- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
- Dubai Mainland License • Mainland License •
Dubai Mainland License
It’s important to select the correct type of business license you need for your new company to be able to operate in the UAE.
Also factor in your 1-5 year growth plan with our business set up advisors.
Dubai Mainland License Advantages
1. Flexibility of location
No geographical limitations for your physical commercial space and business operations.
2. 100% ownership
Companies can now have 100% ownership of their businesses without associating with a local Emirati company or individual as a partner. We also provide local service agent services and 51% local sponsorship services, if your business activity and/or company requirements legally permit.
3. No quantity limitations on visa allocations
There is no restriction on the number of shareholders and employees applying for visas for the UAE's mainland. However, the commercial space needed should align with the number of employee visas required.
4. Expansion
We can assist if you are operating under a free zone business structure and are considering switching or expanding to a mainland corporation.
5. No trade restrictions
You have a wide range of options of business activities to choose from, and you can carry out your business operations anywhere in the UAE without any trade restrictions.
Mainland options
Mainland is the territory of Dubai that is not part of a free zone and is governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). DED issues all three categories of Mainland trade licenses – Professional/Services Licence, Commercial Licence, and Industrial Licence.
KEY BENEFITS
– Freedom of your office/warehouse/retail geographical location.
– Sell directly to the end consumer.
– No restriction on quantity of shareholder and employment visas.
– 100% foreign ownership.
– Over 2,000 business activities available.
The UAE’s capital city provides investors and business owners with a competitive and well established market. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (AD DED) envisions a sustainable, balanced, and diverse knowledge based economy as part of the Emirate’s economic plan. Its aim is to be a stakeholders-focused organization capable of promoting long-term economic growth in Abu Dhabi, stimulating competitiveness, and assuring the well-being of the Abu Dhabi community.
By establishing a DED firm in Abu Dhabi, you can benefit from being in the UAE capital, with easy access to major seaports and international airports.
BENEFITS
– Renewal every 2 years.
– Conduct business with government entities in any part of the UAE.
– No visas quantity limitations.
– Set up an office anywhere in Abu Dhabi (other than free zone).
-Over 2,000 business activities.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was founded in 2002 as a strategic initiative of the Dubai government with the mission of providing the physical, market, and financial infrastructure necessary to set up and maintain a vibrant commodities marketplace. With over 14,100 registered enterprises, DMCC is now officially recognized as the biggest Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates.
DMCC strives to promote Dubai as a commercial gateway, assisting the government in achieving long-term economic growth. Its highly integrated marketplace is critical to the Free Zone’s existing and rising firms. As a new enterprise, DMCC is the ideal Free Zone in which to develop.
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership permitted
Prime central geographical location
Wide variety of office solutions for every PSQFT budget
A comprehensive selection of trading and consultancy business activities
Fewer restrictions on sensitive nationalities
Open Hub’s Outlook
DMCC is a recognised global hub for international trade and commerce. DMCC has the ability to accommodate entry-level startups and provide avenues for their expansion with a large supply of office space for every budget.
Caters to a wide range of consultancy and trading business activities across various sectors.
Well situated in the heart of Dubai with excellent transport links and connectivity for shareholders, employees and clients.
Transparent freezone with public register and mandatory audited accounts for client and investment piece of mind.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a 272-acre special economic zone in Dubai that opened in 2004 as a financial centre for corporations operating in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. The Dubai Financial Services Authority governs DIFC, an independent regulator unique to the zone, as well as its own judicial system, DIFC Courts, which is distinct from the legal systems of the Emirate of Dubai and the federal government of the UAE. The freezone houses financial institutions and wealth funds, as well as retail and hotel spaces.
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership permitted
Autonomous regulatory and legal framework
Has its own independent legal and regulatory framework for all civil and commercial matters practising UK common law
Exclusive financial business activities
Public registry
Ultra prime office space available
Open Hub’s Outlook
A sophisticated, free zone and globally recognised as one of the most premium jurisdictions for conducting financial activity. Highly regulated for clients’ peace of mind, which in turn opens gateways for corporate investment opportunities.
Unlocks the ability to operate your company from some of the most prime commercial offices in the region to entertain clients.
Provides access to exclusive regulated commercial, financial activities
Meydan Free Zone (MFZ)
Established in February 2009, Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) provides an efficient and smooth business environment for start-ups at one of Dubai’s best and most renowned locales.
