How to Start a Coworking Space Business in Dubai, UAE
Quick Summary A coworking operator needs either a mainland trade licence from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a free zone licence issued under the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s (MOET) free zone framework. Mainland licensing lets you serve clients anywhere in the UAE, while free zone licensing usually limits you to that […]
What Are the Most Profitable Businesses to Start in Dubai in 2026?
Summary Consulting, e-commerce, digital services, real estate brokerage, and F&B rank among Dubai’s most profitable business sectors. A free zone licence lowers entry cost; a mainland licence widens local market access. Small Business Relief can bring eligible small businesses to a 0% effective corporate tax rate. Some sectors need an approval beyond the base trade […]
UAE 180-Day Visa Rule: What Every Resident and Business Owner Needs to Know
Key highlights A UAE residence visa is automatically nullified once a resident spends more than 180 continuous days outside the country. ICP charges AED100 for every 30-day block spent abroad beyond 180 days, plus a separate AED100 Smart Services fee. Golden, Green, and Blue Residence holders are exempt from the rule as long as their […]
IFZA Business Setup in 2026: Why Consulting and Professional Firms Keep Choosing This Free Zone
Key Highlights IFZA’s 2026 professional licence starts at AED 11,900 for zero visas and rises to AED 20,900 for four or more visas. You get up to three business activities included, full foreign ownership, and no mandatory paid-up capital. Extra fees to budget for include the AED 2,000 cross-activity charge and AED 3,750 per two-year […]
Crypto and Commodities Trading Setup in DMCC: A Paperwork-Heavy, Not Ship-Heavy Business
Quick Answer A DMCC crypto or commodities setup is document-driven: passports, KYC files, and a signed Memorandum of Association matter more than shipping infrastructure. Proprietary crypto trading runs on a DMCC licence plus a VARA No Objection Certificate; client-facing crypto work needs a full VARA licence. DMCC’s trading licence costs AED 20,285 a year, plus […]
Renewable Energy Business Setup in UAE 2026: A Stable Operating Environment for Power Generation
Quick Answer Renewable energy in the UAE is backed by federal policy, not marketing language. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 commits AED 150 billion to AED 200 billion in energy investment by 2030. Free zones suit trading and consultancy activities with full foreign ownership. Mainland licences suit government tenders and physical installation work. Setup runs […]
Healthcare Business Setup in UAE (2026): Licensing Guide, Costs, and Why the Market Window Is Open Now
Key Highlights UAE healthcare licensing needs both a trade licence and a facility licence from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, and a licence from one emirate does not cover another. Foreign investors can typically own 100% of a mainland healthcare company under the UAE Commercial Companies Law, subject to activity-specific conditions. Healthcare investors and specialist doctors […]
How to Start a Cybersecurity Consulting Business in the UAE: 2026 Licensing Guide
Quick Answer Cybersecurity consulting is licensed as a professional or consultancy activity, not a general IT license, and the exact activity depends on whether you offer advisory, managed services, or testing work. Free zones suit export-facing GRC and advisory consultancies. Mainland suits firms targeting UAE government or critical-infrastructure clients. Dubai’s Electronic Security Center (DESC) has […]
How to Start a Travel Agency in Dubai from Switzerland
Key Highlights A Dubai travel agency needs both a trade licence and a separate tourism regulatory approval before you can legally operate. Swiss nationals can fully own a mainland travel agency, but free zones cannot issue the tourism approval this activity requires. Most of the registration sequence can be handled remotely through power of attorney, […]
How to Set Up a Real Estate Business in Dubai from China
Key Highlights You can own 100% of a Dubai real estate brokerage or holding company as a Chinese national. No local Emirati partner is required for most structures. An individual RERA broker licence is restricted to Emirati and GCC citizens. Foreign owners hold the company and employ registered agents instead. Pure property investment needs no […]