Wanted to Start a Business in Dubai: Get to Know of Setting a Business, Recent Trends, and Investment Opportunities in UAE


The idea of setting up a business in Dubai can be a lucrative opportunity for a company to broaden its reach and establish a reputable brand name internationally. You can benefit from Dubai's cutting-edge infrastructure, strategic location, easy access to nearby markets, and world-class connectivity whether you're a small, medium, or large business. This is why, in the Middle East, business formation in Dubai is on the rise.

Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) reports a 13 percent increase in new startups looking to do business in the city-state year on year. The expanding economy of Dubai provides numerous opportunities. Profits are being returned in services, finance, trade, real estate, and properties. It's also one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East.

Why Company Formation in Dubai?

There 3 top reasons behind setting up your business in Dubai:

The corporate tax, withholding tax, VAT, import-export tax, and capital gains tax does not apply to Dubai companies. The UAE has signed more than 66 international double tax treaties with significant countries such as China, the United States, and most EU members. Foreigners can quickly obtain local currency because there are no exchange controls.

Dubai's population is made up of investors from all over the world. As a result, the city is always aware of the most recent trends and developments. It is also a foodie's paradise for those who want to experiment with new cuisines. Dubai is also a shopping paradise due to the city's lack of VAT. Personal income tax is not levied on residents and business people who plan to start new ventures in Dubai.

Advantages of Business Formation in Dubai

Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates' seven emirates, is one of the most populated cities and a global business hub. The numerous benefits of forming a startup business in Dubai have appealed to foreign trade and investment. The Dubai government has made it possible for companies from all over the world to set up shop. They believed that allowing foreign exchange would benefit both parties. Let's dive into some notable advantages of starting a business in Dubai to help you understand better.

Recruit Expatriate Workers. There is no taxation. There are more than 20 free zones. Technological Progress. Geographically advantageous location. Second-to-none infrastructure. Comfortable and high-quality way of life. Easy visa access. Government Support.

How to Set Up a Business in Dubai?

The UAE has successfully emerged as a global investment and tourism hub over the last few decades, and it is unquestionably any businessman's dream to establish a presence here. It is one of the best places in the world for foreign investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs to expand their operations because it offers numerous opportunities. It would be best if you had a thorough understanding of the UAE market and an understanding of the initial costs of doing business in the UAE before forming a company in the UAE.

Forming a company in the UAE can be a nightmare if unfamiliar with the legal requirements. It necessitates approvals from multiple government agencies, and a single error will result in the form being resubmitted, as well as financial loss. The first puzzle piece is a trade license, which DED issues.

You can apply for a trade license and start the process of registering a company in the UAE once the Department of Economic Development (DED) has approved your business name and activity.

There are four types of license in Dubai:

Commercial license. Industrial license. Professional license. Tourism license.

You can start a business in the UAE with any four licenses listed above. The licensing structures for UAE Free Zones differ from those described above and are determined by the type of business activity you intend to engage in. DED will require you to obtain approvals from multiple government or non-government agencies simultaneously. The stages of documentation and support vary depending on the type of business and activity.

Following licensure, the next critical step is to select a location for establishing a business. The United Arab Emirates offers three types of company formations: mainly Free Zone Business Setup, Business setup in UAE mainland, and Offshore Company Setup UAE. The rules and procedures for setting up a firm differ for all these establishments.

Economic Trends for setting up a business in Dubai

These reports examine local, regional, and world economic trends and their potential ramifications for Dubai, UAE economic growth and policymaking. These reports examine Dubai's macroeconomic variables and make policy recommendations to stimulate and boost economic growth.

1. Harnessing the Potential to Grow Dubai Exports

This report elaborates on current and upcoming opportunities to expand Dubai's export to the rest of the world by highlighting recent trends, enablers, and firm strategies to reap benefits. According to the analyses, Dubai is on track to increase its global external trade to AED 2 trillion by 2025 due to coordinated government and business strategies. The report concludes with several recommendations for businesses to help Dubai's export growth.

2. Trends in Investment Between Latin America and the UAE

Latin America is among the UAE's trading destinations, and there is still much room for expansion. This report revises Latin America's macroeconomic outlook and business environment and the exchange rate competitiveness of its major countries and fiscal environment. It also provides a brief overview of the region's current customs unions and the trade agreements they have signed under this framework. Trade figures between UAE and Latin America are displayed, both in terms of the UAE's main trading partners and the most product lines imported and exported. Finally, potential trading opportunities between the two regions are described.

