Dubai Mainland Company Setup
The Smart Choice for Serious Businesses
Why Dubai Mainland?
For years, Free Zones were the default choice for foreign investors in the UAE — mainly because Mainland required a 51% local partner. But that’s no longer true.
Today, Dubai Mainland allows 100% foreign ownership across most activities, offers
equal tax benefits, and gives you unrestricted access to the UAE market.
In fact, for most businesses, Mainland is now the smarter, faster, and more future-proof structure.
Why Free Zones Are No Longer Relevant for Most Businesses
Earlier: Mainland required a 51% UAE partner → Now 100% ownership allowed
Earlier: Free Zones offered tax advantages → Now same 9% corporate tax applies
Earlier: Free Zones were cheaper → Mainland can now be more cost-effectiveE
arlier: Free Zones seemed flexible → They’re limited to their own jurisdictions
Unless you’re running a pure import/export business with no UAE operations, Free Zones are often a more expensive and less flexible choice.
And even for trade businesses — only designated Free Zones (about 5 or 6 out of 40) offer real VAT/customs exemptions. The rest? Mostly outdated.
Free Zone vs Mainland: Who Are You Dealing With?
Free Zone
- Through Free Zone Authority
- Handled by Free Zone
- Slower – middle layer involved
- Limited to zone unless with agent
- Filtered via Free Zone staff
🏢 Ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs targeting the UAE domestic market
- Retailers, service providers, and contractors
- Businesses needing flexibility, visibility, and control
- Anyone who doesn’t want to be dependent on middlemen
Our Operational Edge
Our sister concern, Al Nahda Center, is a licensed Dubai Economic and Tourism franchisee (DET), operated under a public-private partnership model.
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Faster approvals and clearances
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Direct access to the DED, immigration & labor departments
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Escalation support for exceptions or special approvals
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No unnecessary delays or detours — we get things done
What We Offer
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Activity selection & licensing strategy
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MOA drafting, name approval, license issuance
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Establishment card & immigration setup
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Partner or investor visa processing
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Optional: office space, virtual address, bank account guidance
Don’t Get Stuck in the Free Zone Maze
If you're not a warehouse, not a logistics company, and not just exporting — there's no reason to choose a Free Zone anymore.
Dubai Mainland gives you freedom, speed, and control.