Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis – Steps and Tips, Establishing a company in Dubai is an attractive strategic step for many Saudi entrepreneurs and investors who want to explore new business opportunities in one of the most dynamic and growing markets in the world. Dubai, with its strategic location and distinguished investment environment, offers a wide range of opportunities for investors, making it an ideal destination for expanding businesses and boosting economic growth. However, opening a company in Dubai requires a thorough knowledge of the procedures and legal requirements to ensure successful establishment and compliance with local laws. Therefore, working with a specialized company such as Itqan is an important step in facilitating this process.
Itqan has extensive experience in establishing companies in Dubai and provides comprehensive support to Saudi investors. By providing specialized and comprehensive consultations, Itqan helps guide investors through all steps of the establishment process, starting from choosing the optimal legal structure for the company, all the way to completing all legal and administrative procedures. Itqan’s support includes preparing the required documents, dealing with government agencies, and providing advice on how to make the most of the benefits that Dubai offers to investors.
With Etqan’s services, Saudi investors can benefit from its expertise in understanding the requirements of the local market and ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations. Collaborating with Etqan helps speed up the incorporation process and avoid any complications that may arise, allowing investors to focus on developing their business strategies and successfully achieving their goals. Establishing a company in Dubai with Etqan’s support provides Saudi investors with the opportunity to achieve success and growth in a dynamic and evolving business environment.

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Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis is an important strategic step towards expanding into a vibrant and thriving market. Dubai, with its dynamic investment environment and prime geographical location, offers tremendous opportunities for businesses of all sizes. However, starting a business in this emirate requires taking specific steps to ensure successful incorporation and compliance with all local laws. Understanding these basic steps can go a long way in speeding up the process and avoiding any obstacles that may arise. Below are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai for Saudis:
- Determine the type of business and legal structure: The first step is to determine the business activity the company will be conducting and choose the appropriate legal structure. Options can be a limited liability company (LLC), a professional corporation, or a free zone company, with each structure varying in its requirements and benefits.
- Choosing and registering a trade name: After determining the type of activity, a trade name must be chosen that reflects the nature of the business and complies with local laws. An application must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority in the free zone to register the name and obtain approval.
- Preparing legal documents: The basic legal documents include the articles of association, bylaws, and agreements between partners if there is more than one investor. These documents must be prepared in accordance with local laws and verified for accuracy.
- Renting an office or commercial space: Dubai law requires a company to have a physical business address. Investors can rent an office or business space that is appropriate to the size and activity of the company, subject to the requirements of the relevant regulatory authority.
- Submitting License Applications: After preparing the documents, an application must be submitted for the necessary commercial licenses from the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority. This includes commercial, industrial, or professional licenses depending on the type of activity.
- Registering the company in the commercial register: After obtaining the licenses, the company is registered in the commercial register in Dubai. This step gives the company legal personality and allows it to practice business officially.
- Opening a Business Bank Account: Opening a business bank account is required to manage the company’s financial transactions. Legal and financial documents required by the chosen bank must be submitted.
- Submitting Residence Visa Applications: After registering the company and opening the bank account, applications for residence visas can be submitted for investors and employees. This requires submitting the required documents to the Dubai Immigration and Human Resources Department.
By following these basic steps, Saudi investors can effectively establish their companies in Dubai, ensuring that they comply with all local laws and making the process much easier.

Licenses required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai requires obtaining the appropriate licenses that match the type of business activity and the legal structure of the company. Dubai, with its encouraging investment environment and flexible laws, offers a variety of licenses to meet the needs of different business activities. Obtaining the appropriate license is an essential part of the incorporation process, as it ensures that the company complies with all legal requirements and allows it to operate officially. The types of licenses required depend on the type of activity and the type of company, whether it operates in a free zone or on the mainland. Here is a look at the main licenses required to establish a company in Dubai:
- Commercial License: The commercial license is the most common and covers general commercial activities such as selling products and services. This license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. An application must be submitted that includes information about the type of activity, location, and necessary legal documents.
