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.

C-CAMP is inviting applicants who can help fight COVID-19 with their Innovations

Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), is a special COVID-19 focused accelerator set up in collaboration with the United Nations Health Innovation Exchange (UNHIE) and Social Alpha. Amid Covid-19 pandemic, the C-CAMP is inviting Startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can help fight the pandemic. The Special Covid focused accelerator is also called “COVID-19 Innovations Deployment Accelerator” (CIDA)

Categories for Innovations

The innovations from the players should be under the categories of diagnostics, vaccines, screening, containment strategies, therapeutics, public health & other categories including but not limited to focused technologies. The following is the detailed list of categories:

• mobile health technologies for screening and home care,
• protective gear and sterilization innovations for care providers,
• digital triaging tools and risk stratifying systems,
• supply chain innovations,
• AI systems to assist critical care,
• low-cost ventilators and oxygen therapy units,
• diagnostic kits and Point of Care tests,
• volunteerism and service innovations and
• scalable plug and play isolation units, treatment tents

C-CAMP Accelerator has shortlisted four promising Innovations to deal with Covid-19

In an overwhelming response, C-CAMP has received over 150 submissions so far. As on March 29, 2020, the Pune based centre has already shortlisted four innovations. They are looking for innovations that are ready to deploy immediately and the ones which can also be used for the future.
According to a statement, the C-CAMP has set no specific last date to submit the applications. The received applications are being assessed daily in batches for scientific validity, market readiness, feasibility and impact. Certainly, the new innovations will help India fight the Coronavirus. Furthermore, the innovators will also get a platform to attract investors in the future.

With more than 1000+ positive cases in India, it becomes imperative for India to deploy out-of-the-box innovations to control the spread of Coronavirus. Therefore C-CAMP has come up with this idea of inviting innovations.
By assessing the innovations submitted by the innovators, CIDA will assist in fast-tracking the best and effective innovations for pilot scale deployment. Certainly, it will also help in facilitating regulatory pathway and assist in connecting with the investors.

“Few key players from industry are in constant touch with C-CAMP to support COVID-19 Innovations. CIDA is a step in that direction to help with immediate deployment of solutions wherever we can,” Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, C-CAMP CEO and Director

How to Submit your Innovation to C-CAMP Accelerator

If you are a Startup, innovator, or an entrepreneur who can help fight the Pandemic submit your entry here.

C-CAMP is a major Platform Technology, Industry-Interaction, Innovation and Incubator unit. Considering the vacuum that is present at the interface of Academia and Industry, such an organization is much needed in the country to be able to assure the success of scientific talent.

Startups & Medtech Innovators are being encouraged to find Solutions for Covid-19

Covid-19 Innovation Challenges

As the Corona outbreak continues, the government of India is also taking all necessary steps to control the spread of Covid-19. The stringent measures like complete lockdown for 21 days, though has helped to control the spread. However, to ensure that India is prepared well for any future threat, the government is also looking forward to the innovative solutions for Covid-19.

Furthermore, the government is also encouraging, Startups, Entrepreneurs, and companies to come up with innovative solutions, Bioinformatics, datasets, Apps for diagnosis, etc. for strengthening the fight against Corona.

Which companies & Government Institutions are inviting applications?

C-CAMP

C-CAMP is inviting Startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can help fight Covid-19 with their innovations.

Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) is a special COVID-19 focused accelerator set up in collaboration with the United Nations Health Innovation Exchange (UNHIE) and Social Alpha. Amid Covid-19 pandemic the C-CAMP is inviting Startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can help fight the pandemic. The Special Covid focused accelerator is also called "COVID-19 Innovations Deployment Accelerator" (CIDA)

The Innovations from the players should be under the following categories: diagnostics, vaccines, screening, containment strategies, therapeutics, public health & other relevant technologies.
According to a statement, the C-CAMP has set no specific last date to submit the applications. The received applications are being assessed daily in batches for scientific validity, market readiness, feasibility and impact

Startup India

The department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) and Startup India are seeking innovative solutions from startups to fight the Covid-19 crisis. There is a competition for startups, entrepreneurs, and companies to come out with creative solutions to fight Corona virus.

"We are building a one-stop repository of innovative solutions for ready access by the government and the private sector for further development and deployment," Startup India said.

According to Startup India, after analysing the feasibility and quality of the innovations, the top solutions will be identified and recognised. Besides, Startup India will also refer the innovative solutions to the government and private stakeholders for further funding and deployment.

The solutions can be in the areas of low-cost innovative masks which can capture virus from the air and absorb respiratory droplets. The innovators can also come up with cost-effective thermal scanning devices, medical equipments like ventilators and protective gear for healthcare professionals.

You can Apply before April 15, 2020 at the official website link

https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/ams-application/challenge.html?applicationId=5e79126ee4b055bfaea9ef66

Covid-19 Innovation challenge by Telangana Government

T-Hub has announced a Covid-19 Innovation Challenge in partnership with Q City and Telangana government.

The purpose of this innovation challenge is to inspire and motivate students to come up with unique ideas to fight Corona virus. The programme also aims at empowering the student innovators to get mentorship from renowned subject matter experts. The students will also get assistance in transforming their ideas into business propositions from T-Hub and CCMB (The Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology). 

The call for applications is open until 20th April and you can apply online at the official website

link - https://t-hub.co/covid-19-innovation-challenge/?utm_source=programcard&utm_medium=website

Marico Innovation Foundation invites ideas to combat Corona

Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF) has launched #Innovate2BeatCOVID, a challenge that will offer grants worth 2.5 crores for the innovative ideas. MIF and Marico's chairman Harsh Mariwala is looking for cost-effective ideas for making ventilators, protective equipment, innovative products, and services that can assist in dealing with Covid-19.

You can apply online at the MIF website

https://www.maricoinnovationfoundation.org/i2b-form/

Technology Development Board (TBD) & Department of Science & Technology (DST) inviting Innovative solutions for COVID-19

The DST & TBD also invited proposals on COVID-19 & related respiratory viral infections
The solutions can be in the areas of low-cost innovative masks which can capture virus from the air and absorb respiratory droplets. The innovators can also come up with cost-effective thermal scanning devices, medical equipments like ventilators and protective gears for healthcare professionals.

Other areas of innovation include large area sanitization and sterilization, Bioinformatics and Surveillance, Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis kit (paper-based and other points of care devices) or any other related technology.

Proposals submitted online via TDB website www.tdb.gov.in on or before 27th March 2020.

Conclusion

During any viral pandemic, the protection of the general population is the priority of any government.

The system needs suitable devices for screening and detection, efficient clinical masks and sanitisers, home based ventilator systems to complement healthcare facilities.

Many other products and technologies are also required at the same time to monitor and control the spread of diseases. 


The need of the hour is to have enough medical equipment like ventilators and protective gears for healthcare professionals. Therefore the government is looking for innovators to come up with innovative solutions that are cost-effective as well as of high quality.