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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.
Post 2021 Commercial Companies Law update, most mainland businesses now allow 100% foreign ownership—no local sponsor required for many business activities. This is good news for US entrepreneurs as they can now fully own their business in Dubai.
If you are planning to start a business in Dubai, International City is the best option. It reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and has a large residential population of almost 60,000 people—a huge customer base. The area also has affordable rentals, perfect for living and running a business.
International City is a growing commercial area. With many food outlets, retail shops and essential services, the area is attracting big investment from retail chains, real estate developers and corporate companies. It’s one of the most affordable and strategic locations in Dubai for new businesses from the USA.
Dubai International City is located in 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 US entrepreneurs looking to tap into a multicultural market. The location is also close to key locations in Dubai. On 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 which is very convenient for operations and client visits.
➜ International City has many jobs across various sectors. The multicultural environment and international appeal means opportunities for different skill sets and interests, so it’s a great place for US entrepreneurs and professionals.
➜ International City also has freehold properties. So US expat investors can buy retail space and have ownership rights, which is a big plus over rental only areas.
➜ Rental prices in International City are lower than many other areas of Dubai. 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.
➜ ROI in International City varies depending on the location within the area, property type and market trends. By making informed decisions US investors can maximise their ROI and be profitable in the long run.
➜ It’s slightly out of Dubai but the area is well connected to the main areas of Dubai. One of its big advantages is its proximity to Academic City, so it’s a great location for families with kids studying higher education, especially USA 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. US 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 American 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. United States 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, US 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 USA nationals or NRIs planning to start their business in Dubai.
Documents to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai
Memorandum of Association (MOA): This legal document outlines your company’s business activities, shareholder details and corporate structure. For US investors, it’s essential to clearly define ownership percentages and business objectives to comply with UAE regulations and open bank accounts smoothly.
Lease Agreement: A valid tenancy contract is required as proof of office space in Dubai. Mainland companies must have a registered local business address. American companies prefer Dubai International City for its cost-effective commercial units and proximity to logistics hubs.
Passport Copies: Valid passport copies of all shareholders are mandatory. For US citizens, the passport must have a minimum of six months' validity. This is also required for further visa processing and immigration clearance.
Visa Status: If applicable, include copies of UAE residence visa pages or entry stamp pages of all shareholders and partners. This helps authorities to assess the visa eligibility and existing legal status of American residents in the UAE.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): If a US expatriate is entering into a partnership with a UAE national (sponsor), a No Objection Certificate is required. This document confirms that the local Emirati sponsor has agreed to the business partnership terms and the selected commercial activity.
Trade Name Reservation Certificate: Issued by the DED, this certificate confirms that the selected company name is approved and reserved. US brands expanding into Dubai should ensure the trade name is international and complies with DED naming regulations.
Application Form: Provided by the DED, this form includes shareholder information, business activities and legal structure. Make sure all details are accurate and reflect the scope of work. Flyingcolour helps US clients to prepare and submit error-free free to expedite the approval process. All the above documents are required for trade licenses and approvals. US investors looking to expand to Dubai can benefit from tax-free, strategic trade access and the credibility of a mainland company setup.
Flyingcolour provides company registration, document processing and regulatory compliance services specifically for American 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 USA 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 USA business goals in the UAE.
