Mainland Jurisdictions in the UAE
Explore our complete UAE mainland directory: features, perks, and more.
What is UAE Mainland?
UAE Mainland is the primary business jurisdiction within each emirate, licensed and regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Mainland companies operate under UAE federal and local laws, as opposed to free zone jurisdictions which have their own specific regulations.
What is a Mainland Company?
A mainland company is a business registered under the UAE's local jurisdiction. Mainland licenses allow businesses to operate anywhere within the UAE, trade directly with the local market, and offer a wide range of commercial, professional, and industrial activities. Mainland companies can work with government entities, serve clients across the UAE, and have the flexibility to choose multiple business activities under a single license.
Mainland at a Glance:
Unrestricted UAE market access
Physical office or flexi office is required
Ideal for B2C and local service providers
Direct trade with UAE mainland market
Trade with free zones may require additional approvals depending on your activity
Full operational freedom to work with government entities and local clients
Costs may be higher than some free zone options for similar activities
Visa allocation depends on office size and number of shareholders
WPS (Wage Protection System) is mandatory for employee salaries
Mainland Jurisdictions
Mainland Jurisdictions
Dubai Mainland
Key Advantages
Operate anywhere in Dubai and UAE without restrictions
Trade directly with local clients and government entities
Wide range of permitted business activities
Flexibility to combine multiple activities under one license
Eligible to hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Businesses targeting Dubai clients and government contracts
Ideal for trading companies, consultancies, digital agencies, and technology startups
Entrepreneurs requiring multiple activities or licenses
Companies needing full operational freedom in Dubai
Key Considerations
Office space (physical or flexi) is required for licensing.
Certain activities may require approvals from relevant authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders
Mainland licensing fees may be higher than free zone setups for comparable activities
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, and is famous for its political and economic significance, cultural landmarks, luxury developments, and major oil and energy sector presence.
Key Advantages
Operate anywhere in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE
Trade directly with local clients and government entities
Wide range of permitted activities
Flexibility to add multiple activities under one license
Eligible to hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Businesses targeting Abu Dhabi clients and government contracts
Ideal for art galleries, cultural consultancies, museums, and heritage projects.
Entrepreneurs needing multiple activities or licenses
Companies requiring full operational freedom in Abu Dhabi
Key Considerations
Physical or flexi office required for licensing
Some activities may require approvals from ADDED or other authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders
Mainland licensing fees may be higher than free zone options
Sharjah Mainland
Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the UAE, celebrated for its museums, art galleries, heritage sites, and strong focus on education and family-friendly communities.
Key Advantages
Full access to the Sharjah market and UAE-wide operations
Trade directly with clients and government entities
Flexible licensing for multiple business activities
Hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Ideal for manufacturing, logistics, and service-based SMEs.
Entrepreneurs looking for affordable mainland options
Companies needing full operational freedom in Sharjah
Key Considerations
Physical or flexi office required
Some activities may require approvals from Sharjah DED or other authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders
Key Advantages
Operate across RAK and UAE without restrictions
Trade with local clients and government entities
Combine multiple activities under a single license
Hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Ideal for industrial setups, fabrication, warehousing, and trading businesses.
Entrepreneurs seeking flexible and cost-effective mainland options
Companies requiring operational freedom in RAK
Key Considerations
Physical or flexi office required
Some activities may require approvals from RAK DED or other authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders
Ajman Mainland
Ajman is known for being compact and cost-effective, popular for affordable living, small-scale business setups, and coastal charm.
Key Advantages
Operate anywhere in Ajman and the UAE without restrictions
Trade directly with local clients and government entities
Flexibility to combine multiple business activities under one license
Hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Ideal for retail trading, consultancy services, and professional SMEs.
Entrepreneurs looking for cost-effective mainland options
Companies requiring operational freedom in Ajman
Key Considerations
Physical or flexi office required
Certain activities may require approvals from Ajman DED or other authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders
Fujairah Mainland
Fujairah is recognized for its port facilities, mountains, and beaches, making it a key logistics and tourism destination on the UAE’s east coast.
Key Advantages
Full access to Fujairah and UAE markets
Trade with local clients and government entities
Combine multiple business activities under a single license
Hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Ideal for import/export, shipping agencies, and freight forwarding businesses.
Entrepreneurs seeking flexible and cost-effective setups
Companies requiring operational freedom in Fujairah
Key Considerations
Physical or flexi office required
Some activities may require approvals from Fujairah DED or relevant authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders
Umm Al Quwain Mainland
Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is known for its quiet, laid-back lifestyle, natural islands, and growing focus on tourism and leisure activities, offering a more relaxed environment than the other emirates.
Key Advantages
Operate anywhere in UAQ and UAE without restrictions
Trade directly with local clients and government entities
Flexibility to include multiple activities under a single license
Hire employees and sponsor visas based on office size
Best For
Ideal for hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and recreational businesses.
Entrepreneurs looking for affordable mainland options
Companies requiring full operational freedom in UAQ
Key Considerations
Physical or flexi office required
Certain activities may require approvals from UAQ DED or other authorities
Visa allocation depends on office size and shareholders