From lavish weddings to massive business conferences and international exhibits, Dubai is renowned for organizing spectacular events. Dubai is among the most significant locations for starting an event management company if that is your plan. 

World-class events like Dubai Design Week, COP28 (the global climate conference), and the GITEX Global Tech exhibition draw attendees and participants worldwide, contributing to the city’s thriving event sector. The market for event planners is thriving due to these events, music festivals, business expos, and cultural celebrations. 

If you’re prepared to make your love of event planning a successful business, we’ll go over how to start an event management company in Dubai, along with its advantages, license needs, and related expenses.

Overview of the Event Management Industry in Dubai 

Dubai is frequently called the “events capital” of the world since it hosts thousands of events every year, ranging from lavish weddings and concerts to business meetings and exhibitions. 

According to Mordor Intelligence, “the UAE event management industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.45%, reaching USD 12.43 billion by 2024 and possibly USD 22.35 billion by 2029.”

Dubai’s deliberate investments in ICT infrastructure and digital media have revolutionized conventional event management techniques and are the main driver of this expansion. 

The city is a desirable location for entrepreneurs wishing to enter this sector because of its reputation for organizing high-profile events that draw clients from around the world.

Steps to Setup Your Event Management Company

It is simple and easy to start an event management company in Dubai. To do this, simply follow the guidelines listed below: 

1. Conduct Market Research 

Choose if your company will focus on corporate events, weddings, concerts, exhibits, or something entirely else. Recognize market gaps and learn what other event companies have to offer. 

2. Choose a Company Name for Event Management 

For your event management business in the Emirates, if not, make a list of the three to four trading names you would like to maintain as your official name. Moreover, when choosing the legal name for your business, remember to adhere to all naming convention rules.  

For first approval, submit the trade name and other supporting documentation to the appropriate Free Zone authorities or the Department of Economic Development (DED) (for the Mainland). 

3. Choose the Right Business Structure

• Mainland: A mainland business gives you the flexibility to operate anywhere in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates. 
• Free Zone: A Free Zone setup provides 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits if your main concentration is on foreign clients or particular zones (such as Dubai Media City, RAKEZ, IFZA, or Dubai Production City). 

4. Obtain the Event Management License in Dubai

Apply for an event management license in Dubai from the Free Zone administration or the DED (Mainland). Send in the required documents. 

Depending on the kind of event you intend to host, you could require further approvals, including permits from the Dubai Municipality or Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). 

5. Rent Office Space 

In accordance with the jurisdiction’s regulations, choose a business center or reserve an office space. Make sure the office is listed in the Ejari system (for businesses on the mainland). 

6. Open a Business Bank Account 

Create a business bank account in Dubai to handle business finances when your license is granted. 

7. Hire Staff & Build a Vendor Network 

Hire skilled workers such as coordinators, event planners, marketing staff, etc., based on the size of the events you intend to oversee. Establish connections with reputable providers and vendors, including venues, AV equipment suppliers, entertainers, decorators, and caterers. 

8. Register for VAT (if applicable) 

You must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for Value-Added Tax (VAT) if your company’s yearly turnover exceeds AED 375,000. 

Event Management License Cost in Dubai

Document Required for Event Management License in Dubai 

The following essential documents must be ready to receive an event management license in the UAE: 

• Passport copies 
• Valid UAE residency visas or entry stamps 
• Emirates ID copies 
• No Objection Certificate (NOC), if applicable 
• Trade name reservation certificate from DED 
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) 
• A tenancy contract (Ejari) 

Benefits of Starting an Event Management Business in Dubai

The following are some main advantages of starting an event management business in Dubai: 

• Thriving Tourism Industry: Due to the millions of tourists that visit Dubai each year, there is a steady need for celebrations and events. Throughout the year, various corporate meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events occur. 
• Tax Advantages: The tax-free environment in Dubai is one of the largest financial benefits. Businesses are exempt from personal income tax and limited corporation tax, which lets you keep more of your profits and put them back into your company. 
• Robust Infrastructure: Dubai boasts some of the most significant infrastructure in the world, including modern hotels, venues, and transit systems. As a result, planning and carrying out excellent events is simpler for event organizers. 
• Ease of Business Setup Process: Due to Dubai’s simplified business registration procedure, entrepreneurs can easily and swiftly start their event management companies. 
• Networking Opportunities:  Dubai is a global center for business gatherings and networking, providing countless chances to get in touch with well-known customers, vendors, and industry professionals. Trade exhibitions like the Dubai World Trade Center and the Arabian Travel Market are the best venues for expanding your company network. 
• Flexible Business Setup Options: Depending on their target market, entrepreneurs can select between offshore, free zone, or mainland business models. Free zones make launching an event management business easier by providing 100% ownership, quick business setup, and other advantages. 

Market Trends and Opportunities

The event management sector in the UAE stands out by:

• Technological Integration: Because of COVID-19, the trend toward digital solutions has increased, and many businesses are now including virtual and hybrid events in their offers.
• Diverse Event Types: There are opportunities in various fields, such as business gatherings (seminars, conferences), entertainment (concerts), cultural festivals, and sporting events.
• Increased Demand for Sustainability:  As more and more clients look for environmentally friendly choices for their events, there is a growing trend in event management toward sustainable methods.

Conclusion

Now is the ideal moment to setup an event management company in Dubai because the event management sector in Dubai is expanding. Whether organizing festivals, weddings, or business gatherings, the city provides countless chances for development and achievement. 

We at JSB Incorporation are here to help you along the way.