If you are planning to establish a company in the Middle East to launch your business, you can choose to set up a business in the Dubai Design District free zone. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, opened the Dubai Design District in 2013. Here foreign investors can take advantage of outstanding perks including re-exports outside of Dubai. Additionally, entrepreneurs can receive benefits including 100% company ownership, full tax redemption, etc.
Go ahead to dive deep into the process, requirements, and other details of setting up a business in the free zone of Dubai Design District. (GDP).
Business Setup
Company Formation
Bank Account Opening
Visa Services
Dubai Design District was created by the TECOM group in three phases. And new innovations and commercial districts were the focus of each phase. Here are the Details of the Phases:
Phase 1
In 2015, D3 experienced an infusion of Emirati and foreign talent during phase one. By 2016, 6,000 creatives were employed in Dubai Design District. 40% were regional creative businesses. Whereas international companies made up 60% of these innovative businesses. Since then, District has received funding from businesses like IBM, Nike, and Adidas.
Phase 2
In 2019, Phase 2 was finished. This stage was designed by Foster and Partners. Additionally, it increased the community’s access to creative resource materials designed by this company.
Phase 3
Phase 3 of the district was finished in 2021. It concentrated on creekside development. The District offers a variety of contemporary accommodation options. The waterfront is currently glistening with a vast number of popular venues, restaurants, and hotels.
In order to promote development and investment in industries including digital media, the arts, design, and fashion, Dubai Design District (D3) was established by the Dubai government in 2013. The Dubai Design District Free Zone is a leader in the Middle East as of right now, offering brand launches, a variety of media and design seminars, art shows, trade exhibits, media conferences, and fashion events, among others. With a very unique ecosystem for business, the Dubai Design District supports emerging firms in hospitality, fashion, luxury, and retail.
The Dubai Design District free zone was created with the intention of creating a creative center. It would provide a home for the creative league by showcasing up-and-coming and talented local individuals. The simple and fast business setup process is one of the main elements influencing Dubai Design District’s growth as a free zone.
The Dubai Design District free zone was created with the intention of creating a creative center. It would provide a home for the creative league by showcasing up-and-coming and talented local individuals. The simple and fast business setup process is one of the main elements influencing Dubai Design District’s growth as a free zone.
TECOM Investments has launched many Free Zone business parks out of which the most recent one is the Dubai Design District.
The Dubai Design District offices, once the beating core of the Middle Eastern design industry, today serve the global fashion, design, and luxury industries. Dubai Design District is the innovation hotspot thanks to the objective of building a world-class creative community that supports, engages, and fosters local, international, and regional design talent.
The Dubai Design District logo supports the Free Zone’s goals of being a leader in the fields of the arts, design, and fashion. Leading international and local firms currently have ultra-modern offices, headquarters, ateliers, and studios located in Dubai Design District.
MKB Founders HUB has played a key role in assisting startups and brands to establish themselves and develop in the Dubai Design District throughout this time.
The district serves as a gathering place for creative minds to unite and transform their dreams into reality. The Design District free zone has effectively addressed the long-standing need for a community that fosters creativity and accommodates the thousands of fashion designers, artists, and imaginative individuals throughout the region.
Dubai Design District free zone offers a vibrant environment where individuals with a bohemian spirit can reside, work, and indulge in recreational activities. It serves as a nurturing ground for aspiring designers to gain experience and refine their skills. Moreover, it provides a platform for local talents to collaborate with international designers, artists, and fashion houses.
Dubai Design District stands as the ultimate destination for young creative entrepreneurs. The free zone offers a plethora of advantages that not only allow companies to showcase their talents but also foster the promotion of creativity and ideas. It is an ideal hub for those looking to flourish in the realm of art and innovation.
At a glance, here are some of the major benefits:
The majority of businesses in Dubai Design District are owned by international entrepreneurs, contributing to a vibrant and cosmopolitan community. However, UAE businesses are also making significant strides in this area.
Location
Ideal Location Dubai Design District is strategically situated in the heart of Dubai, in close proximity to Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. The free zone enjoys excellent connectivity to major roads, particularly the Zabeel District.
Commuting options include ample parking facilities, well-connected bus routes, and even riverboat taxis.
Innovation and Diversity
Opportunities for female creative businesses in Dubai Design District are abundant. Among the nearly 100 UAE businesses in the district, a significant number are owned by women.
Tax Exemption
Tax Exemption Although the implementation of value-added tax (VAT) took effect in the UAE in early 2018, the absence of corporate and income tax remains a substantial advantage. This tax exemption makes Dubai free zone an appealing destination for business owners seeking such benefits.
Collect Your License
Once everything is done successfully, the final step is the collection of your business license, which is also a two-step process.
- Signing Lease
- Payment
Collect Your License
Once everything is done successfully, the final step is the collection of your business license, which is also a two-step process.
