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Dubai skyline at dusk seen across the water

Why the UAE

Why Invest in the UAE

The advantages investors weigh and the costs they meet, one topic at a time, with every figure linked to the official source.

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Key figures · Checked October 2026

Corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 (0% below)
9%
UAE Government Portal
Free zones offering 100% foreign ownership
40+
UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism
Standard VAT rate
5%
UAE Ministry of Finance
Minimum capital for a 10-year investor Golden Visa
AED 2m
UAE Government Portal

Why the UAE

The UAE’s Advantages

  • Tax regime

    No income tax on individuals, 9% on company profits, 5% VAT.

    0% Income tax on individuals

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  • 100% foreign ownership

    No Emirati partner needed for most mainland activities since 2021.

    100% Foreign ownership of most mainland companies, up from 49%

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  • Free zones

    40+ zones with full foreign ownership and their own licences.

    40+ Free zones in the UAE

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  • Trade agreements (CEPA)

    38 CEPAs signed since 2021, from India to Korea.

    38 CEPAs signed since September 2021

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  • Economic diversification

    AED 1.5 trillion of the AED 1.9 trillion economy is non-oil.

    AED 1.9tn Real GDP, 2025

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  • Foreign investment

    US$48.2 billion of FDI inflows in 2025, more than double 2022.

    US$48.2bn FDI inflows, 2025

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  • Cost of doing business

    Rent, permits and tax, cost by cost.

    AED 189 Average Dubai office rent per sq ft a year, H1 2026

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  • Strategic location

    Flights, ports, rail and trade deals that link the UAE to markets.

    217 Destinations from Dubai International, June 2026

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  • Infrastructure

    Airports, rail, power and internet, in figures.

    128bn AED, Al Maktoum International expansion

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  • Workforce and talent

    A fast-growing labour market, and the Emiratisation rules.

    11.3m Population, end of 2024

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  • Quality of life

    What two international surveys say, good and bad.

    76th Abu Dhabi, EIU Global Liveability Index 2026

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  • Safety and stability

    Credit ratings, the currency peg, safety scores and 2026 risks.

    AA- Fitch, stable, affirmed May 2026

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  • Political system

    The seven rulers, the Cabinet, the FNC and the courts.

    5 Federal authorities under the constitution

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  • Education

    Schools, curricula, universities and accreditation.

    93 Higher education institutions licensed by MoHESR, February 2025

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  • Universities

    All 104 licensed institutions, by emirate and on a map.

    104 Active licensed institutions in the CAA register

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Business directory

Advisers Who Help Investors Get Started

Companies listed in the Invest-Emirates.ae directory, featured members first. Choose a type of company, or search by city and keyword.

Business Link UAE

Company Formation

Dubai

Business Link is a business setup company on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. It arranges free zone companies in JAFZA, DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, Dubai South, Meydan, Shams,...

Virtuzone

Company Formation

Dubai

Virtuzone is a business setup company in Dubai that has formed companies in the UAE since 2009. It arranges free zone and mainland companies and trade licences,...

Creative Zone

Company Formation

Dubai

Creative Zone is a business setup consultancy in Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai. It forms companies in UAE free zones such as DMCC, DIFC, DWTC, Dubai Design Distr...

Shuraa Business Setup

Company Formation

Dubai

Shuraa Business Setup is a company formation and PRO services firm on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. It sets up mainland companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and S...

Emirabiz

Company Formation

Dubai

Emirabiz is a business setup company in the Sustainability District of Expo City Dubai offering free zone, mainland and offshore company formation, trade licenc...

Avyanco

Company Formation

Dubai

Avyanco is a corporate advisory firm in Burj Al Salam Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, licensed by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. It combines company for...

Commitbiz

Company Formation

Dubai

Commitbiz is a business setup consultancy on the 10th floor of Dubai World Trade Center on Sheikh Zayed Road. It arranges mainland, free zone and offshore compa...

Decisive Zone

Company Formation

Dubai

Decisive Zone is a business setup consultancy in Bay Square, Business Bay. It forms companies on the Dubai mainland, in free zones such as IFZA, RAKEZ, SPC, SHA...

All 9 Business Setup Add Your Company

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Talk to People Who Do This Every Day

Business setup consultants, lawyers, accountants and recruiters who work with international investors, in the Invest-Emirates.ae directory.

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