Dubai Mainland continues to be one of the most dynamic business destinations in the world. With its strategic location, global connectivity, investor friendly laws, and modern infrastructure, Dubai attracts entrepreneurs from across the globe who dream of building profitable ventures in the UAE.

If you want the freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE market and take on government or private contracts, then setting up a company in Dubai Mainland is the perfect choice. Unlike Free Zone businesses, Mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE and internationally without restrictions.

In 2025, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the Department of Economic Development (DED), continues to simplify the company formation process, making it faster and more accessible. Entrepreneurs can now own 100% of their businesses in most sectors, a major shift that has opened doors for global investors.

Whether you’re launching a consultancy, retail outlet, restaurant, or tech startup, this guide will walk you through how to start a business in Dubai Mainland step-by-step, including licensing, documentation, timelines, and costs  all aligned with 2025 regulations.

A Dubai Mainland company is a legal business entity registered under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that allows you to conduct business anywhere within the UAE and beyond.

Unlike Free Zone entities that are limited to operating within specific zones or through distributors, a Mainland company can:
• Trade across the UAE and internationally
• Work directly with UAE government bodies
• Open branches anywhere in the UAE
• Hire unlimited employees based on office space

This flexibility makes the Mainland setup ideal for businesses aiming for long term local and regional expansion.

Dubai’s Mainland is not just a location it’s a gateway to regional and global markets. Here’s why thousands of investors choose it every year:
• 100% Foreign Ownership: Since 2021, most business activities allow full foreign ownership without the need for a UAE national sponsor.
• Tax Benefits: The UAE maintains a low 9% corporate tax (only above AED 375,000 profit threshold) and 0% personal income tax.
• Government Contracts: Only Mainland companies can bid for lucrative government and semi-government projects.
• Strategic Location: Dubai’s connectivity to Africa, Europe, and Asia makes it a global hub for trade and logistics.
• Diverse Economy: Sectors like tourism, technology, construction, and retail continue to thrive.

In short, if you want to tap into the UAE’s entire domestic and international market, Dubai Mainland company formation is the right move.

Let’s break down the process into clear, actionable steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Start by identifying the exact activity your business will conduct this determines your license type.
• Commercial License: For trading and retail businesses.
• Professional License: For service oriented businesses like consultancy or marketing.
• Industrial License: For manufacturing or industrial operations.

There are over 2,000+ activities listed by the DET, so choosing the correct one ensures compliance from the start.

Step 2: Select a Legal Structure

Choose the right legal form depending on your business model and ownership:
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Ideal for most commercial activities.
• Sole Establishment: Perfect for individual professionals.
• Civil Company: For service professionals (e.g., consultants, doctors).
• Branch Office: For foreign or local company expansion.

Nines Consultancy can help you evaluate which structure aligns best with your business goals.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

You’ll need to register a unique trade name with the DET that reflects your business nature and adheres to UAE naming guidelines (no offensive or religious terms).

Once approved, you’ll receive a Trade Name Reservation Certificate valid for 6 months.

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval

This is a preliminary clearance from the DET to proceed with the licensing process. It confirms that the UAE government has no objection to your proposed business activity.

Step 5: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

For LLCs, a Memorandum of Association must be drafted and notarized. This document outlines ownership details, capital contribution, and operational guidelines.

Step 6: Choose a Business Location

Mainland companies must have a physical office or virtual office in Dubai.
• Minimum space requirement is around 200 sq. ft., but it depends on the license type.
• Ejari (tenancy contract) registration is mandatory.

Step 7: Get External Approvals (If Required)

Some business activities may require additional approvals from authorities like:
• Dubai Municipality
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
• Telecommunication and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
• Ministry of Economy (for branches)

Step 8: Submit Documents and Pay License Fee

Submit all documents to DET, including tenancy contract, approvals, and shareholder details. Once verified, pay the required license issuance fee.

Your Mainland Trade License will be issued within 3 to 5 working days once all steps are complete.

