The comprehensive guide to set up, operate, and expand your business in Dubai
With the emirate attracting USD 14.24 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, Dubai continues to be a major draw for investors and entrepreneurs. DMCC drives this moment through our detailed guide about setting up a business in Dubai.
Why Dubai dominates as the world's top business destination
Dubai's unique combination of economic stability and business incentives creates an unmatched competitive advantage for international enterprises:
Ranked #15 globally with consistently low inflation rates.
UAE dirham pegged to the US dollar for predictable financial planning.
137 Double Taxation Treaties, 0% income tax, and low corporate tax rates for eligible businesses.
Free Zone vs. Mainland: Choose your optimal business structure
Dubai's business setup framework offers unmatched flexibility that other global markets simply can't provide.
100% foreign ownership on all business activities, and freedom to trade within the free zone and internationally.
Mainland companies have unrestricted access to the UAE's domestic market. This strategic choice allows businesses to optimise their structure based on operational goals.
A streamlined employment landscape
Dubai's employment framework eliminates the regulatory complexity that burdens businesses in other markets:
Standardised 48-hour work week with defined overtime limits and structured leave entitlements create predictable staffing costs and scheduling.
Simple annual contribution system (AED 40-100) provides 60% salary protection for up to three months, reducing hiring risk for employers.
Tap into Dubai’s unrivalled capital markets
Dubai's diverse financial ecosystem combines conventional banking, Islamic finance, and government-backed options, providing more funding pathways than single-system markets.
Standard loans with competitive terms for established businesses (2+ years operating).
Sharia-compliant funding through asset-based investment alternatives.
SBA-backed loans provide additional backing when traditional applications face challenges.
Companies we’ve helped grow
With 26,000+ member companies representing 180+ countries specialising in 900+ business activities,
DMCC is the world’s most dynamic business hub and district. Here are some of our success stories.
Hear from Faisal Ahmed, Managing Partner and CEO of AKW Consultants, as he shares how DMCC’s networking events, conferences, and training sessions helped his business grow. Through this thriving community of 25,000+ member companies, DMCC offers the platform to connect, exchange expertise, and access new opportunities.
Alex Lempka, Co-founder and CEO of Connect Earth, explains why Dubai’s AI vision and ESG initiatives, supported by the DMCC AI Centre and DMCC Sustainability Hub, make it the ideal place to grow their business. By combining technology and sustainability, Connect Earth is advancing solutions and driving innovation in line with Dubai’s future vision.
Kristijan Glibo, CEO and Founder of Primary FZCO, highlights how Dubai’s legal and regulatory framework, together with the support of the DMCC Crypto Centre, make it the right base for global expansion. DMCC provides the services and community crypto businesses need to grow in the digital economy.
Robosoft Solutions, established in 2015, is a global IT consulting firm specialising in solutions for commodity trading companies. CEO and Founder Karan Khemka highlights how DMCC’s supportive community have helped them grow their business while benefiting from the infrastructure and amenities of JLT.Robosoft Solutions, established in 2015, is a global IT consulting firm specialising in solutions for commodity trading companies. CEO and Founder Karan Khemka highlights how DMCC’s supportive community have helped them grow their business while benefiting from the infrastructure and amenities of JLT.
The reason why we chose Dubai and DMCC to set up a company is because Dubai has one of the world top-class tech infrastructure. And, DMCC being the best free trade zone, it gives us a lot of opportunity to network and also know a lot of different companies in the world as well.