Dubai is one of the most attractive business destinations in the world, especially for investors from the Gulf countries. With its strategic location between the East and the West, its advanced infrastructure, and its encouraging economic policies, Dubai provides an ideal environment for establishing businesses and economic growth. For Gulf investors, Dubai represents a golden opportunity to benefit from this unique economic climate.
Establishing a company in Dubai can be a strategic move that helps you achieve your business goals and expand your business. Dubai offers a variety of options for setting up a company, whether in free zones that allow full foreign ownership, or in the interior areas that may require a local partner. However, Dubai offers significant facilities, including tax incentives, simplified incorporation procedures, and multiple business opportunities.
Investing in Dubai also offers additional benefits such as access to global markets, a tax-free business environment, as well as strong government support and initiatives aimed at promoting growth and innovation. For Gulf nationals, Dubai is the ideal choice due to the legal and financial facilities it provides, making the process of incorporation easier and more convenient.
In this article, we will discuss the steps and methods of establishing a company in Dubai , focusing on the facilities provided to Gulf investors, the challenges they may face and how to overcome them. We will also show how to make the most of the available opportunities, to provide a comprehensive guide that contributes to facilitating the establishment process and achieving success in this dynamic and thriving market.

Why Choose to Establish a Company in Dubai for Gulf Nationals?
Dubai is a prime destination for Gulf investors for several reasons that make it an attractive choice for Gulf nationals to set up companies in Dubai . Here are some of the key reasons why Gulf nationals should choose Dubai as their company incorporation location:
- Distinctive business environment: Dubai offers a flexible and sophisticated business environment, with modern infrastructure and world-class facilities. From free zones to major shopping malls, Dubai offers a variety of options to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes.
- Easy access to global markets: Dubai’s strategic location makes it a global hub connecting European, Asian and African markets. This ideal location contributes to enhancing trade opportunities and international expansion.
- Tax breaks and economic incentives: Dubai offers attractive tax benefits, including corporate tax exemptions and no income tax for individuals. These incentives make Dubai an ideal destination for companies looking to reduce costs and maximize profits.
- Full Foreign Ownership: In free zones, Gulf investors can own 100% of the company’s shares, giving them complete control over the company’s operations and strategies.
- Ease of Procedures: Dubai seeks to simplify the procedures for establishing companies by providing fast and efficient services, which reduces the time and effort required to complete the establishment process.
- Safe and Stable Environment: Dubai offers a stable political and economic environment, which enhances investor confidence and provides security for their business operations.
- Strong government support: The Dubai government supports businesses through various initiatives, including financial support and investment guidance, which helps facilitate growth and expansion.
- Vibrant Business Community: Dubai has a vibrant international business community, with a wide network of business relationships that can open doors to new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Procedures for establishing a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals
For Gulf citizens who wish to establish a company in Dubai , the following procedures can be followed:
- Choose the type of company: Decide what type of company you want to establish that suits the purpose of the business, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or a sole proprietorship.
- Choosing a company name: Choose a unique and appropriate name for your company that complies with local laws and regulations.
- Define the business activity: Determine the type of business activity the company will be engaged in.
- Identify shareholders and shares: Identify the Gulf shareholders, their percentage of shares in the company, and how shares are distributed.
- Determine the headquarters: Choose the location where the company will be headquartered.
- Prepare the required documents: Prepare the documents required to establish the company, such as the shareholders’ passports and Gulf certificates.
- Submitting the application and registering: Submit the application to establish the company to the competent authority in Dubai.
- Pay fees and capital: Pay the fees required to establish the company and determine the required capital.
- Obtaining government approvals: Make sure to obtain all necessary government approvals to establish the company.
- Complete the legal procedures: Complete all the legal procedures required to establish the company in Dubai.
- Receiving the commercial license: After fulfilling all the conditions and procedures, you will be granted a commercial license that allows your company to operate legally.
Cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals
The cost of establishing a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals depends on several factors that can be summarized as follows:
- Licensing fees: include the cost of obtaining a commercial, industrial or professional license, depending on the type of activity the company will undertake.
- Registration fees: These include the costs of registering the company with the relevant authorities such as the Department of Economic Development or the regulatory authority in the free zone.
- Office Fees: Includes the costs of renting an office or workspace, which may vary based on the location and space you choose.
- Work visa fees: This relates to the cost of issuing work and residence visas for employees, and depends on the number and type of visas.
- Special License Fees: Some businesses may require additional licenses or special permits.
- Consulting Services Fees: If you use a consulting firm to provide support with legal and administrative procedures, there may be a fee for these services.
- Document preparation costs: include the costs of preparing and preparing the legal and legitimate documents required to establish the company.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals
To set up a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals , you will need to submit a set of basic documents. Here is a list of the required documents:
- Passport: A copy of the passport of all shareholders and directors, which must be valid.
- Residence Visa: If a shareholder or director is a resident of the UAE, a copy of the residence visa must be submitted.
- Photo: Recent photographs of all shareholders and directors.
- Articles of Association: Drafting the articles of association or agreement between the partners, which must include details related to the company, its purposes and the distribution of shares.
- Business Plan: Submit a business plan that outlines the nature of the business, target market, and future plans.
- Office Address: Proof of the physical address of the company’s headquarters, such as an office lease.
- Certificate of Good Conduct: In some cases, official bodies may request a certificate of good conduct from local authorities.
- Commercial Permit: Obtain a commercial permit from the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the competent authority.
- Power of Attorney: If there is an agent or legal representative handling the procedures on behalf of the company, an official power of attorney must be provided.
In conclusion, setting up a company in Dubai represents an exciting and attractive opportunity for Gulf nationals who seek to invest their resources and grow their businesses in a sophisticated and thriving business environment. Dubai, with its strategic location as a global business hub, modern infrastructure, and favorable economic policies, provides an ideal environment for business growth and success.
Gulf nationals, thanks to their economic background and diverse experiences, find Dubai an excellent platform to expand their business activities, especially in light of the facilities provided by the UAE government to investors. The establishment procedures in Dubai are flexible and fast, which helps to bypass administrative routine and invest time in developing business strategies.
However, success in Dubai requires a thorough understanding of the legal procedures, regulatory requirements, and costs associated with incorporation. Therefore, it is important to work with specialized consultants or companies that provide company formation services, such as Itqan, which provide comprehensive support and professional assistance from the initial planning stage until the smooth completion of incorporation.
Itqan Company contributes its expertise to speed up the establishment process and provides comprehensive consultations that help Gulf nationals adapt to the business environment in Dubai, which enhances their chances of success and increases the effectiveness of their businesses.
The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in Dubai for Gulf nationals
Is it necessary to have a local partner to establish a company in Dubai?
For Gulf nationals, a local partner is not required. Gulf nationals can establish companies on their own in Dubai or even in some free zones without the need for a local partner.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The process of establishing a company in Dubai may take from several weeks to a month, depending on the complexity of the procedures and the documents required. In some cases, the process can be expedited if all documents and information are fully provided.
Do I need to be in Dubai to set up the company?
You can appoint a local agent to handle the process on your behalf, but you will need to be in Dubai to sign some documents if required, especially for the final licensing stages.
What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?
The main business licenses include the general business license, industrial license, and tourism license. The type of license required depends on the type of business activity of the company.
Can I open a company bank account from outside Dubai?
A company bank account can be opened from outside Dubai, but this may require a visit to the bank in Dubai in some cases, especially to submit personal documents and review the account.