Comparison: Free Zone vs. Mainland Dubai

The UAE offers an attractive option for entrepreneurs and foreign investors to expand into a new global market. At Creation Business Consultants, our team of professionals leverages their expertise to guide you on the path to getting your company set up in Dubai and the UAE.

Depending on the specific needs of your company, such as location, timeline, nature of business, budget, and staffing, we’re here to help you choose between forming a company in one of the many free zones or in mainland Dubai and the other six Emirates.

Understanding Dubai Freezones

Dubai has over 29 free zones, each with distinct advantages. The ideal free zone depends on the specific needs of your business. Therefore, it’s essential for you to seek reputable advice for your initial company setup, as well as planning and having the ability to further grow and expand.

Understanding and selecting the right free zone suitable to your business needs can prove challenging. Many free zones are very industry specific and they offer specialised business activities in the same field. For example, Dubai Healthcare City is suited for companies in the health sector, whereas Dubai Techno Park is home to information technology (IT) companies. On the other hand, many free zones cater to a broader range of business markets (such as general trading, services, and consulting, etc.). At Creation, our experts will take an in-depth look at your company to ascertain the free zone best suited to meet your current and future goals.

Free Zones in Dubai include:

1. International Humanitarian City
2. Economic Zones World
3. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
4. Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech)
5. International Media Production Zone
6. Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority)
7. Dubai Maritime City
8. Dubai Design District
9. Jebel Ali Free Zone
10. Dubai South Free Zone
11. Dubai Knowledge Village
12. Dubai International Financial Centre
13. Dubai Media City
14. Dubai Internet City (DIC)
15. Dubai Outsource Zone
16. Dubai Silicon Oasis
17. Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
18. Dubai Logistics City
19. Dubai Studio City
20. Dubai International Academic City
21. Dubai Academic City
22. Meydan Free Zone
23. Dubai Flower Centre
24. Dubai Techno Park
25. Dubai Healthcare City
26. Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone
27. Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ)
28. Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ)
29. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)

Advantages to Setting Up Your Business in a Dubai Free Zone

100% foreign ownership without the aid of UAE sponsor	No hiring restrictions	Ability to open and operate a UAE corporate bank account
100% repatriation of capital and profits	No personal or corporate taxes	Access to global markets
100% exemption from import and export duties	No trade barriers or quotas	UAE Residence Visa

Understanding Dubai Mainland

A mainland Dubai company structure provides attractive options for foreign investors to set up their company or to expand to the UAE. Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), a mainland company is permitted to conduct business in the local market, as well as outside the UAE and internationally without any operating restrictions. A global hub, mainland Dubai offers opportunities for business investors to enter not only the greater GCC but also the global market.

UAE Commercial Companies Law stipulates that companies operating in mainland Dubai are required by law to have a local partner. According to the law, all foriegn investors seeking to establish an LLC must have a local UAE partner who maintains a minimum of 51% of the company shares. Depending on your specific business needs, and where you decide to open your business (wholly owned subsidiary, branch office or a representative office), Creation Business Consultants can help your company obtain their mainland license while simultaneously providing a trusted, safe corporate sponsor to hold the required 51% shares in trust for your company. By leveraging our trusted corporate nominee sponsorship model, foreign owners seeking to expand into mainland Dubai can maintain ownership and full control of their business.

Advantages to Dubai Mainland Business with Corporate Nominee Sponsorship

100% control of your company	No hiring restrictions	Unrestricted access to global market
100% repatriation of capital and profits	0% corporate and 0% personal taxes	Potential to contract work with the UAE governments
100% control of organisational voting rights	Freedom to trade throughout UAE without any restrictions	UAE Residence Visa

Creation Business Consultants

At Creation, our team of professional business consultants are equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and experience to help you set up your company in the UAE. By taking an in-depth approach to your business, we will guide you on your path to setting up your company in Dubai.

From navigating the various local laws and regulations associated with setting up and expanding your company to the UAE to helping you open your corporate bank account and obtaining residence visas, our team can have your company setup in as little as 24 hours. Additionally, our corporate nominee sponsorship minimises any risk associated with expanding or setting up your business to the UAE by making sure you maintain control of your company.

Contact a member of our team to schedule your free business consultation.

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