At Dubiz, we understand the complexities & challenges of establishing a business in UAE’s evolving landscape. Our suite of expert business setup services is specially designed to support your venture at every stage, from inception to expansion.

Become an Entrepreneur in Dubai
  • By Business Consultant
  • August 26, 2024

Everyone keeps saying Dubai is the best location to start a business. Ever wondered why? Well, there is no hidden secret. Dubai has proudly demonstrated its commitment to being the world’s most suitable and supportive business hub, where entrepreneurs can excel beyond limits. The unmatched infrastructure, modern facilities, strategic location, supportive policies, tax incentives, lavish lifestyle and many countless benefits come together in one place, and that’s Dubai for you. You can become an entrepreneur in Dubai and step into success you once imagined!  

Now, the question arises: how to become an entrepreneur in Dubai in 2024? Where do you start? Is there a process to follow? What are the requirements and costs? You probably have many questions. Fortunately, you have landed in the right spot. We will answer all your questions step by step and provide expert tips to help you shine like a star. 

Why Dubai is perfect for entrepreneurs: 

Dubai is not just a city; it is the gateway to the extraordinary future you have always envisioned. Businesses and entrepreneurs thrive here and make a name for themselves. There are many government initiatives and programs here that facilitate entrepreneurs. One of the famous agencies under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), is dedicated to supporting and guiding entrepreneurs in Dubai. In H1 2024, Dubai SME alone provided guidance and training services to 2,714 entrepreneurs. 

You will be glad to know that Dubai is the richest city in the Middle East and that the benefits it offers for startups and businesses cannot be justified in a single article. Still, we have jotted down some of the many benefits that you can unlock if you become an entrepreneur in Dubai: 

  • Enjoy 100% ownership of your business in free zones and for over 1,000 activities on the mainland. 
  • A strategic central location to help you reach global markets. 
  • Ease of business setup and company formation. 
  • Access to more than 30 specialized free zones. 
  • A wide range of business activities allowed, with many opportunities to explore. 
  • Top-class infrastructure and business amenities facilitate smooth and efficient operations. 
  • Developed and advanced business communities with excellent networking opportunities. 
  • Exclusive benefits and support for women entrepreneurs. 
  • Government support and incentives. 

Simple steps to become an entrepreneur in Dubai in 2024: 

Starting a business that too in Dubai! Sounds tiring and complicated, right? But trust us, it is actually not. The business setup in Dubai is easy and uncomplicated. Still, if you are a beginner, we have got you covered. Here are the simple and easy steps to become an entrepreneur in Dubai: 

Step 1 – Conduct market research and choose business activity: 

Where there is need, there is business. To start a profitable venture, you must first identify the needs and unmet demands of people and then cater to them. Try to understand and analyse the business environment in Dubai. Where do lucrative opportunities lie? Identify gaps in the market and figure out how you can fill them.  

Following this, you must choose promising business activities for your entrepreneurial venture. There are more than 2,000 business activities listed by the Dubai Economic Department (DED) that can be carried out in the city! Look into market trends, your target market, and the potential competition you will have to face.  

Step 2 – Devise a comprehensive business plan: 

Develop a robust and comprehensive business plan that outlines your operations, target customers, marketing strategies, financial plans, and objectives. This plan will not only guide your business activities but also assist in securing funding from investors.  

Step 3 – Choose your business location: 

In Dubai, you have three jurisdictions to choose from for setting up your business: offshore, mainland, and free zone. Each has its own benefits: 

  1. Free Zone: These are economic zones with their own regulatory authorities. They are highly attractive to entrepreneurs because they allow 100% foreign ownership, provide top-notch facilities for various industries, and offer other incentives. In Dubai, there are more than 30 free zones where you can start your entrepreneurial journey. 
  2. Mainland: Regulated by the Dubai Economic Department (DED), mainland businesses can operate throughout the entire UAE. if you want to serve the broader market, this is your go-to. 
  3. Offshore: This jurisdiction helps businesses reach global markets without needing a physical presence in Dubai. You can benefit from Dubai’s strategic location and favourable tax environment. 

You can talk to our experts at Dubiz Business Setup who can help you choose what would be suitable for you. 

Step 4 – Choose legal structure:  

As an entrepreneur, you must decide whether to run a sole proprietorship, a partnership business, or a company. There are other options for business structure in UAE that you can explore. Choose the one that best aligns with your goals and preferences. 

Step 5 – Launch your business setup in Dubai: 

After making these decisions, you can proceed with launching your business setup in Dubai. For that there are a few other things you will need to figure out: 

  1. Choose branding for your business, including the name, logo, visuals, and more. You will also need to register your business name with the appropriate authorities.
  2. Choosing an office space for your venture is also important. You can find luxurious and well-equipped business centers in Dubai where you can set up your office. Some activities also allow operating virtually!
  3. Next, you will need to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses, which include initial approval to do business in Dubai from the Department of Economic Development (DED), a proper UAE trade license, and approvals from additional government bodies if needed. Depending on your business activities, you may get a commercial license, professional license, or tourism license. For that, you will need to submit all required documents and pay the applicable fees to the relevant authority (DED in mainland, freezone authority in case of freezone).
  4. Then, you must open a business bank account and apply for visas for yourself, your family, and any staff members as needed.

