Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Dubai is one of the prominent commercial centers in the Emirate and the entire Middle East. It accommodates companies of all sizes and offers them a wide range of services and amenities that are required to thrive in today’s competitive market. Hence, entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish a presence in the Middle East can go throughthis DWTC Company Formation Guide and learn about the array of benefits and facilities they can access.
If you’re also considering establishing or expanding your business in Dubai, UAE, you need to know why and how Dubai World Trade Centre can be the perfect choice for your business plan.
An overview of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Situated within the Dubai World Trade Centre complex, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone is a premier business hub offering excellent accessibility to businesses to major transportation networks, such as Dubai International Airport and the Dubai Metro. Registering a Company with DWTC offers a range of benefits including full business ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined setup procedures to both local and international entrepreneurs.
Activities permissible in DWTC
DWTC permits a diverse range of business activities catering to various industries, including:-
- Import and Export
- Wholesale and Retail
- Consulting
- Accounting and Auditing
- Marketing and Advertising
- IT Services
- E-commerce
- Healthcare Facilities
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Medical Tourism
- Educational Institutions
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
The business setup experts at Shuraa can provide you with the complete list of permissible activities in the DWTC Free Zone.
Facilities offered in DWTC company formation
Businesses or events looking to establish their presence in Dubai can avail a wide range of unique facilities in DWTC, such as:-
- Exhibition Halls
- Serviced Offices
- Co-working Spaces
- Conference Centers
- Meeting Rooms
- Restaurants and Cafés
- Transportation Services
- Business Support Services
- Event Management Services
- DWTC Business Center
DWTC Company Formation Guide: Benefits
DWTC company register comes with a host of advantages that make it an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign companies:-
- Foreign ownership – Foreign companies operating in the DWTC zone enjoy full ownership of the business without the need for a local partner. This means that the foreign business owner can have full control over their company’s operations and profits.
- Profit repatriation – Free zone entities can repatriate their profits and capital without any limitations.
- Tax exemptions – DWTC companies enjoy a full exemption from corporate taxes as well as personal income taxes imposed on working individuals.
- Top-notch infrastructure – DWTC free zone offers high-tech facilities, such as modern offices, warehouses, and exhibition spaces to businesses.
- Ease of business setup – DWTC company formation is a streamlined process involving minimal bureaucracy and quick approval timelines.
- Flexibility – DWTC companies have the flexibility to conduct business both within the free zone and on the mainland, which is a key advantage of the registering a Company with DWTC. It allows them to expand their reach across the UAE.
Licenses issued in DWTC Free Zone
DWTC Free Zone issues varied types of licenses tailored to different business activities.
- Trading license: Allows companies to import, export, distribute, and store goods.
- Commercial license: Permits businesses to carry out a specific set of commercial activities within the free zone.
- Service license: Designed for businesses providing professional services within the free zone. For example, consultancy, IT services, marketing, engineering, etc.
- Freelance permit: Issued to individuals who offer professional services independently and conduct business legally within the free zone.
- E-commerce license: Tailored for businesses engaged in online trading and e-commerce activities.
- Event management license: Issued to companies involved in organizing, managing, and promoting events, exhibitions, and conferences.
- Dual license: Allows DWTC companies to conduct business on the Dubai mainland without opening a separate branch.
The specific type of license required for the company will depend on the nature of the activity. It is always better to consult with the experts of Shuraa to determine the appropriate license for their business operations.
Types of companies formed in the DWTC Free Zone
Different legal structures can be formed under the DWTC Free Zone, which includes:
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- For smaller businesses or single shareholders
- Simpler structure with fewer administrative requirements
- Formed with one shareholder
- For professionals or business people looking to establish a solo business presence in Dubai
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
- For large businesses with multiple shareholders
- Allows a minimum of two and a maximum of 10 shareholders
- A more established corporate structure than FZE
- For companies with multiple founders or investors
Foreign Branch
- Allows foreign companies to establish a legal presence in Dubai and operate under the parent company’s name
- Subject to regulations set by the mainland authorities
- Suitable for companies looking to expand their reach into the Dubai market without forming a separate legal entity
UAE Branch
- Allows an existing UAE company (outside a free zone) to establish a branch office
- Subject to mainland regulations and corporate income tax
- For companies already operating within the UAE and wish to expand their operations within Dubai
DWTC Company Formation Guide:The Process
Company formation at DWTC is a streamlined procedure encompassing a few simple steps:-
Choose the business activity and legal structure – Begin with determining the business activity in which your company will be involved. The type of license you will need will rely on this decision. Next, state the legal status of your company based on your business activities and the number of shareholders. For instance, FZE, FZCO, Branch, etc.
Select a company name – The name of your DWTC company must be unique, appealing, and comply with local regulations. The UAE authorities have charted a book of guidelines that every business owner need to follow while naming their company. For instance, the name should not be offensive or misleading. It shouldn’t contain any blasphemous or derogatory terms. The chosen name must be available for registration.
If you need help choosing the right name for your company, seek assistance from the legal advisors of Shuraa.
Submit the application – Once all the above decisions are made and the necessary documents are arranged, submit an application for business registration and license to the DWTC Free Zone authority. The authorities will review the application and accordingly share the result. If approved, you can receive your license along with other corporate documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation, AOA and MOA, etc.
Register for office space – Based on your business needs and budget, you can choose an office setup from the varied options available in DWTC zone, such as shared desks, fully furnished offices, etc.
DWTC Company Formation Guide: Costs Involved
The cost of starting a business in the DWTC free zone depends on the type of license and the specific activities you choose. Visas for foreign employees or investors include additional costs.
Additionally, the DWTC authorities offer business setup packages tailored to various business needs and budgets. It includes discounted fees for licenses, office space rentals, and other setup services. Explore all budget-friendly options with the help of Shuraa.
Set up your DWTC company with Shuraa
Thus, DWTC is swiftly becoming one of the top choices for businesses looking to grow in a globally connected environment. It provides an ideal setup for startups, small businesses, and large companies to reach new markets, unlock growth potential, and thrive.
To make the DWTC company formation process easier, you can reach out to the professionals at Shuraa Business Setup who will guide you through every step and help you start your journey to success.
Contact +971 44081900 today for a free consultation.
