Setting up a mainland company in Dubai allows businesses to trade freely across all seven emirates, work directly with government and private sector clients, and establish a long-term presence in the UAE’s largest commercial market. Mainland companies are licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the government authority responsible for issuing commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism trade licences.
Whether you’re launching a consultancy, trading business, restaurant, construction company, or professional practice, Al Arabiya Group manages the entire Dubai mainland company formation process—from selecting the right business activity and obtaining DET approvals to trade licence issuance, residence visas, corporate bank account assistance, and post-incorporation compliance.
A DET license is a legal authorization that allows individuals and businesses to operate in Dubai’s mainland market. A Mainland license, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is the “Gold Standard” for business in the UAE. Unlike Free Zones, a Mainland company allows you to:
Sell products and services directly to consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B) across all 7 Emirates.
Bid for high-value UAE government projects and contracts.
Scale your team without fixed visa limits (linked to your office size).
Benefit from 100% foreign ownership for over 1,000+ commercial and industrial activities.
Total freedom for capital and profit repatriation.
The Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) issues different licence types based on your business activity. Choosing the right category from the start ensures your company operates legally, obtains the necessary approvals, and can expand without unnecessary licensing restrictions.
For general trading, retail, and e-commerce.
For service-based firms like IT, management consulting, and marketing.
For manufacturing and industrial projects (includes environmental approvals).
For travel agencies, hotels, and holiday home operators.
Securing a DET License is the foundational step; however, operational legality in the UAE is governed by post-incorporation mandates. Al Arabiya Group ensures your entity adheres to the latest Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and CBUAE regulations to prevent administrative penalties. All Dubai Unified License (DUL) holders are required to obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
The Mandate: Mandatory registration for all DET entities under Federal Decree-Law No. 47.
The Deadline: Completion required within 90 days of issuance to prevent administrative penalties.
The Value: Avoid the AED 10,000 late-filing fine with Al Arabiya’s expert FTA integration.
The Mandate: CBUAE-compliant account opening leveraging your unique DUL digital QR code.
The Partners: Direct application pathways with Emirates NBD, Wio Bank, and Mashreq Neo Biz.
The Value: Fast-tracked KYC approvals by aligning your business ISIC codes with bank appetites.
The Mandate: Long-term 10-year residency pathways for high-capital Mainland business investors.
The Benefit: Full family sponsorship and residency security without the need for a local sponsor.
The Value: Strategic license structuring to meet ICP thresholds for immediate Golden Visa eligibility.
The Mandate: Mandatory filing for Relevant Activities under Anti-Money Laundering and ESR laws.
The Deadline: Annual notifications and substance reporting to the Ministry of Economy portals.
The Value: Protection from AED 50,000+ non-compliance fines through our rigorous audit protocols.
The DET has digitized the setup process. At Al Arabiya Group, we fast-track your application through in 4 simple steps:
We assist you in setting up your digital identity for secure government liaison.
Selection from 2,000+ DET activities and securing your trade name according to 2026 naming laws.
Drafting and signing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) electronically.
Securing a physical office or a Sustainability Desk (the new 2026 budget-friendly option) to generate your Ejari.
Receiving your DUL with a unique QR code for immediate trading and bank account opening.
FAQ's
For most activities, no. You can own 100% of your company. However, a UAE National “Local Service Agent” is still required for some professional licenses to handle government paperwork, but they hold 0% equity.
A basic Mainland license typically starts around AED 15,000 – AED 18,000, excluding office rent and visa fees. For a precise breakdown, use our Cost Calculator.
Yes, we specialize in company migrations and can help you transition your operations to the Mainland to access the local market.
Yes. While some professional activities previously required a Local Service Agent (LSA), the 2021 legal overhaul allows 100% ownership across the majority of service and commercial sectors. Al Arabiya provides a “Conflict-Free” structure where you maintain full operational and financial control.
The DET Instant License allows you to trade for the first 12 months without a physical Ejari. However, by month 13, a physical address is mandatory to remain compliant with DUL standards.
While the 9% tax applies to profits over AED 375,000, registration is mandatory for all. Failure to register within the specified window triggers an immediate fine, regardless of your revenue.
