Mainland Companies
Mainland Companies
Mainland companies are known to be the most developed business entities in Dubai, UAE. This is directed by the Federal Law No.2 of 2015 (the New Commercial Company Law, (NCCL)) which came into effect on 1st July 2015, which replaced the previous Commercial Company Law (CCL) that got initiated in 1984, under Federal Law No. 8 as amended. To open the mainland company, your business must meet the legal structure set by the government and needs to meet the Government policies. They must be located within the limitation of commercialized geographical areas that have been covered under the jurisdiction of the Emirati Government.
Department of Economic Development (DED) is a government body that bears the responsibility to supervise its function and support economic development with three main objectives
Dubai Mainland Business Setup (DED)
Commercial Licenses covering all kind of trading activity
Professional licenses covering professions, services, craftsmen & artisans. Industrial Licenses for establishing industrial or manufacturing activity
100% ownership
Dubai Economy has issued guidelines clarifying the procedures for full ownership for foreign investors that started from the beginning of this month in accordance with the Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2020 that amended some provisions of Federal Law No. (2) of 2015 regarding ownership of commercial companies.
The strategic decision enhances the investment attractiveness of the UAE and its advanced position on the global business map while also reinforcing the competitive advantages that Dubai enjoys as an ideal investment destination, Dubai Economy stated. The decision will accelerate the UAE’s economic recovery and add to the gains the country has made so far. It will also help further enhance Dubai’s already high rankings in international investment indicators and leading global indices related to ease of doing business and business expansion.
Dubai Economy has started implementing the new decision on foreign ownership effective 1 June. Investors seeking full ownership can complete the procedures as required through the service channels of Dubai Economy or the ‘Invest in Dubai’ digital platform. A total of 59 investors in Dubai have already taken advantage of the new decision. The commercial activities in which full ownership was sought include general trade, contracting, jewellery, gold, pearls, luxury watches, foods, as well as cars and trucks trading. In the industrial category, full ownership was sought in the metals and construction, flooring, building materials, foods, water production and paints sectors. A kindergarten, an elementary and middle school, and a hotel also sought 100% ownership.
As per the guidelines published by Dubai Economy on its website, 100% foreign ownership is available for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities excluding economic activities with a strategic impact, which are in seven sectors only. The full list of activities open for 100% foreign ownership can be viewed on: