WHERE TO SET UP YOUR IT COMPANY DUBAI & IN THE UAE?
One of the common challenges faced by any business looking to enter the UAE market is selecting between a free zone or a mainland company structure. Where you decide to set up your IT tech company will be based on your organisational needs.
Mainland Company – A mainland company provides attractive options for foreign investors to set up an IT company in mainland UAE. Companies operating in mainland UAE can operate / trade freely across the UAE, GCC, and international markets. Most Mainland license activities now offer 100% foreign ownership. However, some license activities require a National Service Agent (NSA). Through a corporate nominee program, such as the professionals at Creation Business Consultants, your company will retain full control of your operations and 100% of the profits. The bonus of having a UAE mainland company is having the ability to bid for local government contracts. Technology is becoming more of a focus across all UAE government departments. As a result, there are many opportunities for an IT business to apply, bid and lodge tenders for such lucrative contracts.
Primary benefits of establishing a mainland entity include:
- The freedom to trade across the UAE.
- Access to a global market.
- Ability to diversify organisational operations.
- Unlimited growth potential.
- 0% personal tax rate.
- 9% corporate tax rate and more.
Free Zone Company – The UAE has over 50 free zones. Each free zone is governed by its own rules and regulations. Free zones provide attractive options for foreign investors to set up their company in the UAE. Companies operating within a free zone can trade freely across the free zone and international markets. However, they are not permitted to trade within the mainland. Primary benefits to establishing a free zone entity include 100% foreign ownership, zero percent personal tax and in some cases zero percent corporate tax, 100% exemption from import and export duties, access to international markets, and much more. The only downside with free zone company is not having the ability to be able to bid for government contracts. Should a company wish to apply, bid, and lodge tenders for such lucrative contracts, they must be a mainland company and provide a copy of their mainland trade license and Chamber of Commerce registration.
With several sectors dedicated to technology and IT operations, the city of Dubai has earned a reputation as the ideal location for startups and established companies alike.
DUBAI INTERNET CITY
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a sector located in the free zone covering over 1.5 million square feet. DIC provides access to multiple business partners across the tech sector, to include cybersecurity, big data, the Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more.
DUBAI TECHNOPARK
Established in 2003 and located at the heart of Dubai’s industrial zone, Jebel Ali, Dubai TechnoPark (DTP) covers an area of 21 million square feet. With a focus aimed at maximising the growth of the IT Sector in the UAE, DTP is one of the largest industrial hubs in the Middle East. Additionally, DTP is home to some of the world’s most high-profile companies specialising in technology, gas, oil, and other industries.
DUBAI MEDIA CITY
Launched in 2001, Dubai Media City (DMC) is a massive tech sector that has become home to many diverse tech companies. DMC provides an environment that is ideal for web development companies, graphic design, and various IT services.
DUBAI SILICON OASIS
Considered to be the only technology park in the region that provides both a working and living integrated community, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) provides a hi-tech ecosystem to encourage electronic innovation within the UAE and GCC. The center supports and provides technology investment for both startups and existing companies, an incubation center, and much more.
CREATION BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
As technology becomes more innovative and accessible, the UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit and startup ecosystem are reaching new heights, especially when it comes to the tech industry. As one of the region’s leading startup hubs, the UAE continues to attract global interest from tech entrepreneurs who are eager to set up their tech business in the region.
At Creation Business Consultants, we understand forming a tech company involves risk. Our team of Corporate Structuring experts will help you throughout the entire process.
From selecting the right structure for your company (i.e. mainland or free zone), securing the proper documentation, company registration and licensing, Creation Business Consultants will guide business investors towards the most appropriate solution for your business needs. These solutions can range from obtaining contract management resources, an E-signature system, and a system for managing vendors to make business more efficient.
We will leverage our experience to help simplify the process while simultaneously providing you with all the details needed to set up your company in UAE. Contact our Corporate Structuring Department via email at [email protected] or call UAE at +971 4 878 6240 to learn more.
