UAE Mainland companies registered through the Department of Economic Development (DED / DET) offer 100% foreign ownership and unrestricted rights to trade across the UAE domestic market and bid for government contracts.
Domestic Market
100% UAE
Direct local B2B & B2C
Foreign Ownership
100%
No local sponsor required
License Speed
1–3 days
Instant License available
Digital Banking
Tier-1 Priority
Onboarding in 3–7 days
Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET / Dubai Mainland) offers complete commercial freedom to trade directly anywhere in the UAE and internationally with 100% foreign ownership.
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED / Abu Dhabi Mainland) empowers businesses to participate in major capital mega-projects, government procurements, and oil & gas supply chains.
Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD / Sharjah Mainland) is an economical gateway to the UAE domestic market, renowned for affordable industrial plots and manufacturing facilities.
Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED / RAK Mainland) provides cost-effective corporate licensing for businesses entering RAK’s rapidly booming tourism and property market.
Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED / Ajman Mainland) offers ultra-competitive licensing costs and strategic proximity to Dubai for traders and service firms.
Umm Al Quwain Department of Economic Development (UAQ DED / UAQ Mainland) provides direct onshore company formation with straightforward rules and low operating costs.
Fujairah Department of Economic Development (Fujairah DED / Fujairah Mainland) is the onshore gateway on the Gulf of Oman, ideal for bunkering services, mining, and regional logistics.
Key regulatory and operational differences when choosing your business setup structure in the UAE
| Parameter | Mainland (DED / DET) | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Territory Scope | Local UAE domestic market + unrestricted global international trade | International trade + intra-freezone operations only |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% foreign ownership on 1,000+ activities (Commercial Companies Law) | 100% foreign ownership across all activities |
| Premises & Tenancy Lease | Physical office or retail premises with registered Ejari / Tawtheeq (for visas) | Flexi-Desk / Virtual desk allowed without dedicated commercial lease |
| Government & Public Tenders | Direct eligibility for UAE government procurement and state contracts | Restricted without mainland branch or local commercial agent |
| Federal Corporate Tax | 0% up to AED 375k taxable profit, 9% standard rate above | 0% on Qualifying Income under QFZP criteria, 9% on non-qualifying |
| Corporate Digital Banking | Express 3–7 business day onboarding with top approval priority | Standard or express depending on authority risk rating |
Get a free consultation on DED jurisdictions, commercial activities compatibility, Ejari requirements, and turn-key tariff calculations.
