following is the list of options for UK entrepreneurs:
This license is issued to businesses involved in manufacturing activities that transform resources and initial products—mechanically or manually. It covers businesses like paper manufacturing, textile manufacturing, and metal manufacturing, ideal for UK industrial ventures.
The commercial license allows you to set up a business that involves trading and buying and selling goods and services in Dubai International City. This type of license covers activities like import and export, general stores, sales, logistics, and more, suitable for UK traders.
The Professional license is issued for service providers like artisans, craftsmen, and craftspeople. Medical services, beauty salons, and more are examples of businesses that are eligible for this license, offering UK professionals a diverse entry point.
The process of setting up a business in Dubai International City includes numerous steps, which can be complex without expert guidance. For UK entrepreneurs, partnering with a service like FlyingColour Business Setup can simplify this journey. Below is an overview of the key steps to help you get started. Let us take a look at the steps for starting a business in this area:
For UK businesses, identify whether your venture is a small business or a cryptocurrency business in Dubai (there are 2100 business activities to select from). All activities fall under different industries under commercial, professional, and tourist spaces. You can locate the complete activities list on the DED website. Therefore, you should initially choose the business activities you want to conduct under your business.
UK entrepreneurs must choose a legal structure that aligns with DED rules for operating in Dubai International City, ensuring compliance and efficient management of assets and resources.
Prepare and submit necessary documents to the relevant authorities for your mainland business setup in Dubai International City, a critical step for UK investors seeking regulatory approval.
Ensure timely payment of fees to the authorities to process your application for a mainland company setup, an essential step for UK businesses entering this market.
Select a unique business name compliant with DED guidelines, a key consideration for UK entrepreneurs setting up in Dubai International City.
Upon approval, UK businesses will receive a license to operate, marking the successful completion of the mainland company setup process.
To set up a mainland company in Dubai International City, you will be required to provide a number of documents. These documents will need to be submitted for approval to ensure compliance with Dubai local regulations and guidelines when starting the company. The following documentation checklist should provide you guidance to compile necessary documentation.
Documents to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai
Each of the above documents will be required for you to keep the licenses and regulatory approval to properly conduct business with activities in Dubai mainland.
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 UK 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 UK business goals in the UAE.