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Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Legal Requirements for Forming a Business in Abu Dhabi Mainland
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has rapidly become a hub for international trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Investors from around the world prefer company formation in Abu Dhabi Mainland because it allows access to the local UAE market without trade restrictions. Businesses established in the mainland can freely operate throughout the Emirates, deal with government entities, and benefit from a favorable tax environment, including zero income tax and competitive corporate tax rates. The economic stability, modern infrastructure, and pro-business reforms make Abu Dhabi a compelling location for entrepreneurs looking to build and scale operations in the region. Investors have several options when choosing a legal structure for setting up in Abu Dhabi Mainland. The most common form is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which allows the business to have one or more shareholders with limited financial liability. This structure suits commercial and industrial businesses. Other available structures include Sole Proprietorship, best suited for individual professionals; Civil Company, for service providers like engineers or doctors; and Branch of a Foreign Company, ideal for expanding an existing international brand into the UAE. Each structure comes with its own documentation, ownership, and licensing requirements. The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Abu Dhabi permits a wide variety of business activities under commercial, professional, and industrial licenses. From general trading and consultancy to construction, tourism, health care, real estate, and education, there are hundreds of registered activities to choose from. If your business involves a regulated industry (e.g., legal services, finance, or medical fields), you may need additional approvals from relevant authorities before finalizing your license. To successfully register a company in Abu Dhabi Mainland, you will need several important documents. These include: Passport copies of all shareholders Emirates ID and residence visa (if applicable) Trade name reservation certificate Initial approval from the DED Notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA) Tenancy contract for office space External approvals (if required for specific activities) Once these documents are submitted and approved, the DED will issue the business license, allowing the company to begin operations legally. The business setup cost in Dubai Mainland depends on the business activity, number of visas required, office size, and chosen legal structure. On average, setting up a company can cost between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, including government fees, trade license issuance, name reservation, and notarization. Additional costs may include: Immigration and labor card fees Visa processing charges Office rent and Ejari (tenancy) registration Investors often work with business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi to handle documentation, legal approvals, and minimize delays in the process. Setting up a company in the mainland comes with numerous advantages. Businesses can enjoy 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, thanks to the UAE's updated commercial company law. Mainland companies can also freely conduct business across the UAE without needing a local agent or distributor. Another major benefit is the ability to apply for an unlimited number of visas, subject to office space size, which allows for smooth business expansion. Additionally, mainland companies can bid on government contracts—a major competitive advantage not available to businesses in most free zones. A unique feature of Abu Dhabi Mainland licensing is the requirement for a physical office space. This space must comply with local regulations and be registered with the Abu Dhabi Municipality. The size of the office determines the number of visas you can obtain for employees. As your business grows and you need to hire more staff, expanding your office space becomes essential. Flexi-desk or shared office options may be acceptable for smaller companies, especially those in consultancy or IT services. 1. Legal Structure and Trade Name Approval Choose the appropriate business structure (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.) and get your company's trade name approved by the Department of Economic Development. The name must be unique, relevant to your activity, and meet government naming criteria. 2. Obtain Initial Approval and Office Lease Apply for initial approval from the DED and secure a tenancy contract (Ejari) for office space. This is mandatory for proceeding with license issuance. Depending on your business activity, external approvals may be required from regulatory bodies. 