Dubai has a big reputation – for all things big! Big buildings, big ideas and big businesses. But it’s the startups and SMEs that are backbone of this thriving hub. Thousands of entrepreneurs launch or relocate to the UAE every year across a wide range of industries.
One of Dubai’s most successful industries is technology. Within which are numerous subsectors covering every kind of service imaginable. Dubai’s residents and businesses require all manner of IT support on a near daily basis. So, if you’ve got the skills and determination to join this growing industry, you’ll likely find your business in high demand.
In this article, we’ll answer the question – how to start an IT company in Dubai – covering everything from the set-up process to strategies for growth.
How to start an IT company in Dubai: Step-by-step
While the process of starting an IT company in Dubai can seem daunting, with the right support, it’s anything but. When you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your business in just four simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your activities
The first step when starting a business anywhere in the UAE is to outline your intended activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
You will require a trade license to start an IT company in Dubai. This is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development and you can make your application online. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Benefits of starting an IT company in Dubai.
Business-first environment
Dubai is about as pro-business as it gets. With an attractive tax regime, 100% foreign ownership in most cases and easy access to accelerators and funding hubs, you’ve got everything you need to drive your business forward.
Strategic location
As well as a large and thriving local economy, Dubai also benefits from a location in the heart of the Middle East – giving you direct and easy access to global markets around the world.
High demand
Dubai has a tech-savvy population and a thriving technology sector. This means lots of potential customers in the corporate and private space.
How to grow an IT company in Dubai
Find perfect partners
Dubai is home to hundreds, if not thousands of businesses that can complement yours. Make the most of networking opportunities and look to forge partnerships to get your name in front of the right customers.
Track down top talent
Dubai attracts workers from around the world – giving you a large and skilled talent pool to choose from. Hiring and retaining highly skilled employees will go a long way to securing your success in this part of the world.
Build your brand
There is no better way to drum up interest in your business than by building an online presence. Be sure to put your brand out there on LinkedIn, Instagram and anywhere else your customers may be.
Posting regularly on social media not only allows you to promote your work. It also helps you nurture a community and position yourself as an authority in your industry.
Find your niche
Competition can be fierce here in the UAE, so it often pays to find a niche or subsector. Be sure to promote the aspects of your business that set you apart from others in Dubai. This could regular maintenance and servicing, industry-specific support or assistance with certain technologies.
Start your IT company with Creative Zone.
Starting an IT company in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here. As the Middle East’s most trusted advisor on business setup in Dubai, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
