20 Reasons to Set Up a Business in the UAE

Why Abu Dhabi and Dubai are such thriving hubs for business growth

The UAE is swiftly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the world to visit and live. Numerous studies and reports show that it is one of the most in-demand locations for international millionaires and tourists, but that it is also attracting record numbers of entrepreneurs and business owners. At EER Middle East our team is handling more enquiries than ever from individuals, leaders and owners who want to set up a business in the UAE. Whether it is a small start up or a regional arm of an international company, there are so many reasons to have a presence in the UAE. In honour of our 20^th anniversary, we take a look at the 20 top reasons to set up a business in the UAE.

1. Opportunity: There are over 2,000 economic activities registered in the UAE, allowing for high growth potential, as well as plenty of opportunities for collaboration and access to high-net-worth purchasing power
2. Visas: The UAE offers a wide range of residency options from digital nomad visas to retirement visas, including specific ones for investors and property owners and the Golden Visa which is the only one valid for 10 years
3. Ownership: The laws of the UAE have been updated to allow for 100% foreign ownership of companies
4. Growth: With record figures of visitors, residency requests, investment enquiries and entrepreneurial and business licenses expanding year on year, the growth of the UAE is set to continue for many years to come
5. Tax: The UAE’s enviable tax system includes one of the world’s lowest rates of corporate taxation and no personal income tax
6. Flexibility: In addition to the 40 freezones spread across the UAE, there is no minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies which gives greater flexibility for those wanting to set up a business in the UAE
7. Sponsorship: Residency holders in the UAE have a range of options when it comes to sponsoring dependents and domestic staff
8. Stability: The UAE also offers unrivalled stability, particularly economically with a stable currency pegged to the US dollar that is largely unaffected by inflation
9. Investment: The UAE has one of the world’s highest rates of foreign direct investment
10. Tariffs: The government tariffs in the UAE range from 0 to 5%, making the nation a regional and international leader in trade and re-exports
11. Family-friendly: With amazing green spaces, theme parks and beaches, not to mention fun dining outlets, after-school activities and seasonal camps, the UAE is a giant playground your kids will love!
12. Longevity: Individuals can now apply for the UAE Golden’s Visa which provides a ten-year renewable residency for those who qualify in one of the varied of categories
13. Climate: If you are looking for year-round sunshine and warm winters, the UAE is the ideal place to escape rainy, dark days
14. Location: The UAE is uniquely positioned to be a hub for travel and business between mature and emerging markets all over the world
15. Diversity: Over 200 nationalities live and work in the UAE, creating a unique melting pot of cultures that provide an endless array of different traditions, celebrations, objects and cuisines
16. Entertainment: With world-class concerts, exciting water parks, the Dubai Opera House and record-breaking tourist attractions there is no end of things to do and experience in the UAE
17. Safety: Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are consistently ranked as two of the safest cities in the world, making them the ideal place to raise a family
18. Culture: The rich melting pot of the UAE has created a unique landscape for culture, customs and traditions, from fantastic music to delicious cuisines, exciting celebrations to international festivals
19. Education: There are nearly 600 private schools that operate across the UAE, providing ample choice for expat parents to find the right fit for their child
20. Expertise: If you would like to set up a business in the UAE, you can rely on getting expert support from EER Middle East, the region’s leading provider of relocation, immigration and corporate services since 2005

If you would like to talk to one of our expert team about how to set up a business in the UAE, or any of our relocation or immigration services, please get in touch today on +971 (0)4 421 1819 or info@eerme.com.