Dubai has launched the Free Zone Mainland Working Allow, a brand new framework that permits free zone companies to function within the emirate’s mainland by way of a structured allow system — marking one other milestone in Dubai’s financial diversification technique.
The initiative, launched by the Dubai Enterprise Registration and Licensing Company (DBLC) in collaboration with the Dubai Free Zone Council, creates an economical, low-risk pathway for companies to interact in home commerce and authorities contracts.
It helps each small and huge enterprises whereas reinforcing Dubai’s place as a world funding hub.
Dubai free zone allow
Launched underneath Dubai Government Council Determination No. 11 of 2025, the allow aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which goals to double the emirate’s economic system by 2033.
Eligible free zone firms holding a Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) can apply digitally through the Spend money on Dubai platform.
Ahmad Khalifa Al Qaizi Al Falasi, CEO of DBLC, mentioned the initiative displays Dubai’s dedication to regulatory modernisation and making a seamless investor journey.
He added that simplifying cross-jurisdictional operations enhances enterprise effectivity and opens new alternatives in buying and selling and authorities tenders, positioning Dubai as a mannequin for regulatory innovation.
The framework will increase cross-jurisdictional exercise by 15 to twenty per cent in its first yr and profit greater than 10,000 energetic free zone corporations.
Firms can now combine with home provide chains and bid for presidency tenders that have been beforehand restricted to mainland entities.
Enterprise bo
Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary-Normal on the Dubai Free Zones Council, mentioned the initiative strengthens Dubai’s world-class enterprise ecosystem and enhances its attractiveness to overseas funding.
It enhances the aggressive benefits of town’s free zones and helps the D33 agenda to simplify operations and promote growth.
In its preliminary part, the allow applies to non-regulated actions resembling expertise, consultancy, design, skilled providers, and buying and selling, with future plans to increase protection to regulated sectors.
Legitimate for six months and renewable for an equal interval at a price of AED5,000 ($1,361), the allow gives a cost-efficient entry level.
Firms working underneath will probably be topic to a 9 per cent company tax on associated revenues and should keep separate monetary information in accordance with Federal Tax Authority necessities.
Present workers might proceed working underneath the identical allow, eliminating the necessity for brand spanking new hires.
Constructing on the success of the Dubai Unified Licence, the initiative types a part of DET’s wider technique to combine providers and streamline regulation throughout the emirate.
By enabling free zone firms to scale flexibly and confidently, Dubai continues to set world benchmarks for transparency, effectivity, and competitiveness — reaffirming its position as a number one hub for innovation, expertise, and sustainable financial progress.