Business Setup In Dubai Mainland
How to Secure a Trade License for Dubai Mainland in 2025
7 minutes
January 31, 2025
Business Setup In Dubai Mainland
7 minutes
January 31, 2025
Dubai has rapidly emerged as a global business powerhouse, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. It boasts a rapidly growing economy, evident in the staggering number of new businesses established. Between January and June 2023 alone, more than 30,000 new businesses were registered in the city. This impressive figure underscores Dubai’s exceptional appeal as a destination for business ventures and highlights the city’s vibrant and dynamic business structure.
Furthermore, tech investment in the UAE is projected to grow 145% by 2025, reaching $313.5 million, signifying the incredible momentum of Dubai’s tech startup ecosystem.
Given this thriving environment, establishing a presence in Dubai Mainland presents a compelling opportunity for businesses seeking to capitalise on the UAE’s burgeoning market.
The Dubai Mainland offers a robust and flexible platform for businesses seeking to operate within the UAE. Key advantages include:
In many sectors, foreign investors can enjoy 100% ownership of their mainland companies, providing greater control and flexibility in decision-making and business operations. This empowers entrepreneurs to fully leverage their business vision and pursue their goals without limitations.
Mainland companies are eligible to bid on government tenders and contracts, opening doors to lucrative opportunities within the public sector. This direct access to government projects provides a significant advantage and contributes to the sustainable growth of mainland businesses.
Mainland licences offer a broader scope of permissible activities compared to free zones, providing greater flexibility and adaptability to cater to diverse business needs. This versatility allows businesses to explore new avenues, expand their offerings, and capitalise on emerging market opportunities.
A mainland licence allows businesses to trade freely across all emirates within the United Arab Emirates. This seamless access to the entire UAE market facilitates business expansion, customer acquisition, and the development of a strong national presence.
Operating from the mainland enhances credibility and trust among local and international clients. The association with the Dubai Mainland signifies a commitment to local market engagement and adherence to UAE regulations, fostering greater confidence and trust among stakeholders.
New to business in Dubai? Explore our blog, A Beginner’s Guide to Business Setup in Dubai for 2025, and get started!
A Dubai Mainland trade licence is essential for a wide spectrum of businesses, including:
To successfully obtain a mainland licence, businesses must fulfil the following key requirements:
The cost of a Dubai Mainland trade licence varies depending on factors such as the chosen business activity, legal structure, and location.
Beyond the core benefits mentioned earlier, operating from the Dubai Mainland offers several significant advantages:
In many sectors, foreign investors can enjoy 100% ownership of their mainland companies, providing greater control and flexibility in decision-making and business operations. This empowers entrepreneurs to fully leverage their business vision and pursue their goals without limitations.
Mainland companies are eligible to bid on government tenders and contracts, opening doors to lucrative opportunities within the public sector. This direct access to government projects provides a significant advantage and contributes to the sustainable growth of mainland businesses.
Mainland licences offer a broader scope of permissible activities compared to free zones, providing greater flexibility and adaptability to cater to diverse business needs. This versatility allows businesses to explore new avenues, expand their offerings, and capitalise on emerging market opportunities.
A mainland licence allows businesses to trade freely across all emirates within the United Arab Emirates. This seamless access to the entire UAE market facilitates business expansion, customer acquisition, and the development of a strong national presence.
Operating from the mainland enhances credibility and trust among local and international clients. The association with the Dubai Mainland signifies a commitment to local market engagement and adherence to UAE regulations, fostering greater confidence and trust among stakeholders.
The region experienced a 26% year-on-year growth in scale-up startups, increasing from 241 in 2021 to over 306 in 2022. This indicates a dynamic and thriving startup ecosystem, providing a fertile ground for innovation and business growth.
Curious about setting up a business in Dubai Mainland? Give our detailed blog a read, Tips for Expats in 2025, for insider secrets!
Setting up a business in Dubai Mainland is a promising venture, but the process can be intricate without the right support. At G12, we are not just another service provider; we are a trusted business setup firm in Dubai, offering expert guidance laser-focused to your needs. From trade name reservation to visa processing, our comprehensive services ensure a smooth experience, leaving no room for unnecessary hurdles.
If you’re looking for reliable business setup consultants in Dubai, choose G12 to pave the way for your business success. Partner with us to make minimise risks and establish a solid foundation for your business in Dubai Mainland.