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Dubai Design District

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Dubai Design District, commonly known as D3, is the UAE’s creative hub dedicated to developing the design industry and promoting the city as a global design capital. D3 is situated in the heart of Dubai, close to iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The district covers an area of over 4 million square feet and is home to over 500 businesses, including world-renowned design studios, showrooms, galleries, and fashion brands, including Dior, Adidas, Nike, and Foster + Partners.

Dubai Design Week

Annually held in D3, Dubai Design Week is the region’s creative festival, showcasing architecture, fashion, product design, and graphic designs. The event usually includes exhibitions, talks, workshops, and other activities. Dubai Design Week is one of the most important events in the UAE, as it brings together designers, artists, and other creative professionals from around the world.

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Advantages of Setting Up a Business
in Dubai Design District

Aside from being a design capital, companies can also benefit from the numerous incentives D3 provides to entrepreneurs:

Modernize and advance infrastructures

D3 is a smart zone hub. These initiatives include smart parking meters, smart energy meters, and smart waste management, among others.

Proximity to world-renowned landmarks

Dubai Design District is close to Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the UAE with an annual visitor of 65 million, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Internet City clusters, DIFC, and Dubai’s Business Bay.

Low-cost company setup

Forming a company under D3 is relatively inexpensive. The license cost in Dubai District starts from around AED 15,000, and the minimum share capital required is as low as AED 50,000.

World-class recognition

Every year, designers and artists are given a chance to showcase their work to world-renowned designers through Dubai Design Week.

Legal Framework

  • Company Ownership
  • No restrictions on capital repatriation
  • No currency restrictions
  • No personal income tax
  • No restrictions for foreign employees
  • Starting on June 1, 2023, a 9% corporate income tax will be imposed on company profits exceeding AED 375,000 UAE dirhams. This tax rate remains one of the lowest in the world.
  • Low tariff rates
  • Special freelance permit for designers and artists

Cost of Setting Up a Company
in Dubai Design District

Below is the breakdown of general costs for a company set up in Dubai Design District.

Registration
Fee

AED 3,520

License Cost per Segment

AED 15,020

Establishment Card

AED 2,170

Note: This doesn’t include visa permits, rent for office spaces, warehousing and others

Creative Zone’s flexible business package can take care of everything you need to incorporate your
company in D3 for as low as AED 23,000.

  • Business License and Office Space
  • Flexibility to conduct business within the jurisdiction
  • Dedicated Account Management Team
  • Interest free monthly installment plan of AED 3,250 (RAKBANK, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, and Emirates NBD)
  • Flexible payment plan
  • Crypto accepted payment method

To get an estimate of your business, use our COST CALCULATOR

Explore Monthly
Payment Plans
with Selected Banks

Convert your transactions into easy and affordable monthly instalments with our selected range of banking partners. Spend a minimum of AED 1,000 on your credit card issued from any of our participating banks and repay in easy instalments over a period of 12 months.

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Steps

  • Make a minimum purchase of AED 1,000 through your credit card for any services issued by Creative Zone
  • Call the banking services of any our partner banks and request to convert your purchase to an Easy Payment Plan
  • Get the option of paying over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months
  • General terms and conditions with the banks will apply

Types of Licenses Offered by
in Dubai Design District

Here are the six types of business licenses offered in Dubai South:

Manufacturing License

allows companies to engage in manufacturing, processing or assembling activities within D3.

Commercial License

Intended for businesses offering specific goods and services within D3.

Service License

allows businesses to provide services (e.g. repair and maintenance services) within D3.

General Documents Required for
Dubai Design District

  • Company registration and licensing application form
  • Profile details of shareholder(s)
  • Passport copies and specimen signature of each director and general manager
  • Board resolution
  • Detailed business plan
  • Proof of share capital requirement
  • Original Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)

Business Structures
under Dubai Design District

There are two types of legal company structures, and a special freelancer permit offered under Dubai Design District:

Freelance Permit

As a global creative hub, designers and artists are allowed to carry out services under their name through a special permit.

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Branch Company

 A Branch Company established under Dubai Design District is a representative of a company already existing outside D3 or the UAE. Branch Companies can have different names from their companies.

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D3 FZ-LLC

A Free Zone LLC is a legal entity registered under the free zone jurisdiction of Dubai Design District. FZ-LLCs are similar to other types of LLCs in that they are separate legal entities from their owners and offer limited liability protection to their shareholders. 

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Steps in Setting Up a Business in
 Dubai Design District

Starting a company in D3 is fast and easy. Generally, this includes five steps:
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1

Select a Business Activity and Location

Before you start, you must select one of the approved business activities permitted in Dubai Design District. Companies in D3 have the option to select where they want to conduct business – from the Free Zone to the mainland or both.

2

Submit Application

Businesses must complete the online application and submit business plans and passports for all shareholders. Creative Zone can assist you throughout this process to ensure faster, less-expensive company incorporation.

3

Secure Physical Space

Companies operating within the Dubai Design District jurisdiction must secure office space or a warehousing facility dedicated to their business. Freelancers may be exempted from this requirement.

4

Apply for Trade License

After securing an office space, companies will need to apply for the appropriate trade license through the Dubai Design District. Depending on the nature of the products and services offered, companies may be required to apply for multiple trade licenses.

5

Open a Bank Account

After obtaining all the relevant documents, you can now proceed in opening a corporate bank account. This is where all the financial transactions of your company will be made while operating under the jurisdiction of Dubai Design District.

800-LICENSE (542 3673)

If calling from outside UAE, please contact us on
+971 4 567 7333

[email protected]

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Office 105, Level 1, Emaar Square – Building 4, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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