• Passport copies of shareholders and managers
• Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval certificate
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Tenancy contract and Ejari
• External approval (if applicable)

The cost of starting a business in Dubai Mainland depends on your activity, license type, and office space.

Estimated Total: AED 18,000 to 30,000+, depending on the business model and sector.

• Trade Name & Initial Approval: 1 to 2 working days
• License Issuance: 3 to 5 working days after document submission
• Bank Account Opening: 7 to 10 working days
• Visa Processing: 2 to 3 weeks (for investor and staff visas)

So, the entire Dubai Mainland company setup can be completed within 1 to 2 weeks with professional guidance.

At Nines Consultancy, we make your business journey in Dubai smooth, transparent, and compliant from day one.

Licensed UAE business consultancy with local expertise
End-to-end support from trade name to visa processing
100% ownership guidance for foreign investors
Bank account assistance & PRO services
Affordable setup packages for startups and SMEs

We ensure your company meets all DED, FTA, and MOE regulations while you focus on growth.

Ready to start your business in Dubai Mainland?
Chat with our experts on WhatsApp or Book a Free Consultation Today.

1. Can foreigners own 100% of a Mainland company in Dubai?
Yes. Since 2021, most business activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a local Emirati partner.

2. How long does it take to start a Mainland business in Dubai?
Typically, 5 to 10 working days if all documents are complete and approvals are obtained on time.

3. What is the difference between Mainland and Free Zone companies?
Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE, while Free Zone entities are limited to their specific zones.

4. Do I need a physical office for a Mainland company?
Yes. A physical or virtual office with Ejari registration is mandatory.

5. Can I apply for investor and employee visas under my Mainland company?
Yes, Mainland licenses allow you to apply for residency visas for investors, partners, and employees.

Starting a business in Dubai Mainland is one of the smartest investments for entrepreneurs looking to grow in the UAE market. With the right guidance and professional setup support, you can go from business idea to license in just a few days.

At Nines Consultancy, we handle the paperwork, government approvals, and compliance so you can focus on launching your business with confidence.

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Securing halal certification in UAE is not just a regulatory step, it’s a strategic business move that delivers measurable value. Companies that obtain this certification often experience higher credibility, wider market access, and improved customer loyalty. Let’s explore the key benefits in detail.

1. Strengthens Brand Reputation

A halal certified product immediately signals quality, cleanliness, and ethical manufacturing. For UAE based businesses, displaying the halal certified UAE logo shows commitment to international standards and consumer trust.

2. Expands Market Opportunities

The global halal industry exceeds USD 2 trillion, covering food, cosmetics, healthcare, and logistics. With proper certification, UAE businesses can export to key halal-conscious markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia without additional verification.

3. Builds Consumer Confidence

Muslim consumers in the UAE and worldwide rely on halal certification to make purchasing decisions. Having official approval from approved halal certification bodies in UAE ensures transparency and encourages long-term customer loyalty.

4. Facilitates International Trade

When products carry UAE halal accreditation, they are instantly recognized across OIC and GCC countries. This reduces the need for repetitive inspections, making international trade faster and more cost-efficient.

5. Enhances Operational Standards

The process of achieving halal certification helps businesses improve hygiene, documentation, and quality control. These practices often lead to higher productivity and reduced waste, benefiting overall business performance.

Many UAE-based manufacturers seek international halal certification to ensure their products meet global standards. The international halal certification UAE framework aligns with OIC/SMIIC standards, recognized by most Islamic countries.

This recognition allows a company certified in the UAE to export goods without repeating expensive or lengthy audits abroad. Whether you are in food processing, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, international certification broadens your reach and enhances your global reputation.

Example: A cosmetics manufacturer in Dubai that obtains international halal certification in UAE can export to Indonesia or Malaysia without further testing, giving it a clear competitive advantage.

Choosing the right certification partner is vital. Only approved halal certification bodies UAE accredited by EIAC and MoIAT can issue valid halal certificates. Working with unaccredited organizations risks rejection or delays during export.

