Mainland is the area outside of the free zones with the Department of Economic Development (DED) being the regulatory authority for the issuance of mainland licenses. Mainland companies are allowed to carry out business without restrictions throughout the UAE and internationally.
Dubai Mainland License – Now Without a Local Sponsor
Key Advantages of a Mainland License:
- Full freedom to rent office or commercial space anywhere in the UAE
- Permission to operate across a wide range of business activities
- No trading restrictions within the UAE or internationally
- 100% foreign ownership (no local partner required)
- No currency limitations on transactions
- Simplified employment visa processing
- Eligibility to bid for UAE government projects
- Ease of opening a corporate bank account
License Types & Business Activities
Mainland company formation in the UAE gives you access to 3,000+ approved business activities across various sectors.
The license type, company structure, and jurisdiction you choose will determine the specific approvals and setup requirements.
A Commercial License is required in the UAE for businesses involved in trading and supplying of goods such as:
- Mobile phones & accessories trading
- Building material, cleaning and safety equipment trading
- Oil & gas, chemicals trading
- Automobiles, spare parts trading
- Gold & precious metals trading
An Industrial license is required in the UAE for manufacturing or other types of industrial activities such as:
- Garments, uniforms manufacturing
- Meat, dairy products manufacturing
- Animal & birds feed manufacturing, fishing net making
- Pastry & sweets manufacturing, mineral water bottling
- Fabrics & textiles embroidery, carpets manufacturing
A Professional License is required in the UAE for individuals or business groups that deliver expertise as a service to the public such as:
- Computer, IT infrastructure consultancies
- Insurance, tax, legal consultancies
- Marketing consultancies, public relations management
- Auditing & accounting
- Waste management & recycling consultancy