Setting up a business in Dubai mainland involves a series of steps and adherence to certain regulations. Here’s a general guide to help you understand the process:

1. Choose a Business Activity:

   • Determine the type of business activity you want to engage in. Dubai offers a wide range of activities across various sectors.

2. Legal Structure:

   • Decide on the legal structure for your business. Common structures include Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Branch of a Foreign Company.

3. Local Sponsorship:

   • For most business structures, a local sponsor (UAE national) is required. The local sponsor holds 51% of the shares in the company. However, profit and loss sharing can be mutually agreed upon and detailed in the legal documents.

4. Choose a Business Name:

   • Select a unique and acceptable business name. Ensure it complies with the naming conventions and does not violate any trademarks.

5. Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA):

   • Prepare the MOA, which outlines the company’s activities, details of shareholders, and the share capital.

6. Obtain Initial Approval:

   • Submit the required documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for initial approval. This includes the MOA, lease agreement for the office space, and other relevant documents.

7. Office Space:

   • Rent an office space in a location approved by the DED. This is a mandatory requirement for mainland businesses.

8. Finalize Legal Documents:

   • Finalize all legal documents, including the local sponsorship agreement and lease agreement. Make sure all shareholders sign the necessary documents.

9. Submit Documents to DED:

   • Submit the finalized documents to the DED for final approval and business registration.

10. Payment of Fees:

    • Pay the required fees for business registration, licensing, and any other applicable charges.

11. Receive Trade License:

    • Once all approvals and payments are completed, you will receive your trade license. This license allows you to conduct business in Dubai.

12. Visa Processing:

    • Apply for visas for you and your employees. The number of visas you can obtain depends on the size of your office space.

13. Open a Corporate Bank Account:

    • Open a corporate bank account in the UAE.

14. Compliance with Regulations:

    • Ensure ongoing compliance with UAE laws and regulations, including timely renewal of licenses.