3. License Issuance and Company Registration After receiving all approvals and completing the documentation (MOA, tenancy, etc.), you will get your Business Setup in Dubai. You can then apply for immigration and labor files to hire staff and apply for residency visas. Q1: Can foreign investors fully own a company in Abu Dhabi Mainland? Yes. Most sectors now allow 100% foreign ownership under updated UAE laws. Q2: How long does it take to complete the company formation process? On average, the process takes between 7 to 14 business days, depending on activity and approvals. Q3: Is it necessary to have an office in Abu Dhabi Mainland? Yes. A tenancy contract for a physical office or flexi-desk is mandatory to issue the license. Q4: What are the advantages of mainland over free zone setup? Mainland companies can operate across the UAE, participate in government contracts, and are not limited to zone-specific operations. Q5: Are there tax benefits for mainland businesses in Abu Dhabi? Yes. The UAE offers zero personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates, making it attractive for businesses. Q6: Can a mainland company apply for employee visas? Yes. Once the immigration file is opened, companies can sponsor employee and dependent visas. Q7: Do I need a local partner or sponsor? Not for most activities. 100% foreign ownership is allowed in many sectors, but some still require a UAE national as a local service agent.Q8: Who regulates company registration in Abu Dhabi Mainland? The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the main regulatory body for mainland business setup. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Gulf Today
25-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
14.5% increase in total licensed capital of active business licences in H1: Ras Al Khaimah DED
A report issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK DED) revealed a 14.5% increase in the total licensed capital of active business licences registered with the department during the first half of 2025, reaching Dhs10.2 billion. The report also noted a 6% growth in the total number of active licences in the emirate compared to the same period last year. According to the report, industrial licences recorded the highest growth, increasing by 14.3%, followed by a 6% rise in professional licences, and a 5% growth in commercial licences. Amina Qahtan, Director of the Department of Commercial Affairs, stated that these results reflect the sustained economic momentum witnessed in the emirate. She attributed the positive performance to the support of the wise leadership and a series of facilitative measures that have enhanced business resilience and attracted investors. Qahtan highlighted that the number of new licences issued in the first half of 2025 increased by 17.6%, with industrial licences experiencing the highest surge at 111%. Commercial licences increased by 12.6%, while professional licences rose by around 20%. She added that the total licensed capital of new businesses climbed by 7.5%, reaching Dhs495 million, compared to Dhs460 million during the same period last year. The capital for professional licences alone grew by 40%, while capital associated with industrial licences multiplied by 6.7 times, reaching Dhs47.5 million. WAM
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah sees 17.6% rise in new business licences in first half of 2025
Ras Al Khaimah has recorded a significant increase in new business activity this year. According to a recent report from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate witnessed a 17.6 per cent growth in the number of new business licences issued during the first half of 2025. In total, 1,219 new licences were issued between January and June, compared to 1,037 licences during the same period in 2024. Industrial licences lead the growth The report highlighted that industrial licences saw the highest growth, jumping by approximately 111 per cent. This was followed by professional licences, which increased by 20 per cent, and commercial licences, which rose by 12.6 per cent. Wholesale and retail dominate In terms of sectors, the wholesale and retail trade sector accounted for the largest share of new licences, making up 44.4 per cent of the total. The construction sector came second with 18 per cent, followed by the accommodation and food services sector at 13.2 per cent, and the manufacturing sector at 11.1 per cent. Other service activities accounted for 8.6 per cent of the new licences. Capital investment sees steady growth The total registered capital of new businesses in the emirate also rose by 7.5 per cent in the first half of the year. The capital invested in industrial licences saw a major increase, growing by 7.6 times compared to the same period in 2024. The professional licenses' capital rose by 24.7 per cent. Among Ras Al Khaimah's areas, Al Dhait recorded the highest share of new licences, accounting for 8.7 per cent of the total, followed by Al Nakheel at 8.4 per cent, and both Al Qusaidat and Julphar, each at 7.7 per cent. When measuring the number of new licences compared to existing active licences, Khalifa bin Zayed City ranked first, with 18.9 per cent new licences. Dahan followed with 13.4 per cent, and Al Ghail came in third at 9.1 per cent. In terms of attracting new investments, Al Jazirah Al Hamra led the way, capturing nearly one-third of the total registered capital of new licences. Al Dhait followed with 13 per cent, while Al Ghail attracted 8.5 per cent of the new capital. Commenting on the report, Amina Qahtan, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department at Ras Al Khaimah DED, said the figures reflect a dynamic and growing economy in the emirate. 'This growth is the result of strategic directives from our leadership, aimed at creating a flexible and investor-friendly environment,' she said. 'We have introduced a wide range of incentives and streamlined procedures to attract more businesses to Ras Al Khaimah.'