Meydan Free Zone provides a highly cost-effective option for establishing a business, as well as full free zones benefits such as 100% ownership, no taxation, no currency restrictions, the ability to hire foreign labour, no duty tax on import and export, and flexi desk options, which are extremely convenient for those who do not need a permanent physical office for their business.
The Meydan development also comprises a variety of commercial complexes, sports centers, hotels, entertainment stations, and a number of cutting-edge facilities.
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership permitted
24-hour licence issuance
Dual mainland license/permit available for select activities
Shareholder physical presence is not necessary; remote company formation
No NOC is required from the present visa sponsor
Physical office space is not mandatory
Open Hub’s Outlook
Cost-effective prime Dubai jurisdiction. Meydan reduces the high-cost mandatory office space barrier to entry by providing virtual office and business centre solutions for their clients.
Meydan is one of the only Dubai-free zones that allow you to extend your company’s operation onto the mainland with their exclusive permits for selected activities.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a free zone in Dubai that is co-branded with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. IFZA provides the most affordable options for establishing a Dubai free zone firm. The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) provides companies with more than just a free zone; they are a community that allows entrepreneurs and enterprises to become part of an ever-evolving ecosystem in one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities.
To maximize business formation in Dubai, they utilize their strategic position and combine it with the highest levels of expertise, customer-oriented service, and regulatory understanding.
Key Benefits
Professional, commercial, and industrial business activities can all be merged under a single IFZA License.
Shareholder physical presence is not necessary; remote company formation
Fast and efficient processes
No NOC is required from the present visa sponsor
Physical office space is not mandatory
Open Hub’s Outlook
Cost-effective prime Dubai jurisdiction. IFZA reduces the high-cost mandatory office space barrier to entry by providing virtual office and business centre solutions for their clients.
Offers a wide selection of trading and commercial business activities across various sectors.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is a worldwide base for thousands of firms from over 100 countries, and it has earned a reputation as a commerce accelerator both locally and globally. The Free Zone alone accounts for 23.8 percent of Dubai’s overall GDP, making it one of the UAE’s fastest-expanding free zones. Jafza is a thriving business centre for the industrial and trade sectors.
The Free Zone is home to some of the world’s most successful firms. These businesses have selected Jafza as their regional headquarters, paving the path for global connection.
Key Benefits
Large commercial and industrial spaces are available
DLD permits the ability to own UAE real estate as a company
Internationally recognized jurisdiction
Open Hub’s Outlook
Home to the largest seaport between Singapore and Rotterdam and globally recognised as a regional hub for international trade.
Carries great import and export accessibility benefits to the UAE and wider regions.
Large plots of land are available for warehousing, industrial services and factories.
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC)
For businesses seeking a competitive and well-regulated ecosystem in which to operate more successfully locally and worldwide, the DWTC Authority offers a unique and highly attractive opportunity. They provide a great environment for startups, SMEs, and major enterprises to function locally while reaching regional and worldwide markets since they are strategically located in Dubai’s Central Business District. The bulk of Dubai Department of Economic Development operations is represented by DWTC, ranging from commodities to retail establishments and consultancies to beauty salons.
Businesses in any field that require a world-class commercial location can lease office spaces, both collaborative and conventional. The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority administers the free zone and extends from the landmark Dubai World Trade Centre to the adjacent One Central.
Key Benefits
A comprehensive selection of trading and consultancy business activities
Fewer restrictions on sensitive nationalities
100% foreign ownership permitted
Prime central geographical location
Open Hub’s Outlook
Caters to a wide range of consultancy and trading business activities across various sectors.
Large selection of business centres to operate your company from if a physical office is not required.
Well situated in the heart of Dubai with excellent transport links and connectivity for shareholders, employees and clients.
Dubai Internet City Free Zone (DIC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is an information technology and business park established by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone and strategic location for enterprises targeting rising regional markets. DIC offers about 1.5 million square feet of premium commercial office space, which is home to over 1,400 firms employing over 10,000 people. The DIC economic regulations allow enterprises to take advantage of a multitude of ownership, taxes, and customs-related benefits that are legally guaranteed for a period of 50 years.
One style of operation incorporates 100% foreign ownership, similar to that seen in the country’s other designated economic zones. These liberties have prompted numerous worldwide information technology corporations, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as UAE-based enterprises like Ducont, to relocate their regional headquarters to the DIC. DIC is near other industrial clusters, including Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park.
