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Best Locations in Dubai for New Businesses & Startups
Dubai being a strategic gateway to success and exploration, its an ideal hub to open a business in Dubai. Whether you want to start a business setup in Sharjah mainland or business setup in the UAE Freezone each has their own perks about which we will be discussing further in this blog.
Moreover, Dubai offers numerous benefits, including tax advantages, a strategic location connecting global markets, a robust economy, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations.These factors makes It a preferred destination for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide in Dubai mainland business setup. Further the government’s streamlined regulatory framework and initiatives, combined with benefits of each jurisdiction provides a dynamic business environment, and selecting the right jurisdiction depends on your business goals, ownership preferences, and operational needs.
Benefits of Each Jurisdiction for Opening a Business in Dubai
1. Mainland Company : Dubai mainland business setup is registered with Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED), which allows businesses to operate in UAE and internationally.
Benefits:
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- No Trade Restrictions
- Unlimited Visa Quota
- Flexible Business Operations
2. business setup in the UAE Freezone : Company is established within specific areas of the emirates offering tax benefits and reliable business setup. Benefits of business setup in the UAE Freezone
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Tax Benefits
- Custom Duty Exemptions
- Repatriation of Profits
- Fast Business Setup
3.Offshore Company :An offshore company is a legal entity operated in Dubai but not allowed to conduct business within the UAE. It is primarily meant for international trade, asset protection, and tax planning. Benefits of an Offshore Company:
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Tax Efficiency
- Asset Protection
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- No Office Space Requirement
- International Business Opportunities
Best Locations to Start a Business in Dubai
1. Dubai Mainland business setup
- Downtown Dubai
- Business Bay
- Sheikh Zayed Road
- Deira & Bur Dubai
- Al Quoz
2. Dubai Free Zones
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai Internet City (DIC)
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Meydan Free Zone
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHC)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
3. Dubai Offshore
- Jebel Ali Offshore
- RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah Offshore)
Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
Sharjah, known for its strategic location between Dubai and the northern emirates, acts as a thriving business hub in UAE. It offers tax friendly policies and business-friendly environment making it an predominant destination for various industrial sectors like trading, manufacturing, logistics, and professional services. Sharjah Mainland is regulated by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), allowing businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE.
Key Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
- 100% Foreign Ownership – No need for a local sponsor in most sectors.
- Low cost business Setups – Cheaper office rents and business license fees compared to Dubai.
- Strategic Location – Easy access to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and major ports like Khalid Port and Hamriyah Port.
- Negligible Trade Restrictions – Easy to conduct business across the UAE and internationally.
- Diverse industrial sectors – Ideal for industrial, trading, logistics, and professional service businesses.
- Reliable Government Regulations – Business-friendly policies and incentives for SMEs and startups.
- Tax Benefits – 0% personal income tax and corporate tax exemptions for eligible sectors.
Steps for Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland
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Choose Business Activity
Decide the nature of your business, whether it’s commercial, industrial, or professional. The activity must comply with SEDD regulations.
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Select a Legal Structure
Sole Proprietorship (for individual entrepreneurs) • Limited Liability Company (LLC) (most common for trading and services) • Branch of a Foreign Company (for international expansion)
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Acquire Initial Approvals
Submit your business plan and required documents to the SEDD for initial approval.
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Find a Suitable Office Space
Mainland businesses must have a physical office.
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Obtain the Trade License
Once agreements are approved, apply for a commercial, industrial, or professional trade license from SEDD.
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Register for Visas & Bank Account
You can apply for investor visas, employee visas, and open a corporate bank account to start operations.
Best Areas to Start a Business in Sharjah Mainland:
- Al Majaz – Best for corporate offices, consultancies, and retail businesses.
- Al Nahda – Popular for SMEs, startups, and service-based businesses.
- Sharjah Industrial Areas – Best for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
- Al Taawun & Al Qasimia – Ideal for retail shops, restaurants, and professional services.
CONCLUSION
Leela International is your established partner for both business setup in Sharjah mainland and business setup in the UAE Freezone. Our experts provide right guidance From choosing the right jurisdiction and location to handling legal formalities, licensing, and operational support. Leela International renders holistic solutions for business setup in the mainland. Where “UAE markets are growing faster than Dubai’s skyline”. We will guide you through each step, empowering your journey with expertise that sets you apart.