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
17.6% increase in new business licences in H1: Ras Al Khaimah DED
RAS AL KHAIMAH - A report issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah revealed a 17.6 percent growth in the number of new business licences issued during the first half of the current year, with a total of 1,219 licences compared to 1,037 licences during the same period last year. Industrial licences topped the list of the highest growth rates, recording an increase of approximately 111 percent, followed by professional licences with a growth rate of 20 percent, and commercial licences with 12.6 percent. In the same context, the wholesale and retail trade sector accounted for the largest share of new licences issued in the emirate, representing 44.4 percent of the total, followed by the construction sector at 18 percent. The accommodation and food services sector came third with 13.2 percent, while the manufacturing sector ranked fourth at 11.1 percent, followed by other service activities at 8.6 percent. According to the economic report, the total registered capital during the first half of the year witnessed a growth of 7.5 percent. The capital of industrial licences witnessed a remarkable surge, increasing by 7.6 times compared to the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, the capital of professional licences grew by 24.7 percent. Geographically, Al Dhait area recorded the highest share of new licences, accounting for 8.7 percent of the total, followed by Al Nakheel with 8.4 percent, and both Al Qusaidat and Julphar with 7.7 percent. In terms of the ratio of new licences to active licences within each area, Khalifa bin Zayed City ranked first with 18.9 percent, followed by Dahan at 13.4 percent, and Al Ghail at 9.1 percent. Regarding the attraction of new investments, Al Jazirah Al Hamra led all areas, capturing nearly one-third of the total registered capital of new licenses, followed by Al Dhait and Al Ghail with 13 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively. Amina Qahtan, Director of the Commercial Affairs Department at the Department of Economic Development, affirmed that the positive results reflect the emirate's dynamic and growing economic trajectory. She attributed this growth to the wise leadership's directives aimed at fostering a more flexible economy, supported by a range of incentives and facilitative measures that ease doing business and attract investors.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ematsheni redevelopment in Pietermaritzburg city centre: R18 million project to boost informal economy
An artist's impression of the Ematsheni Public Market redevelopment in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. Image: Supplied The crime-infested site Ematsheni in Pietermaritzburg's CBD is set to be redeveloped with the intention of revitalising the area for informal economic activity, at an estimated total cost of R18 million. About R4m has been made available for the first phase of the project, which could start as early as September. The contractor for the project is expected to be appointed by next month. Officials from the Msunduzi Municipality, who are leading the project, provided details on it when they appeared before the Economic Development Committee in the provincial legislature this week. This meeting followed an oversight visit by committee members to the area. The first phase of the development is funded by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The Ematsheni Beerhall structures were demolished around 2017 after the property was overrun by criminal activity. The vacant land at the site has continued to be a subject of concern due to ongoing criminal activities. Phindile Zondi, manager of Economic Planning & Infrastructure under Development Services (LED) in the municipality, briefed the committee on the work underway and the expectations for the project. She said technical work on the project, in terms of consulting, costing and planning, is nearing completion. An artist's impression of the Ematsheni Public Market redevelopment in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'The municipality has sought funding to rebuild the area and ensure that the people who were operating there legally have a new area where they can operate,' she said, adding that as a result the municipality applied to the provincial government to rebuild the site and received about R3m in funding. The approval came with the condition that the municipality also had to contribute R1m of its own funds. The scope of the project includes various elements, including a taxi rank, after they had been approached by the South African National Taxi Council. The project will have three phases. Phase one involves the construction of 90 training stalls, storage facilities, ablution facilities, and other trading facilities. The subsequent phases will include the building of a taxi rank and other assets. 'Once completed, the area will feature a ground floor and a first floor, with the first floor designated as a taxi rank and the ground floor used for commercial space,' Zondi explained. 'We are looking for an anchor tenant. We believe that having a stronger anchor tenant will help manage and secure the facility, making it safer for those using it." Zondi mentioned that much more is required to complete the overall project, which is estimated to cost around R18m. She added that they had been able to source additional funding from the National Treasury for the other phases of the project. Speaking on when the construction work will get underway, she said they will be appointing a contractor soon from the municipal panel of building contractors. This should be concluded by August for phase one, with work commencing on-site by September. Phase one is expected to take nine months and should be completed by 2026. Economic Development Committee member Super Zuma expressed scepticism about the project, stating, "From what I am seeing, the scope of what had been promised has drastically reduced from what was presented before, and I am sceptical. What guarantees do we have that what you are promising now will be delivered?" Chairperson of the committee, Mafika Mndebele, stated that the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convened the engagement with representatives from Msunduzi to assess progress on key community-based economic projects. 'We are encouraged by the reports presented and the commitments made by all stakeholders. The committee is satisfied that these projects are on track and continuing as planned. 'They are already demonstrating tangible benefits for the local economy, particularly in creating opportunities for SMMEs, advancing township and rural enterprise development, and supporting inclusive local economic growth. 'These are not just infrastructure projects — they are instruments of economic justice and empowerment. They bring services closer to the people, stimulate job creation, and activate local supply chains that help small businesses to thrive. 'We will continue to exercise robust oversight to ensure that the impact of these projects reaches all intended beneficiaries and that any delays or implementation challenges are swiftly resolved.' THE MERCURY
