Establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone represents an important strategic step for investors looking for a developed and favorable business environment in Dubai. Jebel Ali Free Zone is considered one of the most prominent free zones in the emirate, as it provides advanced infrastructure and modern facilities that meet the needs of various types of companies and industries. The area is characterized by a strategic location close to Jebel Ali Port, which is a major gateway for maritime trade in the region.

In addition to its advantageous geographical location, Jebel Ali Hurra offers important economic benefits such as full tax exemptions on profits and export duties, making it a strong attraction for companies wishing to enhance their growth and expand their operations without imposed tax costs. Follow this article to learn how to establish a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone .

Establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Procedures for establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone

Establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone requires following a series of procedures that include the following steps:

1. Choosing the company type: Investors must choose the appropriate company type, whether it is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, or public company, according to their goals and business needs.
2. Determine the commercial activity: The commercial activity that the company will undertake in Jebel Ali Free Zone must be determined, as this activity must be compatible with the activities permitted in the free zone.
3. Choosing a company name: An appropriate and non-duplicate name must be chosen for the company, and it must be ensured that the chosen name is compatible with regulations and legal requirements.
4. Submitting the application and licenses: An official application to establish the company is submitted to the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, and it will require obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals from the relevant authorities.
5. Providing the required documents: A set of necessary documents must be submitted, such as the passport of shareholders and directors, their personal photos, the necessary qualifications documents, in addition to the lease or ownership contracts for the company’s main headquarters in the free zone.
6. Signing contracts and agreements: Once all requirements and approvals are met, official contracts and agreements are signed between investors and the free zone authority, and the financial and legal responsibilities of each party are determined.
7. Final registration and obtaining a business license: The final business license is issued to the company after all conditions and requirements are met, allowing the company to officially start commercial activity in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

These steps constitute the general framework for establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone, and investors should inquire directly with local authorities or specialized consultants such as Itqan Company to ensure their compliance with all applicable procedures and laws.

Steps to establish a company in Dubai Jebel Ali

Determining the activity is the first step in the process of issuing a commercial license. Through the activity, the parties associated with this activity and the legal forms permitted for the activity are determined. There are more than 2,100 economic activities available in the Emirate of Dubai, and these activities are divided into different groups: commercial activities, industrial activities, professional activities and tourism activities.

The type of commercial license is related to the type of activity. If the activity of the license is professional, then the type of license is (professional). If the license contains more than one type of activity, we take the largest activity, and the industrial activity is considered the largest, followed by commercial and then professional.

Industrial, commercial and professional activities can be combined provided that the activities are homogeneous or a permit is issued for the activity to be added. Example: If commercial and professional activities are combined in one license, then the type of license is commercial because the commercial activity is the largest activity (this does not apply to tourism activities).​

There are 3 types of licenses that can be obtained within the Dubai South Free Zone:

1. Industrial license for light industrial activities
2. Logistics license: issued only in the logistics area, to carry out logistics services
3. Trading and general trade license: for importing, exporting, distributing and storing the products specified in the license, and selling the products within the UAE market through a local distributor.

Now, launching companies in Dubai has become faster and easier than ever before, in line with the vision of the Dubai Department of Economic Development to help company owners launch and expand their businesses without the need for lengthy processes and procedures.

There are also two companies licensing authorities in Dubai:

1. The Department of Economic Development is the only destination for registering establishments and companies within Dubai on the one hand.
   And more than 20 free zones on the other hand.
2. Both entities within Dubai and in the free zones provide different benefits to owners of economic establishments according to the type of economic establishment and its activities.
3. When a client desires to establish an economic facility (institution or company) in the Emirate of Dubai, he must register with the Department of Economic Development, which is responsible for registering and licensing institutions and companies in the Emirate of Dubai. If there are any inquiries at any stage of obtaining a commercial license, please contact us. So that we can provide support and advice.

Free zone in the Emirates

The UAE has more than 50 free zones covering all major commercial sectors. Whether your company’s sector is industrial, commercial, consulting, educational, health, technology, or other, free zones in the Emirates are ideal locations for establishing your company. Dubai is considered the business capital of the UAE, and includes free zones that were specifically established to serve a wide range of commercial sectors.

In its efforts to follow Dubai’s vision, other emirates have also developed their own free zones, offering flexible prices to compete in the Emirati market.

Free zones for limited liability companies provide a flexible structure for companies and individuals alike, and provide a very easy process for establishing and operating companies within just a few days, as this process can be completed remotely, and foreign investors are not required to come to the UAE in person to establish a new company.

The importance of establishing a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone

Establishing a company in the free zone holds great importance due to the many benefits and advantages offered by this prominent economic zone in Dubai. Among the main reasons for this importance are:

1. Jebel Ali Free Enterprises enjoy significant exemptions from taxes on profits and customs on import and export, which helps reduce operational costs and increase profitability for companies.
2. Jebel Ali Free Zone provides advanced infrastructure that includes integrated logistics facilities, modern storage facilities, and world-class communications, which helps facilitate production and distribution operations with high efficiency.
3. Thanks to its strategic location near Jebel Ali Port, companies in the free zone can easily access global markets, enhancing export and international expansion opportunities.
4. Dubai provides an advanced and stable regulatory and legal environment, ensuring legal security and stability for companies established in Jebel Ali Free Zone, in addition to ongoing government support for the private sector.
5. Jebel Ali Free Zone offers simple administrative facilities for establishment and operation, with supporting facilities such as financial services, insurance, legal and business consultancy, making it easier for investors to manage their businesses efficiently.

Given these benefits, establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone represents an ideal choice for investors seeking growth and benefiting from a favorable business environment that supports innovation and economic expansion.

Free zone in the Emirates

Investments allowed in Dubai

There is a wide range of investment types in Dubai that international investors can benefit from. Here are some of the key sectors that are witnessing clear growth and are important investment opportunities in the city:

• Real Estate and Commercial Properties: Dubai offers an active real estate market that includes residential and commercial properties, with great opportunities in advanced infrastructure and mega projects such as waterfront and free zones.
• Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism and hospitality sector is one of the most important sectors in Dubai, as the city provides a variety of luxury resorts, hotels, and entertainment facilities that attract tourists from all over the world.
• Technology and Innovation: Dubai is striving to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and technology, providing opportunities to invest in startups and cutting-edge technology in areas such as artificial intelligence, financial technologies, and clean technology.
• Trade and Manufacturing: Thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, Dubai provides investment opportunities in the international trade and manufacturing sectors, with a focus on export and re-export.
• Education and Training: The education and training sector is one of the developing sectors in Dubai, as the city has world-class educational institutions and advanced training programs that attract students and learners from different parts of the world.
• Energy and Infrastructure: Dubai is also focusing on developing sustainable infrastructure and renewable energies, creating opportunities for investment in clean energy projects and sustainable real estate development.

Dubai has a developed investment environment full of diverse opportunities, making it an ideal destination for investors wishing to achieve growth and expansion in the Middle East and North Africa markets.

In conclusion, establishing a company in Jebel Ali Free Zone represents a strategic step of great importance for investors wishing to benefit from an advanced business environment in Dubai. Jebel Ali Free Zone offers a range of unique economic opportunities, including tax and customs exemptions, advanced infrastructure, and easy access to global markets.

Thanks to these characteristics, companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone can enhance their growth and expand their operations efficiently and at the lowest possible costs, contributing to long-term sustainability and profitability. In addition, Dubai’s leading regulatory and legal environment ensures stability and security for businesses, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to invest and expand in the Middle East.