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership
Prime location
Tech-focused ecosystem
Open Hub’s Outlook
A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards technology, innovation, internet, software, web 3.0.
Home to some of the largest global tech companies and regional headquarters for blue chip companies. Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering prime office locations.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.
Dubai Media City Free Zone (DMC)
Dubai Media City, which opened in 2001 with the goal of establishing Dubai as the region’s main media centre, presently houses over 2,000 local and regional media enterprises from 142 countries. Advertising, communications, event management, media advice, and support services, as well as a variety of freelancers, are all welcome in the free zone.
For the last 20 years, Dubai Media City has secured its place as the region’s most respectable media community that contains the largest global and local media companies. It is a community where freelancers, startups, SMEs, and major corporations coexist, contributing to Dubai’s designation as “Arab Media Capital 2020.”
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership
Media focused ecosystem
Open Hub’s Outlook
A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards media, news and journalism.
Home to some of the largest global media companies and regional headquarters for blue chip companies. Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering prime office locations.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.
Dubai Design District (D3)
Dubai Design District (D3) was launched in 2013 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the UAE’s Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to support growth and investment in areas such as digital media, arts, design, and fashion. The free zone is appropriate for enterprises of all sizes and is home to both local and international fashion houses.
Along with office space and development property, the Dubai Design District Free Zone also provides studio space and co-working amenities, making it an appealing free zone for business establishments in the design and fashion sectors.
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership
Strategic location
Fashion & Design focused ecosystem
Open Hub’s Outlook
A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards fashion, design and art.
Home to some of the largest global fashion brands and home to many of their regional headquarters.
New high-end offices.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Moving to Dubai and setting up a new company can be very stressful however Michael Fletcher made the process seamless and stress free. I would recommend Open Hub to anyone thinking of setting up a company in Dubai Sid Howes27 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Special thanks to Scott & Dominic at OpenHub who helped me to set up a trade license for a new company. They were both super informative and guided me through the whole process smoothly and efficiently Charlotte Jones24 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. OpenHub was professional, offered the best pricing, and even included some complimentary services within our scope of work. Their team are knowledgeable, decent people, competent, and they got the job done well. Our situation required a fast company setup in the UAE. Unfortunately there were delays and additional steps - all of which were beyond their control and just part of the process. At the time I would've appreciated clearer communication about the changes and the overall timeline. However, OpenHub handled each step promptly and provided extra VIP services that helped accelerate the process. Overall we got the job done in time and I'm thankful for the additional care we received during these delays. OpenHub is a solid choice for setting up a business in the UAE. I appreciate their support and look forward to working together in the future. Thanks Michael, Dominic, Gene and the rest of the team behind the scenes! Tom Eastman21 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. OpenHub has been the most seamless and accommodating business setup service I’ve experienced in Dubai. From trade license registration to business banking setup, their expertise is unmatched. A special thanks to Scott for his incredible efficiency and professionalism. Highly recommend OpenHub for anyone looking to establish their business with ease! James Elliot17 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael Columba Fletcher and his team have been invaluable and did a great job assisting me in getting my business registered and EID. I would highly recommend them to anyone having to go through this process. Peter Wehmeyer10 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, everything was straight forward. Michael and the team were very responsive, making communication easy and putting my mind at ease with any concerns I had. Highly recommend. David Perry6 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Open Hub to help me with golden visa Because I had a flight back to Europe, I was in a hurry to get all done in couple days and Michael Fletcher promised it’s possible. And he and Open Hub delivered as promised X Y4 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with Michael recently, helping us set up our business in the UAE. Very smooth process and always on hand to answer any questions throughout. Definitely recommend for any British business owners looking to set up! Richard Lepori23 January 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received excellent service from Michael when setting up my business. He is very knowledgeable and keeps everything simple and easy to understand. Process was quick and efficent and he was always on hands to answer any questions. Would highly recommend to any of my friends or family. Harriet Devine23 January 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a very good experience with Openhub. Very professional staff. Was able to get sound advise on my visa application and they were very adept at explaining the process. Execution and follow up was very timely and clear. No surprises at all and overall it was pleasant with absolutely no stress. A shout out and thanks to Michael Fletcher who handled my visa application Basil Mathew23 January 2025Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more


