200+
projects delivered
9 years
in the Gulf
80%
primary-research-led
4 countries
offices
Why strategy-first beats setup-first
Most setup firms optimise for speed to licence. We optimise for speed to revenue.
Choose the right structure
Free zone vs mainland vs offshore is a commercial decision, not an administrative one. The wrong entity choice costs 12–18 months of re-registration and blocked revenue.
Enter the right market
UAE is a gateway, not a single market. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Northern Emirates and the wider GCC each require different distribution, pricing and channel strategies. We run the research before you set up.
Build relationships, not registrations
Licences don't create customers. We identify the distributors, partners and decision-makers who matter before you spend on setup – so the commercial relationships are live when the entity is.
What the engagement covers
- Entity structure assessment – free zone selection, mainland activity classification, or offshore structure with commercial rationale
- Regulatory and licensing pathway – DED, ADGM, DIFC, sector-specific approvals managed end to end
- Partner and distributor identification – shortlisted from 30+ interviews with buyers, channel partners and sector experts
- Pricing and channel design for UAE and wider GCC markets – localised to emirate and sector dynamics
- First-customer acquisition and pipeline development – from warm introductions to signed pilots
- Monthly milestones with contractual outputs – billing tied to deliverables, not calendar
Engagements are output-defined and fixed-scope. We do not bill by the hour. Contact us to discuss your mandate →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between free zone and mainland company setup in the UAE?
Free zone companies trade freely with international clients but require a local distributor or agent to sell to mainland UAE customers. Mainland companies can sell anywhere in UAE but require a local service agent (certain sectors) or local shareholder (specific activities). The right choice depends on your revenue model and target customer.
Do we need a local sponsor or partner to set up a business in UAE?
For most mainland activities in regulated sectors, a local service agent or Emirati shareholder is required. Free zones are typically 100% foreign-owned. We assess the requirement for your specific activity code and introduce suitable partners from our network.
How long does UAE business setup take?
4–8 weeks for most free zone setups; 6–12 weeks for mainland with additional approvals. Timeline depends on activity classification, regulatory approvals and bank account opening. We manage the process end to end with documented milestones.
Ready to set up in the UAE the right way?
Tell us your business model and target market. We'll recommend the right entry structure and scope the engagement within 48 hours.