- Signing Lease
- Payment
Select Company Type, License, and Facility
- Select your company’s type, whether it is a Free Zone Company or a Branch Office of an Existing Company
- Based on your company’s operations, choose the type of license you want to apply for
- Choose a facility that best fits your business location
Submit Documents
The organization has listed all the required documents which are needed to process your application, which are:
- Application form
- Letter of intent
- If applicable:
- Existing company brochure
- Annual financial report
- Approval from third-party authorities
- Shareholder and manager’s passport copy and CV
- Original bank reference of each stakeholder
- NOC issued by a current sponsor for the manager
Collect Your License
Once everything is done successfully, the final step is the collection of your business license, which is also a two-step process.
- Signing Lease
- Payment
Once you have obtained your business license, it is essential to establish a dedicated bank account for your business in Dubai Design District. Separating your personal and business finances is crucial for effective financial management.
At MKB Founders HUB, we specialize in assisting you with the setup of your Dubai business bank account, allowing you to concentrate on running your business. We collaborate exclusively with trusted banks in the UAE, ensuring the safety and security of your funds.
Timeline
The process of opening your bank account typically takes approximately 25 working days. However, please note that specialized accounts may have longer processing times. Rest assured, we will provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from the beginning of it to the finish.
Apply In-Person
After initiating the process with us, you can personally visit your chosen bank. During the meeting, you will meet with a bank representative who will guide you through completing the necessary application forms and submitting your documents.
Apply Remotely
If you are located outside of the UAE, you can begin the bank account application remotely. A brief meeting via phone or video call will be arranged, followed by the requirement to visit the bank in person to sign the relevant forms in most cases.
Here are the most prominent features of Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority:
The major license types are listed ahead:
The amount of price that is being asked for different licenses entrepreneurs by Design District can apply for company formation in Dubai
In the Dubai Design District, you can decide what types of businesses to open for the public. Although the procedures vary among them, each is simple and easy to follow.
Freelance Permit
Freelance Permit
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
Foreign Company’s Branch Office
Foreign Company’s Branch Office
UAE Company’s Branch Office
UAE Company’s Branch Office
Dubai’s free zone renowned for its focus on design and innovation, known as the D3 free zone, attracts numerous investors interested in establishing their businesses there. It’s not hard to see why joining this community is highly desirable. This district offers space, collaboration, and opportunities for creative individuals throughout the region. Moreover, it draws exceptional talent from across the globe.
The UAE has devoted careful attention to developing a creative ecosystem that surpasses the expectations typically associated with creative neighborhoods. The process of setting up a business in the D3 free zone follows the same procedure as in other free zones. To establish a business in the Dubai Design District free zone, it is necessary to obtain one of the licenses mentioned above.
To set up a business in the Dubai Design District Free Zone, obtaining a license is essential. There are licenses available for industrial, commercial, and professional purposes. The licensing procedure in the D3 free zone is trouble-free and straightforward.
Obtaining a license in this free zone involves several steps. Here are the necessary steps to acquire your license:
Choose your Business Activity
Begin by selecting your desired business activity.
Trade Name Registration
Proceed to register the name for your business setup.
Choose Space
Next, decide on an office space for your business.
Submit the Application
Obtain an application form to register your business and obtain the license.
Submit the Required Documents and Pay the Required Fee
Gather the required documents as specified in the form, ensuring they are fully signed and notarized. Submit them to the authorities. They will provide you with a challan specifying the amount to be paid. Make the payment at the designated counter.
Collect Your Registration Certificate and Professional License
Once the fees have been paid, your registration request will be processed. The approval of documents typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks. After approval, you can collect your valid license and a registration certificate.
Obtain a Customer Confirmation Letter
After completing the registration process, it is time to obtain the customer confirmation letter, signaling that you are now prepared to commence your business,
Here we have covered all you need to know to launch your business in this special free zone of Dubai. Even if the procedure is straightforward and simply differs in the number of documents necessary from business setup procedures of other free zones, it is still crucial to carefully review the entire process to make sure you don’t overlook something critical.
Individuals who are slightly into entrepreneurship should open a firm in the Dubai Design District Free Zone as this option seems like a very lucrative and simple choice. For those with creative and artistic minds, there are many promising opportunities.
If the possibilities and simplicity of starting a business in the Dubai Design District already enticed you and you don’t intend to use it as a workspace in the coming years, you should start a company in this free zone.
MKB Leaders HUB and everything will be taken care of. Our business consultants will walk you through the entire procedure in the dynamic UAE economy. We’ll help you with everything you should be aware of, from assisting with the pricing of your Dubai Design District business license to handling the documentation process entirely. With our right guidance, you can establish your business in this district and we’ll make sure everything goes well.
