How to Start a Business in Dubai

Starting a business in Dubai begins with choosing your business activity and deciding whether to operate on the mainland or in a free zone. Mainland companies allow you to trade anywhere in the UAE but may require a local service agent, while free zones offer full foreign ownership and tax incentives but limit trade within the UAE without a distributor. Once you’ve chosen your setup, you need to select and register your company name, ensuring it meets Dubai’s naming guidelines.

After that, you must apply for initial approvals, prepare the required documents, and obtain your trade license from the relevant authority, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the free zone authority. Once the license is issued, you can open a corporate bank account, arrange visas for yourself and your employees, and set up your office space. Working with a reputable business setup consultant can make the process faster and ensure compliance with local regulations.