3. UAE - Ethiopia Trade and Investment Trends

The UAE's and Ethiopia's positive economic outlooks are expected to support their trade and investment activities in the medium and long term. The signs of global economic recovery, vaccination rollout, and government stimulus packages to support economic activity will encourage direct investments by investors, which will boost bilateral trade activity.

4. Dubai-Africa Trade Trends and Potential Opportunities Amid Covid-19

The report highlights the most recent trends in bilateral trade between Dubai and Africa and potential future opportunities. Based on current market share or fast-growth markets, the report identifies Dubai's major trading partners in Africa. The report also identifies the major traded products and the prospects for future traded products.

5. Dubai- Africa Trade Trends & Potential Opportunities

The fairly strong exporters activity seen in the East and West African sub-region is expected to continue into the second half of 2020. As COVID-19 reshapes global supply chains, businesses based in Dubai have an opportunity to reposition themselves to explore new African markets.

List of 20 Business Opportunities in Dubai in 2022

Dubai has emerged as one of the most desirable locations for conducting business. With tax-friendly policies, high-quality social and economic infrastructure, and a convenient location, it's no surprise that so many entrepreneurs have chosen to establish their businesses in Dubai.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking to launch your own company in Dubai, here's a list of the top 20 emerging business opportunities in Dubai for 2022:

1. E-Commerce  

The E-commerce business has snowballed during the pandemic. The process of ordering products with one click has become attention-grabbing. Be it any product, from cosmetics to heavy goods- an entrepreneur can start an e-commerce business and grab over the regional, national and international market. 

2. Digital Marketing

Website development or digital marketing is such a business that can be started online with a minimum investment. One of the reasons for starting an online business is to perform online and remotely. According to estimates, in Dubai, the pattern is much the same, with the digital marketing industry seeing annual growth of anywhere between 25% and 40%. 

3. Event Management Company

Another growing business that an investor can focus on is to start an event-based company. The emirate's event management industry is also found to be understandably booming. As Dubai is a beautiful city, many visitors prefer to choose Dubai as their perfect wedding destination. It also serves as an ideal ground for international business meetings.

4. Tourism

The tourism business is perfect to set up business in Dubai. From the Dubai shopping festival that happens every year to the gold and international fashion markets, Dubai is a fashion destination for people in love with fashion. 

5. Restaurant Business

Another profitable business in Dubai is the restaurant business. The lively city is presently home to the second-highest number of restaurants per million residents, and these eateries are making good bank.

6. Health and Wellbeing  

Dubai is the hub of medicine and healthcare innovation as they have relevant, customized segments in the medicinal field. From the past years, it has been seen that the healthcare industry in Dubai has proliferated and has attracted numerous international companies to collaborate with them.

7. Business Consultancy Firm  

Dubai is one of the growing cities regarding the business establishment process. Compared to the past decade, there has been tremendous growth in the number of incorporated entities. Professionals or experts who hold a business mind can include a business consultancy firm to grab the international market at ease.

8. Construction  

Dubai's construction industry has expanded dramatically in recent years. If a person wants to start a business in Dubai, he will make a profit. Every day in Dubai, new buildings and skyscrapers enter the market, creating a massive opportunity for engineers and other professionals in the building and construction sector.

9. Jewelry Business  

 Dubai is the world's gold destination. It is the market leader in the UAE jewelry market because tourists find it to be less expensive. It has been discovered that Dubai exports jewelry to over 200 countries around the world.

10. Online Education  

Education is no longer limited to the four walls of a classroom. Instead, anyone can establish an online education business in Dubai as a great place to start.

11. Cakeshop

This necessitates a small amount of capital as well as more baking expertise. If someone enjoys baking and has the necessary academic qualifications, starting a bakery business is a great idea. The individual may even start a franchise.

12. Property Management  

As Dubai is the wealthiest city in the world in terms of the people living there, people mainly invest in real estate and need the help of property management firms to take care of their properties so that they are in proper maintenance in the long term.

13. Day-care Centre  

Some working parents do not get time to look after their children. In that case, the daycare centers where nurses take care of the babies or children when their parents are out.

14. Telecommunications  

For the Dubai government, telecommunication is an initiative in the Free Zones to improve the telecommunications industry. Prior knowledge is required for this.

15. Nightclubs  

I can't deny that Dubai has a vibrant nightlife scene. After a long week of work, everyone comes to Dubai's famous nightclubs to relax and unwind. However, licenses are required to get started in the nightclub business.

16. Salon and Spa  

A salon and spa for total relaxation. To open a spa and salon, you must first obtain a SPA license from Dubai's authorities. This will serve as legal authorization to proceed.

