Dubai is more than just a global city—it’s a thriving business ecosystem where innovation, opportunity, and success converge. Setting up a mainland company in Dubai allows you to operate freely across the UAE, take on government contracts, and benefit from Dubai’s dynamic economy.
A Dubai mainland license, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) (formerly DED), enables you to trade within Dubai, across the UAE, and even internationally—without restrictions on business location or customer base.
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership in most commercial and professional activities
✅ Freedom to Operate Anywhere in the UAE
✅ No Currency Restrictions
✅ No Limit on Visas (based on office space)
✅ Eligibility for Government Projects
✅ Access to Prime Business Locations
✅ Flexible Office Options (Shared desk, Flexi-desk, Executive office)
Dubai mainland supports thousands of licensed activities across various industries. Some of the most in-demand include:
Commercial Licenses: General trading, retail, contracting, and import/export
Professional Licenses: Consultancy, IT services, marketing, legal, design, and education
Industrial Licenses: Manufacturing, packaging, and industrial production
Tourism & Hospitality Licenses: Travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators
E-commerce: Online businesses, marketplaces, digital service providers
Choosing the right location is crucial to your success. Dubai mainland offers premium business districts such as:
Business Bay – Ideal for corporate offices and consultancies
Sheikh Zayed Road – Central hub for finance, law, and trade
Al Quoz & Al Qusais – Perfect for industrial, warehouses, and storage
Deira & Bur Dubai – Excellent for retail, travel, and general trading
Jumeirah & Marina – Suited for beauty salons, clinics, and luxury services
Choose Your Business Activity
Select a Legal Structure (LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, etc.)
Reserve Your Trade Name
Apply for Initial Approval from DET
Secure a Commercial Office Space
Get External Approvals (if required)
Submit Final Documents and Receive License
Apply for UAE Residency Visas and open a corporate bank account
| Criteria | Dubai Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Location Flexibility | Anywhere in UAE | Inside designated zone only |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership allowed | 100% foreign ownership allowed |
| Client Base | UAE local & international | International only (unless with agent) |
| Visa Eligibility | Unlimited (based on office size) | Limited (based on package) |
| Government Projects | Eligible | Not eligible |
Passport copies of shareholders
Visa page or entry stamp copy
Business activity selection
Trade name options
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
Passport-size photos
NOC (if applicable for UAE residents)
At IBS, we simplify and streamline your entire business setup journey:
✅ Industry-specific business activity guidance
✅ Company registration with DET and relevant authorities
✅ Office space and Ejari assistance
✅ Corporate bank account opening support
✅ End-to-end PRO and visa processing
✅ Post-license services: accounting, VAT, and renewals
“Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding operations, or transitioning from a free zone—we handle everything while you focus on growing your business.”
Dubai’s open economy, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies make it one of the best places in the world to do business. Don’t let paperwork, approvals, or procedures slow you down.
Let IBS Business Services handle the process from A to Z. 📞 Contact us today for a free consultation with our business setup experts.
