Mainland

Mainland Business Setup – Gateway to Local and Global Opportunities

Mainland Business Setup in Dubai offers unparalleled access to both local and international markets. Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each emirate, mainland companies can operate freely anywhere in the UAE and beyond, making them ideal for businesses that want flexibility and full market reach. Mainland company in Dubai offers unmatched flexibility and access to the local UAE market. Unlike free zones, mainland businesses can trade directly across the UAE and work with both government and private sectors. At Fast Business Service, we simplify the entire mainland company formation process, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

While this differs from the 100% foreign ownership of a Free Zone, the key advantage is unfettered access to conduct business with government entities and other mainland companies across all seven emirates. This setup is mandatory for many activities and provides the greatest market reach, though it involves a more detailed approval process to ensure compliance with broader UAE commercial laws.

A Mainland Company formation  in UAE allows a company to operate directly within the entire UAE market without geographical restrictions, making it the ideal choice for businesses targeting the local consumer base, such as retail, contracting, and general trading.

Establishing a mainland company in Dubai represents the most direct pathway to engaging with the full scope of the United Arab Emirates’ vibrant economy. Governed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), a mainland license grants a business the freedom to operate anywhere within the UAE, trade directly with the local market, and bid on government contracts. This structure is distinct

 Historically significant aspect of mainland company formation has been the requirement for a UAE national to own 51% of the business. This individual or company acts as the Local Service Agent (LSA) for professional licenses or a Local Sponsor for commercial activities. However, it is crucial to understand the evolving nature of this requirement. The LSA does not own the company’s assets, participate in management, or share in its profits; their role is primarily regulatory, for which they receive a fixed annual fee.

In a landmark shift, the UAE government has introduced sweeping reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies for a vast list of business activities. This change, fully implemented across the DED, eliminates the need for a local sponsor for eligible companies, granting international entrepreneurs full control over their enterprise. Despite this progressive change, some specific strategic activities may still require a majority UAE shareholding or ministerial approval. Therefore, verifying the specific requirements for your intended business activity with the DED or a professional consultant is an essential first step.

Business Types Commonly Registered: