Top Locations in UAE to Start Your Business

Top Locations in UAE to Start Your Business

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as the best place to start a new business. If you are opening a store, starting a big tech start-up, or starting a consultancy, the UAE can be the smart choice for you. For an entrepreneur, startup, or investor, opening a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a good choice. The UAE has a developed economy, pro-investor policies, low personal income tax, and a global market. 

The UAE is made up of seven emirates, and each will have a certain level of benefits, setup costs, and target industries. In this blog, we will discuss the top locations to start your business in the UAE. Additionally, we will discuss how a business setup company can help you go through this process smoothly and quickly. 

List Of The Top Locations to Start Your Business in the UAE

1. Dubai 

Dubai is the most popular and developed emirate in the UAE for businesses. It is also known as a business hub given its world-class infrastructure, connections to international markets, tax-free zones, and easy business policies. As a result of its location and range of industries, millions of global companies and startups are considering Dubai for establishing their business. Some of the popular zones to start a business in Dubai Free Zone are Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Dubai Internet City (DIC), and Dubai South. You can select the Free zones according to the business activity you are looking to start in Dubai. If you want to start your business in Dubai, you will get benefits such as strategic location, tax advantages, and supportive government policies. 

Benefits of Starting a Business in Dubai

• 100% foreign ownership in the Free Zones
• Digital license process 
• Multiple business activities are allowed under one license
• World-class airports, ports, and logistics

2. Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and it is the most honored place to start business. You will get support from the government in sectors such as finance, energy, education, and healthcare. The government also provides some flexible policies in areas like renewable energy, aerospace, and tourism. You can consider Abu Dhabi if you are looking for government contracts and strong business support in the free zones, such as Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). Discover the benefits of starting a business in Abu Dhabi, such as world-class infrastructure and reliable regulations. 

Benefits of starting a business in Abu Dhabi

• Good connectivity and infrastructure in terms of transport
• Access to the local and international investors 
• Strong and stable rules and regulations

3. Sharjah

Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE, and it offers support to SMEs and startups. It supports cultural and creative industries and a highly skilled workforce. If your business requires a small investment, then Sharjah is an excellent location. You can start your business in the Free Zones of Sharjah, such as Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), Hamriyah Free Zone, and Sharjah Media City (Shams). Explore the advantages of launching a company in Sharjah with affordable setup costs and an ideal environment for growth. 

Benefits of Starting a Business in Sharjah

• Low company set-up and operating costs
• Numerous Free Zones dedicated to various sectors
• Good regulatory structure
• Ideal for manufacturing, trading, and publishing businesses

4. Ajman

Ajman is a small and fast-growing emirate of the UAE. This is considered one of the most affordable locations to set up a business in the UAE. The freelancers, E-commerce Businesses, and SMEs can benefit from this location by starting a business at a low cost. You will also get a low-cost license and fast registration in Ajman. 

Benefits of Starting a Business in Ajman

• Affordable prices for business licenses
• Simple and fast documentation process
• Good connectivity to the location, such as Dubai and Sharjah 
• Ajman Free Zone also supports a wide range of business activities. 

5. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)

Ras Al Khaimah provides friendly policies for businesses related to the manufacturing, logistics, and trading sectors. This emirate offers attractive advantages to the businesses, which include 100% ownership and low personal income taxes. 

This emirate can turn out to be more promising for your business due to its strategic location and good connectivity. If you wish to expand your business in the Northern region of the UAE, you should definitely consider this location. The popular Free Zone  of Ras Al Khaimah is RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

Benefits of Starting a Business in RAK:

• Low price to set up and operate a business
• Great for industrial zones, manufacturing, and the trading sector
• Connectivity to the regional ports
• Flexible laws and a fast registration process 

6. Fujairah

Because of its availability with 3 sides of coastline to the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is a popular choice for maritime, oil trading, and logistics companies. Fujairah is also perfectly located for companies that rely on access to a port and has a free zone that allows those types of companies to access international markets. 

The Indian Ocean is located near Fujairah, and you can directly access it for business use. It can be a wise business location for maritime, oil trading, logistics, and international trading activities.

Benefits of Starting a Business in Fujairah

• Less expensive options for setup
• Offered convenient trade routes for import/export
• Greater access to business facilities like legal, accounting, and finance professionals. 

7. Umm Al Quwain

If you are a small business or startup and are looking for the easiest and cheapest setup in the UAE, Umm Al Quwain is the perfect option for you. Umm Al Quwain is popular with freelancers or any business that primarily operates online or as a consultancy. Umm Al Quwain is a good choice for businesses that want to focus on operational ease. The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone has many great features, including that you do not have to worry about who owns what and can enjoy 100% foreign ownership with very little bureaucracy.

Benefits of Starting a Business in Umm Al Quwain:

• Low-cost licensing packages
• Fast registration
• Positive regulatory framework
• Freedom for freelancers and small businesses

How Does Flyingcolour Business Setup Help Set Up a Business in Top Locations?

Flyingcolour Business Setup is a trusted name in the business setup sector; we have 20 years of experience in the company formation services. We help the local and foreign entrepreneurs to set up their business according to the UAE business regulations. 

Our services include:

• Consultation for Business location
• Registration for Mainland and Free Zone companies 
• Trade license and Visa services 
• Assistance in opening a bank account and selecting office spaces
• Arrangement of local sponsor 

Conclusion 

Your business needs to select the best location in the UAE because it directly impacts cost, business activity, and success. Every emirate of the UAE has its own advantages and policies. The location depends on the business activity. You will get a perfect location for every type of business, such as business hubs in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or the cheaper zones of Ajman or the UAE. 

Flyingcolour Business Setup can make your business journey smooth, affordable, and successful. Our expert consultants will help get your company established, and remember, we have an established relationship with the government of Dubai to ensure no lost time regarding starting your business. 

FAQs: Top Location in UAE to Start Your Business

Q1. What is the best emirate to start a business in the UAE? 

A: Dubai is a popular option to start a business. It provides global exposure, business-friendly policies, and infrastructure. However, your business location is totally dependent on the business type and available budgets.

Q2. Which emirate has the least expensive costs for business setup?

A: Umm Al Quwain and Ajman businesses are the most economical, both with inexpensive free zone licenses and cheap running costs. 

Q3. Can Flyingcolour® help me choose my business location?

A: We offer tailored consultations to discuss your options and recommend the best location based on your business goals and budget.

Q4. What is a better option? Free zone or Mainland to start a business?

A: If you plan to operate locally in the UAE, then the mainland is preferable. If you intend to do business and have 100% ownership and tax benefits (ideal for businesses that are not going to trade locally), then Free Zones. At Flyingcolour®, we help you assess both.

Therefore, to learn more about the top locations in the UAE to start a business, book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour Business Setup team advisors.

The article was published on 04/08/2025. It is important to note that the federal policies and updates mentioned may have changed since then. For the most current information, please contact our consultant!