Some recognized names include:
• Emirates Authority for Standardization and Quality (MoIAT)
• Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC)
• Halal Quality Control (Dubai)
• RACS Technical Center of Excellence
• Global Halal Services

Before applying, confirm the body’s current accreditation status under UAE halal accreditation guidelines.

The halal certification process in UAE generally takes two to eight weeks, depending on your preparedness and the complexity of your operations. Smaller companies with organized documentation may complete certification faster, while larger manufacturers or exporters require more extensive audits.

Partnering with experienced halal certification consultants in Dubai such as Nines Consultancy can shorten timelines by ensuring all documents and facility standards meet the authority’s expectations from the start.

Many companies underestimate the technical details involved in halal certification. Beyond compliance, it demands precise documentation, supply chain audits, and staff training. That’s where expert guidance becomes invaluable.

Professional halal certification consultants UAE help with:
• Preparing documentation and flowcharts
• Coordinating inspections with approved bodies
• Ensuring alignment with UAE halal accreditation standards
• Managing renewals and annual audits

By partnering with a trusted consultancy, your business avoids errors, saves time, and gains smoother approval.

Food Industry

For restaurants, catering services, and food manufacturers, halal certification in Dubai is essential. It assures consumers that every ingredient and process, from sourcing to serving, follows Islamic principles. Businesses exporting meat or processed food must obtain certification before products reach UAE or GCC markets.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Cosmetic brands increasingly pursue halal certification to meet growing demand among Muslim consumers. Products like lotions, perfumes, and skincare items must prove that no alcohol or animal derived ingredients are used.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Pharmaceutical manufacturers also benefit from halal certification in UAE, particularly those exporting to halal compliant countries. Gelatin capsules, enzymes, and excipients must originate from halal sources verified by approved bodies.

While federal requirements apply across the country, halal certification in Dubai follows additional city level regulations managed by the Dubai Municipality. Businesses must comply with labeling and packaging rules ensuring that halal marks appear clearly on product packaging.

The halal certification cost in Dubai may differ slightly from other Emirates due to additional inspections or laboratory testing, but the process remains largely similar. Companies should allocate sufficient time and resources to complete both federal and local steps.

Achieving halal certification may seem straightforward, but businesses often face challenges such as:
• Incomplete supplier documentation
• Lack of staff awareness on halal handling
• Confusion about halal certification authority UAE selection
• Unclear segregation between halal and non-halal production lines

These issues can delay approval or result in non-compliance. Engaging professionals like Nines Consultancy ensures all gaps are addressed early, making the process smoother.

The UAE government continues to strengthen its role as a global halal hub through initiatives that promote UAE halal accreditation internationally. With Expo 2020’s legacy and Dubai’s vision to become the “Capital of the Islamic Economy,” halal certification is more significant than ever.

Emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI will soon enable real time tracking of halal supply chains. This digital transformation will further enhance transparency and trust in halal certified products made in the UAE.

At Nines Consultancy, we simplify the complex journey of halal certification for businesses across all Emirates. Our team guides you through every phase from preparing documentation to coordinating with approved halal certification bodies in UAE.

What Makes Us Different
• Deep knowledge of UAE halal accreditation and MoIAT standards
• Transparent process with clear cost estimates
• End-to-end support including renewals and training
• Personalized consultancy tailored to your industry

Whether you are a startup or an established manufacturer, we ensure your certification is completed efficiently, helping your brand build trust in both local and international markets.

In the UAE’s thriving halal economy, certification is more than a regulatory document, it’s a bridge of trust between businesses and consumers. Obtaining halal certification in UAE enhances brand reputation, supports global trade, and ensures compliance with Islamic values.

If your company operates in Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates, partnering with experts makes the process easier, faster, and fully compliant. Nines Consultancy offers tailored support to guide you through every requirement, inspection, and renewal step, so your business remains credible and competitive in both local and international markets.

Ready to get your products halal certified?
Connect with Nines Consultancy today to start your halal certification in UAE journey.
Our experts are here to guide you through the process, documentation, and approval, smoothly and confidently.
Book your free consultation today or chat with us on WhatsApp to take the first step toward full halal compliance.