17. Gadget Repair  

This is yet another in-demand type of business. Mobile phones, laptop computers, and tablets are just a few of the delicate devices that we rely on in our daily lives. As a result, maintaining this equipment is critical, and opening a gadget repair shop can help a person provide the necessary services.

18. Online Florist  

Flowers can be given at any time of year. As a result, it is another appealing business that can be started in Dubai. The flower business can be a difficult one to rely on for any celebration or occasion.

19. Cleaning and Laundry Services  

Cleaning services in Dubai are in high demand, especially as new businesses spring up all over the place. Depending on the preferred model, a person can hire a cleaning crew and establish a cleaning agency.

20. Transportation and Logistics  

Starting a transportation company in Dubai is a good idea. For a dedicated entrepreneur, this business can provide an excellent return. The options range from intercity transportation to local taxi services.

Also, read Top 10 booming businesses in UAE.

Process of Company Registration in Dubai

If you are thinking of setting up your company in Dubai, you need to know about registering a business in Dubai. Even though the government now allows online company registration In Dubai, the process of documentation is still tricky.

Here are the steps involved in registering a company:

1. Choosing the Business Activity

The first step in obtaining a free zone is deciding what type of business you will run. It also depends on the type of license you applied for; based on that, you will be able to engage in the activities you want, such as professional services, commercial and trading, and so on. Dubai has different requirements depending on the type of license you have and the activities you want to do. Working with a company formation specialist for a smooth and straightforward start is best.

2. Finding a Free Zone

Once you've decided on which business activity is best for you, the next step is choosing the best free zone. There are a few things to think about before making this decision. Begin by deciding whether you want to establish yourself in a free zone specific to your industry. Healthcare, ICT, production, design, outsourcing, media, maritime, science, and finance are among the sectors served by Dubai's industry-specific free zones. Alternatively, there are a plethora of larger free zones to choose from.

3. Choosing a Company Name

The most challenging part is now deciding on a company name. Specific considerations should be made when selecting your UAE company name. The first is to ensure that your business name is available for registration. The title should not include profane language or references to religious or political organizations. Suppose you decide to keep the company name in the name of a person. In that case, that person must be a partner and shareholder in your business, and only full terms are permitted rather than initials or abbreviations.

4. Make your license Application

Now that you've decided on a company name, the type of business you'll run, and where you'll do business, it's time to make your Dubai free zone company formation official by completing an application. The documents needed for Dubai free zone company formation will vary depending on the type of license you are applying for and your chosen free zone. It would be best if you certainly asked for some or all of the following as a general rule:

Color copy of the shareholder(s) passport and visa if applicable. Application form. Business plan. Board resolution. Memorandum and articles of association. Applying for Visa.

5. Applying for Visa

You can apply for a visa on behalf of employers, your employees, and your staff. The procedure is the same whether you are applying for your own visa or sponsoring someone else's: entry permit, status adjustment, medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.

Also, read about Free Zone Visa in Dubai.

6. Opening a Bank Account for Company Formation in Dubai

A bank account is required to operate a business. Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE is not always straightforward, and there are several factors to consider, not the least of which is each bank's eligibility criteria.

Take Help From Us to Setup Business in Dubai

Are you planning to start your business in Dubai? If so, prepare your business idea and contact Danburite Corporate, an international business consultant in Dubai who has guided thousands of business owners to a successful business setup in Dubai. Our team of experts will walk you through the latest trends and guide you towards the best opportunities. You can be confident that your business setup is in good hands.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can foreigners start a business in Dubai?

Yes, a foreigner can and often do start a business in Dubai. Dubai actively seeks foreign investors and business owners. Many company formation experts and setup agents have set up shops in the emirate to assist foreign entrepreneurs with the license, visa, and business incorporation processes.

How much does a business license cost in Dubai?

From small and medium-sized businesses to multinational corporations, all types of businesses require a license to operate legally. If you're wondering how much a small business license costs in Dubai, the short answer is between AED 8000 and AED 10000.

Can I open a business in Dubai without a residence visa?

To own a company in the UAE, you do not have to be a full-time resident. In fact, living abroad is not an impediment to success in the UAE. Most UAE business owners choose to live in the UAE in order to take advantage of the wonderful climate, attractive business incentives, and vibrant communities.

Is Dubai good for startups?

Over the last four decades, Dubai has grown to become a global business hub as the UAE's leading city. According to the World Bank's 2019 ease of doing business report, the UAE ranked 11th out of 198 global economies in the ease of doing business and 25th in starting a business.

What is the best business to start in Dubai?

There are many profitable businesses to start in Dubai, few of them are:
1) Import and Export
2) Healthcare.
3) Real Estate.
4) Information Technology.
5) E-commerce.

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