• Location flexibility and zero trade restrictions:

A UAE mainland company has no restrictions on trade between other businesses and has no limits on location. Mainland companies can also offer services to the government, or trade directly with consumers from anywhere in the UAE. Forming a mainland company also allows businesses to open multiple branches, building a strong presence throughout the Emirates.

• Access to lucrative government contracts

Any incentive for mainland company formation in Dubai is that government tenders are big business in the UAE. In recent years, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved AED 17.5bn (USD 4.76bn) of spending on government projects, including over AED 4bn on infrastructure. Approximately AED 2bn was allocated for education and a combined AED 1.2bn on upgrades to governmental and social facilities. As an established mainland company in Dubai, you’ll be well positioned to take advantage of such lucrative government contracts

• 100% ownership control

In recent years, government of U.A.E has allowed 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies in the UAE. This has been a welcome change for prospective overseas investors looking to conduct business in the Emirates. This is great news for international investors new to the Emirates. 100% foreign ownerhsip means business owners can get straight down to business, without the need to canvass for an Emirati company or individual to act as a partner.

• The first thing to decide before you set up a company in the UAE mainland is the industry in which you will trade.
• There are thousands of permitted business activities as listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
• Some of these include trading, agriculture, hospitality and manufacturing.
• Unlike many free zone businesses that are restricted from certain activities based on their location, mainland businesses are free to trade in any of the 2000+ DED-listed activities.

• Once you’ve decided your business activity, the next step is to decide where you wish to operate. Businesses in the UAE mainland incur no restrictions on where they can set up. The right location will depend on many factors such as budgeting and your chosen business activity.
• Another advantage of mainland business setup in Dubai is the ease of opening branch offices. This means businesses are not limited to one location and can build a large local presence over time.

• From a legal standpoint, there are several types of businesses that can be set up by foreign entrepreneurs on the UAE mainland. The most common mainland business structure is a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
• An LLC is an independent legal entity owned by two or more shareholders. A business wishing to trade under a commercial or industrial licence (including industrial and manufacturing activities) must form an LLC to set up a company in the UAE mainland.
• This would require a local sponsor. By contrast, setting up a professional service company does not require a foreign sponsor and can be 100% foreign-owned. More on this next!

• Previously, foreign entrepreneurs could only manage mainland company formation in Dubai by partnering with either a sponsor or local service agent. If trading under a commercial or industrial licence as an LLC then a local sponsor is required. Your local sponsorcan either be a UAE national or a UAE-based company. In both cases, the local sponsor will own 51% of the business.
• SAS Travel can provide you with a Corporate Nominee to act as your Local Partner. This allows you to retain 100% operational and financial control of the business and protects you against any risk. When setting up a professional company in the mainland, only a local service agent (LSA) is required. The LSA will not own any share of the business and will only act as a representative in all administrative dealings and with the government. 

• Deciding on a company name that conveys your brand and professional values is one of the most important business decisions an entrepreneur can make.
• In the UAE, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Offensive language, religious references or inferences to other organisations are all forbidden.
• Only full personal names can be included in your company name. When it comes to your company name in different languages, all names must be written as they are sounded out, rather than translated.

• There’s no limit with mainland visa applications for business owners in the UAE mainland. But the number of visas applied for should correspond with the amount of office space required. Usually, 100 sq. ft. of office or warehouse space per visa is the rule. There are circumstances where this may not be applicable. For example, if the business is a domestic cleaning company with 500+ employees working remotely, the office space needs would be decidedly smaller compared to a textiles or manufacturing company.
• As the owner of a UAE mainland company, you will also be able to sponsor dependents – such as family members and domestic staff (maids or drivers, for example) for their visas as well. Foreign entrepreneurs who establish business on the UAE mainland are also entitled to an investments visa which give them and their families the right to love and work in the UAE for up to three years.

• Setting up a mainland company in the UAE requires a deep understanding of the legal and company formation process. Working with a UAE-based consultant helpstake the stress out of setting up a company for overseas entrepreneurs.
• A business consultant can collaborate with you and understand your business goals. This will help you feel confident in starting a successful business in the UAE mainland