A ROADMAP TO LAUNCHING YOUR TECH COMPANY IN UAE

This article was updated on June 24, 2024.

This article has been researched and written by Scott Cairns and the team at Creation Business Consultants and has not used AI in generating this article.

Over the year’s technology and the pace of urbanisation globally has accelerated and continues to affect infrastructure, social, economic, and environmental structures. Technology’s impact on today’s landscape continues to evolve. Technology and IT services influence how we work, live, and play in this cosmopolitan country.

Dubai prides itself as being one step ahead of the competition and looking for the next big technology revolution and smart city initiative. UAE government departments, Ministry offices, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agencies and Municipalities are now adopting technology and IT services where possible, making all their systems and processes fully digitally integrated.

There are many opportunities for both start-ups and established businesses to expand or start an IT / technology company in Dubai and the UAE. Therefore, how can a company stand out from the crowd and how to get your Dubai company up and running in the quickest possible time? Here is our guide to starting an IT consultancy in Dubai and the UAE.

1. DETERMINE YOUR SERVICE

If you decide to setup an IT company in Dubai, you will need to establish the type of services your company will provide. Will your IT/technology company provide generalised services or specialised services?

SPECIALISED SERVICE IT COMPANY

There are many opportunities to offer clients and companies specialising in IT services. Some areas of specialties may include but not limited to are:

• Networking and cloud computing and programming.
• Big data, data recovery and data management.
• Website development and design.
• Business intelligence.
• Digital and analytic services.
• Cybersecurity and system management.

Pros – If you decide to be specialised in an IT field, you can become well known as the expert and market leader for a certain technology or service. Therefore, you may be able to charge more per the hour, due to the demand for your services and have a thriving business.

Cons – You could miss an opportunity to provide complementary services and revenue streams. Therefore, this may have an effect and slow down the growth and expansion of your business.

GENERAL IT SERVICE COMPANY

On the other hand, setting up a generalised IT service company with several service offerings, you will have a variety of clients.

Pro – Providing generalised services will result in a wider client base. Nearly every business or person requires technical and IT services and support. Since you will be providing generalised services your business will need to remain updated on the latest industry changes and could learn more, seek opportunities and improve your business operations, resources and performance overall.

Cons – Operating as a generalised technology / IT company you are competing with others in the market and often competing on price. Therefore, you may not be able to charge as much as a specialised IT company. Furthermore, it is essential that you keep up to date on the latest technology and trends which can be time consuming, but will keep you in business.

2. BUILDING YOUR DREAM TEAM

Technology is the driving force when establishing an IT company in Dubai. Equally important is having the right staff as they are your most critical business asset. You need to ensure you have the right skilled team in place to do the job that is required. Employees need to have the required expertise and be able to cover all your business offerings to provide a good job servicing your clients.

3. SELECTING YOUR COMPANY NAME

It is recommended to choose a company name that completely describes what your business does. Your company name needs to be simple, straight to the point and easily searchable, which is essential in today’s digital landscape and search websites.

4. FORMING A LEGAL BUSINESS ENTITY

Deciding on the right type of business structure is essential. Selecting the right company structure will place the company in the best position operationally and financially. Not seeking the correct advice on the company structure and getting it wrong can be costly and restricting to the business overall.

At Creation BC we provide a holistic approach and evaluate the business entirely. We take into consideration all market entry requirements such as:

• Researching the best option(s) for the company to invoice.
• Examining the most effective structure for company finance.
• Providing options for the best available position for managing tax.
• Identifying the right setup for holding company assets and intellectual property.
• Recognising the number of staff required and where they will be located.
• Selecting the most cost effective and suitable office space and warehousing etc.

Establishing a technology company in the UAE offers a gateway to thriving in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Whether specializing in cutting-edge IT solutions or offering a spectrum of services, the key lies in strategic planning, assembling the right team, and ensuring legal and operational excellence from the outset. Embrace the opportunities this dynamic region presents and embark on your journey toward technological innovation and business success.