- Industrial License: The industrial license is used for activities related to production and manufacturing. This license includes companies that work in heavy industries, materials, or manufacturing processes. This license is also obtained from the Department of Economic Development, and requires the submission of documents that clarify the nature of the work and industrial operations.
- Professional Licensing: Professional licensing is granted for activities that involve the provision of professional services such as consulting, accounting, and law. This license requires companies to provide details of the type of services provided, and to provide the professional certificates or qualifications required by professionals.
- Free Zone License: If you are setting up a company in one of Dubai’s free zones, you will need to obtain a license specific to that zone. Licensing requirements vary depending on the free zone, but typically include a commercial and professional license. Free zones offer benefits such as 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions.
- Special Business License: Some businesses may require special licenses based on the nature of the business. For example, businesses dealing with food or medicine may require additional licenses from relevant authorities such as the Health Authority or the Ministry of Environment and Water.
- Foreign License: If you are establishing a branch of a foreign company in Dubai, you will need a foreign license which requires submitting documents from the parent company, such as the parent company’s certificate of registration and articles of association. This license helps document the relationship between the parent company and the branch.
- It is worth noting that obtaining the appropriate license requires submitting accurate documents and fulfilling all legal requirements. Licenses play a crucial role in ensuring that the company operates within the legal framework and benefits from the advantages available in Dubai.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis is an important strategic step towards entering one of the most developed and growing global markets. Dubai offers a unique investment environment that offers tremendous opportunities for growth and expansion thanks to its advanced infrastructure and strategic geographical location. However, the challenges associated with legal and administrative procedures can be complex, which necessitates obtaining support and advice from experts specialized in this field.
This is where Itqan comes in, offering comprehensive support to Saudi investors looking to establish their companies in Dubai. With its deep experience and specialized team, Itqan provides comprehensive consulting services that help investors navigate smoothly through the required procedures and avoid any legal complications that may arise. The support provided by Itqan includes choosing the most appropriate legal structure, preparing the necessary documents, dealing with government agencies, and ensuring that the company complies with all local laws.
By partnering with Itqan, Saudi investors can benefit from a deep understanding of the local market requirements and how to make the most of the advantages that Dubai offers to investors. This collaboration allows them to expedite the establishment process and avoid any potential problems, which contributes to achieving sustainable success. With the guidance and professional services provided by Itqan, Saudi investors can focus on achieving their business goals and developing their strategies with safety and confidence. Ultimately, establishing a company in Dubai with Itqan’s support provides Saudi investors with a solid platform for success and growth in one of the most promising markets in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company in Dubai
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai for Saudis?
The steps begin with determining the type of business activity and the most appropriate legal structure for the company, then choosing and reserving a trade name, submitting applications for the necessary licenses, preparing legal documents such as the articles of association and internal regulations, registering the company in the commercial register, opening a commercial bank account, and obtaining residence visas for investors and employees.
Does establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis require a local partner?
If you are establishing an LLC outside the free zones, the law requires a local partner to own 51% of the shares. However, in the free zones, foreigners can own 100% without the need for a local partner.
What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?
Essential documents include passports of investors and key partners, recent passport photos, lease contract for office or commercial space, articles of association and bylaws, local agent appointment document (if required), and certificates of good conduct for certain activities.
What licenses are required to establish a company in Dubai?
The licenses required depend on the type of business activity. Basic licenses include a commercial license, an industrial license, or a professional license. Applications for licenses must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development or the Free Zone Authority, depending on the type of company.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
The process of setting up a company in Dubai usually takes from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the speed of submitting the documents and completing the legal procedures. The duration can vary depending on the type of company and the complexity of the procedures.
What are the costs associated with setting up a company in Dubai?
Costs include licensing fees, trade name reservation costs, preparing legal documents, leasing office or commercial space, and opening a business bank account. Costs may vary depending on the type of business and size of the company.