Step 6 – Post business launch: 

The grind to become an entrepreneur in Dubai does not stop here. After successfully launching your business in Dubai, you will need to inform customers about your presence and make yourself known. You will have to spend considerable time on marketing. You must also look for continuous improvements and keep your business flexible to adapt to changing customer needs. 

Important considerations for entrepreneurs in Dubai: 

To become a successful and esteemed entrepreneur in Dubai, you will have to work hard. Here are some additional considerations that you will need to address: 

1. Access your financial resources and funding:

Where will the money come from for your business setup in Dubai? If you have a small startup, you might be able to fund it yourself. In other cases, or if you want to explore additional options, there are various sources available to entrepreneurs in Dubai. These include venture capital, angel investors, loans from banks, and business incubators that support startups. 

2. Benefit from government incentives:

The government of the UAE is very supportive to foreign entrepreneurs and startups. There are numerous initiatives and programs that provide support, guidance, and even essential funding to entrepreneurs. For example, there is the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, which supports innovative businesses. 

3. Meet all legal requirements meticulously:

When establishing a business in Dubai, an entrepreneur must address several key requirements to operate legally. This includes obtaining a UAE trade license, securing a lease contract for your business premises, and acquiring the necessary visa and work permit, etc. 

Read more here: https://dubiz.co/legal-services-essentials-uae-businesses/ 

4. Make the right connections:

Dubai is home to a vibrant business community featuring thriving brands and firms, as well as well-renowned companies. You should take advantage of this dynamic environment by networking and building connections that can help you expand your business, grow, learn, and meet new people.  

5. Create a compelling brand position:

To stand out and be remembered, you need to do something different. Be clear about your vision and how you plan to deliver superior value to customers, setting yourself apart from competitors. Leveraging social media can help promote your brand and create a distinct image for yourself. While this will require effort, the results will be well worth it. 

Cost of becoming an entrepreneur in Dubai: 

The exact cost to become an entrepreneur in Dubai and starting your business will be subject to many factors. For example, the type and scope of your UAE trade license, office space, visas needed, government approval and registration fees, and the jurisdiction you choose. Here are the typical costs for company formation in Dubai in various jurisdictions: 

  1. Mainland: AED 17,900* for professional license & AED 24,990* for commercial license.
  2. Freezone: AED 5,699* to AED 40,000* 
  3. Offshore: AED 7,000* to AED 24,000* 

In addition to this, you may have to bear some other costs depending on your business. Our professional consultants at Dubiz Business Setup can tell you your exact costs. 

Documents needed to start an enterprise in Dubai: 

To become an entrepreneur in Dubai and start a business, you will have to be careful with paperwork. Here are the documents you will typically need in the process of business setup in Dubai: 

  1. Passport copies
  2. Passport size photos
  3. Business plan
  4. Attested MOA
  5. Lease contract
  6. Approvals from additional government bodies.
  7. Attested service agent contract, if needed.
  8. Financial statements
  9. NOC (No Objection Certificate) from local sponsor/partner if needed
  10. Additional documents as asked by authorities

With Dubiz by your side, you will not have to worry about the paperwork, as our experts will handle it all on your behalf. So, why wait? Get in touch! 

Don’t let your dreams be just dreams; work on it with Dubiz! 

You gain prestige along with success when you become an entrepreneur in Dubai. And why shouldn’t you? The city has always facilitated businesses and encouraged them to reach new heights. However, the process of forming a company in Dubai can be a bit confusing for newcomers, although it is quite simple. There are certain legal intricacies you need to navigate, such as the licensing process, company registration in UAE, visa application, opening a business bank account, and more, which can be daunting. 

But hold on. Why tire yourself with all this when Dubiz is here to lend a helping hand? Our experts assist with everything from approvals to documentation, ensuring that your business setup in Dubai is fast and straightforward. We have helped more than 4,000 businesses craft their success stories and would be pleased to assist you. You can sit back, relax, and plan for your prosperous future while we handle everything on your behalf. We make it that simple for you! 

Contact Dubiz today: Call us: +971 562986853, Whatsapp us: +971 501309366, Email us: info@dubiz.co    

FAQs 

1. What is the best business to start in Dubai? 

Dubai offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed and essentially every type of business can prosper here. Some profitable business ideas in Dubai include e-commerce, IT services, tourism, real estate, and fashion and retail businesses. 

2. Is Dubai a good place for entrepreneurs? 

Dubai is a great place for entrepreneurs to thrive and reach heights of success. The startup-friendly environment, favourable policies, tax incentives, and many more benefits make it one of the world’s most sought-after business destinations. To become an entrepreneur in Dubai is a key to world full of opportunities. 

3. Can foreigners start business in Dubai? 

Yes, foreigners can definitely start their business in Dubai. The government of the UAE invites and encourages foreign entrepreneurs to start their ventures in the nation. As a foreign entrepreneur, there are certain regulations, such as obtaining a license and work permits, that you will need to follow. 

4. How much money is required to start a business in Dubai? 

The amount of money you will need to start a business and become an entrepreneur in Dubai depends on various factors, such as the nature of the business, its scope, the trade licenses required, the number of visas needed, office space requirements, other operational costs, and jurisdiction you choose. However, you can also start with a low investment, with a minimum of AED 10,000. 

5. Can I start a business in Dubai with no money? 

Actually, you can start a business in Dubai without capital investment. For example, you can partner with an entrepreneur who can fund your business. Dubai also offers many low-investment business options that you can explore. However, you may need to cover some costs, such as your visas, to legally operate in the city. 

Free Consultation