How to Start a Business in UAE – A Guide for Beginners

Planning to Start a New Business in Dubai?

Are you thinking or planning to start your own business in the UAE. Are you looking for some good business ideas? Want to know how you can get funding for your Startup. Remember that reaching a goal without a plan is difficult.

We will show you how you can start your own business in the UAE if you have any business idea. What are the legalities and the funding options for your business?

The UAE is one of the fast-growing economies in the world. The ease of doing business and economic growth is attracting a number of businesses to the country. More importantly, company formation in Dubai takes just two to three weeks and the process is very simple, with strong incentives, notably in the form of the UAE’s free zones.

Starting a New Business

First of all, you need to decide which business would be right for you. You do a survey around your region and see what is high on demand now.
Make sure that you have understood the business that you are choosing, and it suits your business goals. If you are not sure which business type will suit your plan you can get in touch with The Brand Global Team by writing at connect@thebrandglobal.com. One of our team members will assist you in finalizing your plans. It is better to take advice from the experts when you are a novice in any field.

Free Zone Company Registration in UAE

You can get registered at the below Free Zones in UAE

1. DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodity Center,
2. JAFZA - (Jabel Ali Free Zone) 
3. DAFZA - Most convenient for aviation logistics, located next to Dubai Airport
4. Dubai South - All types of trading and services license with flexi desk options
5. DSO - Dubai Silicon Oasis, Affordable setup for technology and industrial licensing
6. Fujairah Free Zone
7. Ajman Media City
8. SAIF - Sharjah Airport Free Zone
9. RAKEZ – RAK FREE ZONE

We are briefly explaining the process of DMCC that you can follow

What is DMCC 

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) was established in 2002 by the Government of Dubai, to provide the physical, market and financial infrastructure required to establish a hub for global commodities trade.

Image courtesy DMCC

The DMCC Authority in Dubai was offering two types of licenses Until January 2014, DMCC and JLT.

There were DMCC Free Zone companies which were operating in the commodities and related sectors. And then there were JLT Free Zone companies operating across non-commodities related sectors.

However, From February 2014, the authority has decided to licenses all activities under the one DMCC license.

You can fill in the form online at the official website of DMCC

https://www.dmcc.ae/free-zone/application-form

You will find over 600 business activities at the DMCC. You can start the businesses across 20 sectors that include Energy, Commodities, Gold and Diamonds, Technology, Construction, FMCG, Healthcare, Aviation, Shipping, Education and Media, as well as services such as Professional, Financial, Personal and Community.

You can set up your company in just two to three weeks after submitting the necessary documents online. In the interest of maintaining DMCC Free Zone has a very good reputation as the place for good business. Therefore to make sure your business is genuine; the DMCC will conduct due diligence reviews as part of all company setup procedures.

You also need to open your Business account and get your business and employees insured.
Above all you need to get your UAE ID, trade license, Visa and DHA requirements to finalise your residency for you and your employees.

VAT is mandatory by the UAE government now. Get all the documentation done before you start your business.


Make sure that you have hired the best talent for your business. At the same time get the office, website and social media platforms ready before you go live.

Be determined, work hard and think ahead with a positive mindset.