Dubai is famous world over as one of the event capitals of the world. Dubai hosts hundreds of events; from international trade fairs and consumer shows to corporate functions and conventions every year. Millions of international visitors land here every year and the World Trade Centre events and exhibitions alone are estimated to contribute some USD 3.3bn to the economy.
Many event management companies have flourished here in Dubai and there is still scope for more! Starting an event management company in Dubai is very easy if you are aware of all the legal formalities. If not, you can always seek professional help of a business consultant to make things easier.
Decide where you want to set up your business – on the Dubai mainland or in one of its many free zones. Foreign entrepreneurs setting up in a Dubai free zone are allowed to own 100% of their company & do not require a local sponsor to do business. However, free zone businesses have restrictions on where they can hold events and exhibitions as they must apply for a permit from every venue they work with and cannot hold events in public spaces like beaches or parks. Mainland businesses meanwhile only need apply once to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and can then usually hold events anywhere throughout the UAE.
If you opted to set up your events management company in a free zone then there is often no requirement to take up an office space, but on the mainland however, office space is mandatory.
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