How to Start an Import-Export Business in the UAE to Trade With China
Quick Answer A valid UAE trade licence covering a trading activity is required before importing goods from China for resale. Free zones suit re-export and sourcing hubs; mainland licences allow direct sales into the local UAE market without a distributor. The mainland formation sequence runs through nine official steps, from activity selection to final fee […]
Telecom Business Setup in UAE 2026: Lessons From Infrastructure Disruptions on Full-Service Continuity
At a Glance Most telecom founders don’t need a full TDRA network operator licence. Free zone ICT activities such as VoIP, SaaS, and IoT are the route most entrepreneurs actually use. Free zone ICT licences allow 100% foreign ownership, while a public telecommunications network licence is issued only to TDRA-approved operators. The March 2026 AWS […]
How to Start a Catering Business in Dubai, UAE: Licensing, Approvals, and Setup Steps
Quick Answer A catering business in Dubai needs a commercial trade licence from DET (Dubai Economy and Tourism) and a separate food-safety establishment approval from Dubai Municipality. Mainland structuring generally suits caterers serving events and clients across Dubai; free zone structuring suits corporate-only or confined-scope models. VAT registration becomes mandatory once annual taxable turnover exceeds […]
Is Dubai Silicon Oasis a Good Free Zone for Startups in 2026?
Key Highlights DSOA is a Dubai government free zone for tech, R&D, and innovation, established in 2004. DSOA suits hardware and tech manufacturing better than generic free zones but isn’t always the cheapest for services. IFZA is a separate authority on DSO’s grounds, not DSOA, with its own fee structure. DSOA has no fixed price […]
Dubai vs Ajman vs Sharjah: Which Free Zone Really Offers the Cheapest Business Setup?
Key Highlights A headline licence fee is never the real cost. Establishment cards, visa fees, medical tests, and Emirates ID charges all add on top in every jurisdiction. A free zone licence doesn’t travel across emirates. Trading on the mainland of a different emirate typically needs a separate permit, dual license, or mainland presence. The […]
Offshore Company Formation in the UAE 2026: Cost, Process, and What the Regional Conflict Actually Changed
Quick Answer A UAE offshore company is a non-resident holding vehicle that cannot trade in the UAE or sponsor visas. Formation cost depends on the registry: RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore, or ADGM. RAK ICC lists incorporation at AED 3,250 and renewal at AED 3,950 for one year. Offshore companies fall within the corporate tax scope, […]
Top 10 Cheapest Free Zones in the UAE for Entrepreneurs in 2026
Quick Answer UAQ Free Trade Zone and Ajman Free Zone currently post the lowest confirmed license-only fees, both close to AED 5,500. A license-only price isn’t your total cost. Visa processing, an establishment card, medical testing, and Emirates ID typically add AED 7,000 to AED 15,000 in year one. Several zones, including Dubai Silicon Oasis […]