Businesses operating in Dubai’s free trade zones will be able to expand their activities into the emirate’s mainland areas after a government ruling.
The new legislation will allow the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to issue licences or permits granting expansion into the wider city.
Dubai has more than 30 free trade zones covering sectors from finance and technology to media and healthcare. They provide incentives including corporate tax exemption and currency exchange freedom.
The free trade zones also allow 100 percent foreign ownership, unlike much of the rest of the UAE, where foreign ownership has historically been capped at 49 percent.
Scott Cairns, managing director of Dubai-based Creation Business Consultants, said: “This development will further blur the lines between mainland and free zone licences and is likely to intensify competition among regulators, giving businesses more options for where to establish their operations.”
Dubai ranked 24th in the Global Cities Index 2024, which evaluates cities based on factors including the attractiveness of the business environment. It was the top-placed city in the Middle East and North Africa in the index from management consultancy Kearney.
