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

Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) is designed around Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai, positioning it as a leading logistics, aviation, and e-commerce hub. It targets companies that require seamless air, sea, and land connectivity, making it ideal for freight forwarders, cargo operators, warehousing, and related services.

The Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and customizable office, warehouse, and land plot options tailored to logistics, aviation, and commercial enterprises. Quick licensing, visa processing, and specialized zones (e-commerce, aviation, logistics) further enhance its attractiveness for SMEs and large-scale operators alike.

Key Benefits of Setting Up in Dubai Mainland box

100% Foreign Ownership (available for most business activities)
No Restrictions on trade within the UAE
Wide Range of Office Locations (no geographic limitations)
Unlimited Visa Quota (subject to office size and activity)
Eligibility for Government Projects & Contracts
Greater Flexibility in expanding across emirates

Popular Business Areas in Dubai Mainland

Area	Highlights
Business Bay	Prime commercial and residential area near Downtown
Al Quoz	Industrial hub, also home to art galleries and workshops
Deira	Traditional trade and wholesale market hub
Sheikh Zayed Road	Central business district, highly prestigious office spaces
Bur Dubai	One of the oldest commercial districts
Jumeirah	Suitable for boutique, retail, and F&B businesses

Who Should Choose Dubai Mainland?

Dubai Mainland is ideal for:

Businesses wanting to trade across the UAE
Companies targeting retail, construction, logistics, services
Entrepreneurs needing customer-facing outlets
Firms seeking to collaborate with government bodies

License Types Available in Dubai Mainland

Professional License: For service-based activities (consulting, education, design, etc.)
Commercial License: For buying and selling goods, retail, trading
Industrial License: For manufacturing and industrial activities
Tourism License: For travel agencies, tour operators, and hotel-related services

Legal Structures You Can Register

Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common and flexible
Sole Establishment: Owned by a single person for professional services
Civil Company: For partnerships in professional services
Branch of Foreign Company: For overseas companies expanding to Dubai

Minimum Requirements

Office Space Lease (Ejari contract required)
Local Service Agent for certain activities (no ownership required)
Initial Approval and Trade Name Registration

Cost Breakdown of your Business Setup

Item	Estimated Cost (AED)
Trade Name & Initial Approval	620 – 1,200
License Issuance	10,000 – 18,000
Office Rent (Ejari)	From 15,000/year (varies by location/size)
Immigration Card & Labor File	2,000 – 3,000
Additional Approvals (if needed)	Varies

Note: Costs vary based on business activity, number of partners, and office size.

Conclusion

Dubai Mainland offers the greatest flexibility and reach for businesses aiming to grow in the UAE.

From startups to large-scale corporations, it provides access to a diverse economy, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

No matter if you’re planning to open a shop in Deira or a consultancy in Business Bay, Dubai Mainland is the gateway to limitless opportunities in the UAE.