Dubai, the Middle East’s business hub, comprises major industries like tourism, real estate, aviation, and financial services. The presence of free zones in the emirate is one major aspect of the transformation which Dubai has seen in the last decades.

To set up a company in Dubai, you can either opt for a mainland company or a free zone company. Companies set up in the Free zone have the benefits of zero tax, 100% foreign ownership, and full repatriation of capital and profits. Free zone companies are confined to specific geographical areas, while mainland companies can be set up anywhere outside the free zones.

Setting up a business in Dubai

If you intend to set up your business in Dubai, the following are some of the locations you can consider

Free Zone Company

The major free zones in Dubai are

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): JAFZA, one of the world’s largest free zone is located in the Jebel Ali area at the western end of Dubai. JAFZA best suits manufacturing and trading companies.

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA): DAFZA is located at the International Airport. It is an ideal zone for IT, aviation and aerospace, electronics, telecommunications, luxury goods, and logistic industries.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): DSO is located near the Dubai International Airport. It is ideal for tech companies.

Dubai Media City (DMC): DMC is ideal to set up a company in the media industry. It also suits advertising companies, news agencies, and broadcasting firms.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHC): DHC was established with the intend to address the growing healthcare services demand in the country. DHC comprises several hospitals, clinics, outpatient medical centres.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): DIFC is a financial hub comprising many financial institutions and multinational companies. It has its own independent judicial system, monetary exchange, regulatory body, and legal framework.

Mainland company

A mainland company in Dubai has the provision for carrying out business across the UAE. They have a foreign shareholder equity capped at 49%. Some of the locations to establish a mainland company are

Business Bay: It is located near the Burj Khalifa spanning an area of over seven sq. km. Business Bay has a well connected network of roads and is known for resorts and hotels. Many international companies have their offices in the Business bay. It is ideal for opening a company in the hospitality industry in this sector.

Sheikh Zayed Road: Sheikh Zayed Road is located at the centre of Dubai, and is filled with high-rise buildings on both sides. Sheikh Zayed Road is known for its versatility of office spaces. Deira – Deira, the oldest trade hub of Dubai, is also known for the many gold souks present here. Deira is an ideal location for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Al Quoz: Al Quoz is situated between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road and is Dubai’s manufacturing hub. It comprises many warehouses, and the land cost is relatively low.

Al Qusais: It’s location near to Deira, proximity to Dubai International Airport, and the neighbouring City of Sharjah makes it an ideal place for logistics business.

Bur Dubai: Bur Dubai is located along the Dubai creek and is famous for the computer accessories, and textile business. It is also a hub for restaurants and cafeterias.

Setting up a business in Dubai offers many prospects; this is due to the City’s commitment to sustainable development. The most crucial factor is the location while trying to set a company in Dubai. Blackswan helps companies globally to set up their business in Dubai through our services like business incorporation, accounting, registration, bookkeeping, and legal advisory. Our consultants, with their years of knowledge, are well adept at setting businesses in Dubai. This helps your business gain a foothold in Dubai. You can contact us to know more about our services.

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