Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis, Dubai is considered one of the most prominent investment destinations for Saudi businessmen thanks to its dynamic economic environment and legislative facilities that support the establishment of companies. The emirate provides a diverse business environment that combines advanced infrastructure, a strategic location, and flexible tax systems that encourage entrepreneurs to launch and expand their businesses with great flexibility. For Saudi investors, opening a company in Dubai is a strategic step that opens new horizons in a prestigious global market with multiple opportunities. The support provided by Itqan Company makes this process easier and more transparent, as the company helps investors understand the legal procedures and choose the most appropriate among the different types of companies that are in line with market requirements and their personal goals.

Dubai welcomes Saudi partnerships and provides promising investment opportunities that contribute to achieving growth for emerging companies and expanding the scope of existing companies, thanks to its regulations that grant independence and flexibility to foreign investors. The options for establishing companies vary from one region to another within the emirate, as Saudis can choose to establish companies in free zones, which allows them to fully own their companies and benefit from tax exemptions and easy registration procedures, or choose to establish companies within the local market to benefit from direct access to the vast and diverse Dubai market. With its experience and in-depth knowledge of the UAE market, Itqan provides comprehensive consultations and integrated support, starting from preparing documents and completing licensing procedures, to determining the optimal location for the company.
Establishing a company in Dubai is a distinctive step that enables Saudi investors to expand the scope of their businesses and enhance their presence in regional and global markets. Cooperating with Itqan provides them with the necessary expertise to ensure a successful and continuous start for businesses, in addition to facilitating dealing with government agencies to ensure the process runs efficiently and effectively.
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ToggleBasic steps to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is an important step for entrepreneurs seeking to exploit the various investment opportunities provided by the emirate, as Dubai combines a strategic location with a competitive environment, making it an international business hub in the Middle East. Dubai has flexible investment policies and offers a variety of options for establishing companies, from small and medium-sized enterprises to international branches, in addition to free zones that grant foreign investors full ownership and attractive tax exemptions. The steps to establish a company in Dubai may seem complicated due to regulatory procedures, but specialized consulting companies, such as Itqan, can simplify this process and make it easier and clearer for new investors.
Here are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai:
Choosing a business activity: The investor must determine the type of business activity he wants to practice, as the required procedures depend on the type of activity, whether commercial, industrial or service.
Choosing a legal structure for the company: The appropriate legal structure is chosen according to the type of company; it is possible to choose a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, or a branch of a foreign company, depending on the investor’s needs.
Registering a trade name: A trade name must be chosen that complies with Dubai laws, and it must be ensured that it is not similar to other trade names, then registered with the Department of Economic Development.
Submitting the required documents: The required documents include the partners’ passports, personal photos, proof of address, and some activities may require additional documents such as the company’s articles of association or business plan.
Obtaining government approvals: Some activities require approvals from the relevant government authorities, especially if the activity is related to specific areas such as health or education.
Applying for a commercial license: After completing the documents and approvals, an application must be submitted to obtain the required commercial license from the Department of Economic Development, or the relevant authority if the establishment is in one of the free zones.
Choosing a company location and signing a lease contract: A suitable location must be identified for the work and a lease contract must be signed for the offices or commercial spaces, as the lease contract must be registered with the relevant authorities in Dubai.
Completing the registration procedures and obtaining the license: After submitting the required documents and completing the procedures, the commercial license is officially issued, allowing the investor to start working.
Opening a bank account for the company: It is recommended to open a commercial bank account to manage financial operations, and documents related to the company and the chosen bank must be submitted.
By implementing these steps, the investor can successfully establish his company and move towards achieving his goals in the promising Dubai market.
Documents required to establish a company in Dubai
Establishing a company in Dubai is an important strategic step for foreign investors, whether they are seeking to establish a small business or expand their companies into new markets. Dubai is one of the most prominent global business destinations thanks to its stimulating investment environment, advanced infrastructure, and strategic location linking the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa. When considering establishing a company in Dubai, investors must complete a set of legal and administrative procedures, most notably submitting the required documents that ensure the process runs smoothly. The type of documents required varies depending on the type of company and the field to be practiced, but there are basic documents that all companies require to be eligible to obtain the necessary commercial license.
Here are the documents required to establish a company in Dubai:
Passport: A copy of a valid passport is required for all partners in the company. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
Personal photos: Providing recent personal photos of all partners in the company. These photos are often required for residence visa and licensing procedures.
Application form: The application form for establishing a company must be completed, which is obtained from the relevant authorities such as the Department of Economic Development or the free zones in Dubai.
Company Articles of Association: The company’s articles of association include details about the company’s structure, objectives, capital, and shareholders. This contract must be signed by all partners.
Proof of address: Documents proving each partner’s residential address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement, are required.
Initial approval: Some commercial activities require initial approval from the relevant government authorities before starting the registration process, such as health and educational activities.
Business plan: In some cases, investors are required to submit a business plan outlining how the company will operate, its objectives, and its financial needs. This plan helps regulators assess the business.
Business license (if the company is established in a free zone): If the company is established in a free zone, additional documents such as an office lease or workspace in the free zone must be submitted, in addition to the fees required to obtain the license.
Power of Attorney (if required): If there is someone representing the partners in submitting documents or completing procedures, a detailed power of attorney is required authorizing this person to carry out these procedures on behalf of the investors. Preparing these documents accurately helps speed up the company formation process and ensures that investors comply with all legal requirements in Dubai.

