A Dubai mainland company has no geographical constraints and no prohibitions on commerce with other companies. Anywhere in the UAE, mainland businesses can conduct business with consumers or provide services to the government. Businesses can open many branches and establish a strong presence across the Emirates thanks to mainland company format.

Government tenders are a major source of revenue for mainland businesses setting up shop in Dubai. The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has just given its approval to several government initiatives, including more than AED 4 billion in infrastructure. Around AED 2 billion was allotted for education, and AED 1.2 billion total was spent on governmental and social facility upgrades. You'll be in a good position to benefit from such lucrative government contracts as a well-established mainland business in Dubai.

In recent years, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has permitted mainland UAE enterprises to have 100% foreign ownership. For potential foreign investors wishing to do business in the UAE, this has been a welcome shift. For foreign investors new to the UAE, this is fantastic news. Businesses with 100 percent foreign ownership can get right down to business without having to look for an Emirati company or individual to serve as a partner. Foreign investors have enormous potential to contribute to the UAE's growth-machine economy with 100% foreign ownership of mainland UAE businesses. But other vital industries, like the oil and gas industry, still need a local partner

Prior to forming a business on the UAE mainland, you must first choose the sector in which you will operate. The Department of Economic Development (DED) has a list of thousands of approved business activities. Trade, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing are a few of these. Mainland enterprises are permitted to engage in any of the more than 2000 DED-listed activities, in contrast to many free zone businesses that are limited to specific activities based on where they are located.

The next stage is to choose where you desire to operate after deciding on your company activity. There are no location restrictions for businesses operating on the UAE's continental territory. The ideal site will rely on a variety of elements, including your chosen company activity and your budget. Setting up shop close to one of the popular ports in the UAE, such as Jebel Ali, Mina Zayed, or Mina Khalid, makes ideal financial sense if your firm relies on imports and exports. The simplicity of building branch offices is another benefit of setting up a mainland firm in Dubai. This implies that companies are not constrained to a single place and can gradually establish a significant local presence

Types of licenses

There are different types of licenses available for mainland businesses in Dubai, including commercial licenses, professional licenses, and industrial licenses. The type of license required depends on the nature of the business activity.

Business ownership

In mainland business setup, foreign investors can own up to 100% of the company, depending on the business activity and the license type. However, certain business activities require a local partner or sponsor to hold a majority share in the company.

Company formation

The process of forming a mainland company in Dubai involves several steps, including choosing a business activity, obtaining a trade name, obtaining initial approval from the DED, leasing a commercial space, and submitting the license application.

Required documents

To set up a mainland business in Dubai, investors must provide various documents, including passport copies, visa copies, a memorandum of association, a lease agreement, and other relevant documents depending on the business activity

Legal requirements

Mainland businesses in Dubai must comply with the legal requirements set out by the DED and other regulatory authorities. This includes obtaining permits, licenses, and approvals for certain business activities, as well as adhering to labor laws and taxation requirements.