Six reasons why you should set up a Dubai mainland company

Opting for a Dubai mainland company set up under the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) offers key benefits if you want maximum freedom and flexibility for your business.

If you are an entrepreneur or someone tasked with creating a startup in Dubai, considering where to set up is a crucial decision.

Making the correct decision can dramatically alter your company’s dynamics and future success.

Here are the six key benefits when you set up a Dubai mainland business:

1. Freedom to trade across Dubai and in the UAE

Being registered as a Dubai mainland company means you have no restrictions regarding who you can trade with or where you can trade in Dubai.

By setting up on the mainland, you can plan for any type of trade, without having to worry about overstepping your trade permission throughout Dubai and across the UAE.

There are some legal formalities when it comes to creating your mainland company in Dubai, including the need to be sponsored by a Dubai national. However, by seeking professional advice from a reputable business setup company, you can retain the management and financial control of your business.

2. Ability to trade internationally and expand your presence

Dubai mainland registration gives your business the freedom to trade internationally, which is something that is essential for many brands in our increasingly connected world.

It is also recommended to think about the future of your business. Are you planning on international expansion? Do you want the flexibility to penetrate key foreign markets?

Today’s rapidly changing world favours businesses with the flexibility to adapt. Imagine you have a product or service that is suddenly on-trend in a particular country. In such a case, you need to organise the logistics to penetrate it quickly.

Fundamentally, having a Dubai mainland licence means freedom and flexibility to grow and manage your business.

3. Freedom to grow your company and team

Every business has the goal to grow and succeed – something that Dubai mainland registration gives you real scope to do.

Taking the mainland option means you can apply for unlimited visas. It’s worth noting that the more visas you apply for, the more warehouse or office space you need to have, which is typically 100 square feet per visa. The need to rent extra office space is usually negotiable with the Dubai DED if you employ lots of workers remotely who do not require workspace.

Creating a Dubai mainland company also gives you the freedom to expand your business’ branches to other parts of Dubai and across the UAE. If branch expansion is a key goal of your startup, consider a Dubai DED licence.

4. Ability to diversify your offerings

Dubai’s evolving smart city infrastructure is already taking businesses in new directions, and the power to diversify is likely to be increasingly useful as the country heads towards and beyond 2020.

Opting for a Dubai mainland setup provides significantly more scope for your business to evolve.

Fundamentally, having a Dubai mainland licence means that the administrative process is smoother, faster, and less restrictive compared to your free zone competitors.

5. Ability to deal with the UAE or GCC governments

Mainland registration in Dubai has another potentially attractive feature – it gives you the scope to tender bids for lucrative government contracts.

If your startup is likely to offer services that match government projects, then you could place yourself in a very advantageous position. Indeed, UAE government contract work is worth billions of dollars per year. If your company becomes well-regarded by Dubai’s authorities, then you could create a blueprint for long-term business networking and growth.

Winning official state contracts across the UAE will surely improve your business reputation and status, both in the country and internationally.

6. Ability to create a flexible startup

While establishing a Dubai mainland registered company may seem daunting, working with the right company formation specialists can give you a package that is fast and fully comprehensive. When selecting who to work with, consider whether the package includes these key benefits:

• Business setup and registration
• Automated legal administration
• Dubai national sponsorship included
• Fast and affordable
• Visa and immigration processing
• Dedicated service agency for your business

In the end, setting up a mainland company in Dubai is easier. So your next step should be to analyse your business plan for the next three years and determine whether Dubai mainland registration is the right option for you.

Steve Mayne is the founder and managing partner of Dubai-based company formation firm Creative Zone