Types of companies that Saudis can establish in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most prominent global destinations for investment and entrepreneurship, making it a major attraction for Saudi investors looking to expand their businesses into new markets. Dubai offers a flexible and advanced business environment, along with laws that encourage investment, including many facilities for foreigners, making it easier for Saudis to establish their companies in various sectors. Whether the goal is to establish a small company or expand into larger projects, Saudi investors can choose from several types of companies in Dubai, which differ in their legal structure, registration requirements and licensing. Depending on the type of business activity and the area in which the investor wants to establish his company, the available options vary.
Dubai offers multiple options, such as free zones, which give foreigners full ownership of the company, or the local market, which requires a local partner. Below are the types of companies that Saudis can establish in Dubai:
Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is one of the most common types and is suitable for companies that include more than one person. In the case of establishing a limited liability company in Dubai, Saudis are allowed to own 100% of the company’s shares in some cases, especially if the company is in a free zone. In the local market, a local partner may be required to own 51% of the company’s shares.
Sole Proprietorship: Saudis can establish a sole proprietorship that operates under their full ownership, which is ideal for small and medium enterprises. The owner of the sole proprietorship must bear full responsibility for any debts or obligations that may arise from the company’s operation.
Subsidiary Company: If a Saudi investor has an existing company in Saudi Arabia or in another country and wants to expand to Dubai, he can open a branch of his company in Dubai. The branch is not an independent legal entity, and is considered a subsidiary of the parent company, and the branch must be fully owned by the parent company.
Companies in Free Zones: Free zones in Dubai are one of the most prominent options for Saudi investors who want to own 100% of their company. Free zones offer many advantages, such as tax exemptions and the ability to operate in a flexible business environment. They also provide multiple opportunities in various sectors such as technology, financial services, trade, and industry.
Private Joint Stock Company: This is a type of company that can be established when a group of individuals decide to establish a company with a large number of partners. The company’s shares are divided among the partners according to certain ratios, and it is a suitable option for large projects or those that require high capital.
Representative Office: Saudi investors can also establish a representative office for their parent company in Dubai, which is not considered an independent commercial entity. This office aims to represent businesses and promote the company’s products, but it is not allowed to conduct business or conduct financial transactions in Dubai.
Each type of these companies requires specific procedures and the submission of specific documents to obtain the appropriate commercial license. It is important for Saudi investors to choose the most appropriate type of company based on their business plans and the goals they want to achieve in Dubai.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in Dubai
In conclusion, establishing a company in Dubai is a strategic step for Saudis who want to expand their businesses and enter new markets that are characterized by diversity and promising opportunities. Dubai, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and distinguished business facilities, provides a suitable environment for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their commercial presence in the region. The emirate offers flexible options for establishing companies that suit different investment orientations, whether the investor seeks to establish a company in the free zones, where he enjoys full ownership and tax exemptions, or within the local market to have direct access to a diverse customer base. These facilities enhance Dubai’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for Saudis wishing to grow their businesses and expand their investments.
Cooperating with Itqan Company provides Saudi investors with a smooth and professional experience in all stages of establishing a company, as the company provides specialized consultations and flexible regulatory procedures that ensure a successful launch for their businesses. Itqan Company provides integrated support that includes preparing the required documents, completing licensing procedures quickly, choosing the type of company that matches the investor’s goals, in addition to identifying appropriate locations for companies and providing continuous support at every step. These services contribute to saving time and effort for the investor, allowing him to focus on growing and developing his business instead of being preoccupied with administrative and legal details.
Thanks to the support of Itqan Company, Saudis can achieve their business visions and benefit from the various opportunities offered by Dubai, while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and ease of dealing with various government agencies. Establishing a company in Dubai is a bold step towards commercial success in a prestigious global market, and enhances the chances of achieving long-term growth and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Starting a Business in Dubai
What types of companies can Saudis establish in Dubai?
Saudis can establish several types of companies in Dubai, such as limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, and subsidiary or representative companies. There is also the possibility of establishing companies in free zones where they can fully own companies without the need for a local partner.
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai?
The basic steps to establish a company in Dubai include choosing the business activity, determining the type of company, registering the trade name, submitting the required documents, obtaining the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities, then determining the location of the company and renting a workspace if necessary.
Can Saudis fully own a company in Dubai?
Yes, Saudis can own a company 100% if they establish the company in one of the free zones in Dubai. In the event that a company is established within the local market, a local partner may be required, but foreign ownership laws have witnessed developments that have allowed for increased foreign ownership in some activities.
What are the costs associated with establishing a company in Dubai?
Costs vary depending on the type of company and the area in which it is established. Costs include licensing fees, office space costs, registration fees, and legal services. Itqan can provide a detailed cost estimate based on the company’s needs.
What documents are required to establish a company in Dubai?
The required documents include a valid passport for the partners, personal photos, the articles of association, proof of address, and a business plan and some additional documents may also be required depending on the type of activity.
What are the tax benefits available to Saudi companies in Dubai?
Dubai offers many tax exemptions for companies operating in free zones, including corporate income tax exemptions and no tax on foreign profits. In addition, Dubai is one of the cities that does not impose income tax on individuals.
How long does it take to establish a company in Dubai?
The time required depends on the type of company, the activity, and the area in which the company is established. However, with the services of Itqan, the process can be accelerated and the establishment period can be reduced, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Does a Saudi investor need a work visa in Dubai to establish a company?
A Saudi investor can obtain an investor visa or residence if he intends to live and run his business in Dubai, and the investor visa is a popular option for foreign businessmen.