The UAE is made up of 7 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). There are more than 35 free zones in the UAE where you can register a business. For most service and trading businesses, there is no difference where the company is registered.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular free zones for first-time company owners and established international businesses. Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain are also popular options for small businesses.

Freezones

Some free zones offer unique benefits that cannot be found in others, such as:

Warehousing Space

Manufacturing Capabilities

Aviation and Logistics Services

Specialized Trading, such as oil and gas, gold, or diamonds

Communities suitable for families

All businesses in UAE falls into 3 categories: Service, Trade, Industrial.

A company in UAE can be registered in:

Mainland – Supports 100% of all business activities in UAE. Certain activities require a silent local partner.

Freezone – Includes 95% of all business activities in UAE. Can be completely owned by a foreigner.

Offshore – the registered business cannot participate in any business within UAE.

Comparison of different uAE freezones

With around 45 freezones where all business can be incorporated, it can be confusing to determine which option is the best to register a new company in the United Arab Emirates.Dubai is generally considered the best Emirate to set up a company in UAE.