Access Dubai’s full commercial market with complete operational freedom.
We support international businesses operating in India, UAE, and key global markets with structured, end-to-end entity management.
Dubai Mainland
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About Dubai Mainland
Dubai Mainland—governed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (formerly DED)—is the primary commercial jurisdiction in the emirate. It allows businesses to operate anywhere within Dubai and across all seven emirates without restrictions, making it the preferred choice for companies that need direct access to the local consumer and B2B market.
Following the UAE's 2020 amendment to the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021), foreign investors can now hold 100% ownership of mainland companies for the majority of commercial, professional, and industrial activities. This landmark reform has removed one of the most significant barriers to foreign investment in the emirate.
Key Advantages
Full Market Access: Trade with any customer or business in the UAE—including government and semi-government entities—without restrictions.
100% Foreign Ownership: Available for most business activities, eliminating the need for a UAE national partner.
Flexible Office Locations: Lease office space anywhere in commercially zoned areas across Dubai.
Unlimited Visa Allocation: Visa quotas are tied to office size, not a fixed cap, allowing you to scale your workforce as needed.
Government Tenders: Mainland companies are eligible to bid on government and public sector contracts—a significant revenue opportunity unavailable to free zone entities.
Wide Activity Scope: Over 2,000 licensed activities are available, including regulated sectors like real estate brokerage, construction, food services, and education.
Legal Structures Available in Dubai Mainland
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Sole Establishment
Civil Company
Branch Office
Dubai Mainland Setup Process
Our team manages every step, from initial approval to your first day of operations.
1. Activity Selection & Initial Approval
We define your business activities from the DET activity list, select the appropriate legal structure, and obtain initial approval. We also handle trade name reservation in accordance with DET naming conventions.
2. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
We draft and notarise the MOA at the Dubai Courts or Notary Public. This document defines shareholding, capital structure, and management authority.
3. Office Lease & Ejari Registration
We source a suitable office space, negotiate the lease, and register the tenancy contract through the Ejari system—a mandatory requirement for mainland licensing.
4. External Approvals
Certain activities require additional approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality, RTA, MOHRE, DHA, or the Ministry of Economy. We coordinate all external approvals on your behalf.
Cost Considerations
Dubai Mainland setup costs include the DET trade license fee, MOA notarisation, Ejari registration, establishment card, visa processing, and any external approval fees. The total investment depends on your chosen business activity, number of activities, office size, and visa requirements.
AB Nexis provides transparent, itemised quotations with no hidden charges. We also offer bundled packages that combine licensing, visa, and compliance services for better value.
Ongoing Compliance
Mainland companies must renew their trade license annually, maintain valid Ejari, comply with UAE corporate tax obligations, file VAT returns (if registered), and meet labour law requirements including WPS (Wages Protection System) compliance. AB Nexis provides ongoing compliance management to ensure your company remains in good standing with all regulatory authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process typically takes 5 to 10 business days for standard activities. Activities requiring external approvals from bodies like Dubai Municipality or the Ministry of Economy may take 2 to 4 weeks.
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Everything your business needs
We deliver integrated support across compliance, entity management, and global expansion. Our global model ensures consistent service across jurisdictions and industries.
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