Dubai is the world’s fastest-growing employment hub in the world. To date, more than thousands of companies have been registered in Dubai’s mainland and free zones. As a matter of fact, Dubai is one of the most developed cities in the United Arab Emirates, where commercial activities make up over 45% of the country’s GDP.

As the economic indicators depict Dubai as the centre of business-related activities in the UAE, there is no better time to invest in Dubai than NOW.

TTE Gulf has succeeded in helping many local and international companies to establish themselves in the Middle East. In fact, they are currently reaping the rewards and benefits of their investments in the market.

There are two options for business setup in UAE:

• Mainland business setup;
• Free zone business setup.

If you choose to conduct business in the UAE mainland, you will be required the support of a local sponsor or a local service agent.

For industrial and trading companies, the local sponsor will hold a maximum of 51% of shares and the remaining 49% of shares are for a foreign investor.

For a professional company set up, a local service agent is required, but in this type of company, the foreign investors will hold 100% of the shares.

Advantages of Mainland Company Registration:

• 0% corporate tax as well as 0% Personal income tax;
• You can do business with any part of the UAE;
• Mainland company setup in UAE has the flexibility to rent office everywhere;
• A wide range of license types as well as activities are available;
• It allows to conduct business in all of UAE;
• Mainland Company Formation has no yearly mandatory audit.

The second option is a free zone business setup. Free Zone Companies are businesses that are 100% owned by the local or foreign investor who set them up. You don’t require a sponsor or an agent to act as a liaison to manage the venture.

A free zone business can only operate within the free zone and outside the UAE, which means no business can be conducted outside Free Zone within Dubai or any other Emirate.

This point poses a problem if your main market is Dubai/UAE.

However, you may legally appoint a broker or service agent for local market distribution.

On the other hand, if you set up a company on the mainland, you may carry out business activities both locally and internationally.

A free zone company enjoys many advantages. Some of them are:

• No personal income or capital gain taxes;
• 100% foreign ownership is allowed in free zone business;
• No corporate taxes;
• No duties on import or export;
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits;
• Modern efficient communications;
• Liberal labour laws and no recruitment problems;
• Attractive working environment;
• Excellent support services.