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Abu Dhabi Mainland: Building Business in the Capital of the UAE

Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone

Setup from

5,555 AED

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Registration from

5 DAYS

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Bank Account

GUARANTEED

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Residence Visas for

2 YEARS

Abu Dhabi Mainland refers to the areas governed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), which is responsible for licensing and regulating commercial activities outside of free zones.

As the capital of the UAE and a major financial and industrial hub, Abu Dhabi Mainland is ideal for businesses aiming to tap into government projects, local trade, and infrastructure sectors.

Businesses registered here can freely operate across the UAE and globally, and benefit from strategic proximity to federal institutions, oil & gas sectors, and industrial zones.

Key Benefits of Setting Up in Abu Dhabi Mainland box

100% Foreign Ownership for most business activities
Access to government tenders and contracts
No geographical restrictions on operations within the UAE
Strong infrastructure for energy, oil, logistics, and industrial sectors
Unlimited visa quota (subject to office space)
Presence in the wealthiest emirate with high GDP per capita

Popular Business Areas in Abu Dhabi Mainland

Area	Key Features
Al Reem Island	Mixed-use development, ideal for professional and consulting firms
Khalifa City	Residential-commercial mix, growing business activity
Mussafah	Industrial zone with warehouses, factories, and logistics firms
Mohammed Bin Zayed City	Affordable office space and housing options
Hamdan Street	Central business district with retail and commercial activity
Al Markaziyah	Key area for retail and services near government departments

Who Should Choose Abu Dhabi Mainland?

Abu Dhabi Mainland is best suited for:

Firms targeting government or semi-government clients
Companies in oil & gas, construction, logistics, healthcare, or education
Professional service providers looking to serve public and private sectors
Entrepreneurs seeking long-term scalability in the UAE capital

Know About License Types Legal Structures

License Types Available in Abu Dhabi Mainland

Commercial License – For trading and retail businesses
Professional License – For service-based activities
Industrial License – For manufacturing and industrial activities
Agricultural/Fisheries License – For agro-related businesses
Tourism License – For travel, events, and hospitality businesses

Legal Structures You Can Register

Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Ideal for most commercial activities
Sole Proprietorship – Owned by one individual for professional services
Civil Company – For professional partnerships
Branch of Foreign Company – To expand a foreign business in Abu Dhabi
Public or Private Joint Stock Company – For large-scale ventures

Minimum Requirements

Registered Office Space with valid lease (Tawtheeq)
Trade Name Registration
Initial Approval from ADDED
Special Approvals (if activity is regulated, e.g., medical, engineering)
Local Service Agent (if required, for certain activities)

Cost for your Business setup

Item	Estimated Cost (AED)
Initial Approval & Name Reservation	800 – 1,200
Trade License Fee	10,000 – 17,000
Tawtheeq Lease Contract	From 12,000/year (varies by size/location)
Chamber of Commerce Registration	1,200 – 2,500
Other Government Approvals	Depends on activity

Note: Exact fees vary depending on activity, company structure, and office size.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi Mainland offers unmatched access to high-value sectors and a stable, government-driven economy. It’s a strong base for companies seeking long-term stability, public sector partnerships, and a presence in the UAE’s policymaking center.