Dubai Internet City
(DIC)

So, if you’re interested in setting up in a UAE-free zone and are considering your options, here is everything you need to know to decide whether Dubai Internet City is right for you. 

• Office and visa options: For entrepreneurs wishing to work flexibly out of DIC, the flexi-desk package is the ideal solution. This allows business owners to make use of office facilities such as desk space, meeting rooms, reception cover and call screening on an ad-hoc basis without the need to commit to physical office space. While the facilities are undoubtedly first class, at AED 25,000 it’s true that DIC’s flexi-package is slightly higher than others in the region. For those looking for more than one visa, or who wish to set up a physical presence in the free zone, DIC also offers the opportunity to apply for one visa per eight square metres of office space.
• Robust setup process: Perhaps unsurprisingly given the stature of many businesses that set up here, Dubai Internet City’s registration process is both comprehensive and robust. Entrepreneurs are required to provide a detailed business plan along with a certificate of incorporation and passport copies for all shareholders. From start to finish, the registration usually takes no longer than one month and you’ll only be required to visit the free zone once – to sign your application documents in front of the relevant authorities.
  
  
• Home to a variety of ICT businesses: Perhaps the biggest factor behind DIC’s popularity is that the free zone is open to a broad array of tech businesses. Dubai Internet City welcomes companies across the full spectrum of ICT and online industries, including software, hardware and digital marketing companies. Facebook, Google, Microsoft and IBM are just some of the prestigious organizations that call the free zone home.
  
  
• Easy to arrange your corporate bank account: A hugely important task that is often not taken into consideration when setting up a company in the UAE is ensuring you get your corporate bank account open in time. Fortunately, DIC’s helpful staff are on hand to make sure this stage of the process runs smoothly. As well as advising you on the best banks to suit your needs, DIC can also arrange meetings with your chosen financial institutions should you so wish. What’s more, the Dubai Internet City’s robust setup procedures make it well trusted by both local and international banks.
  
  
• Sponsor dependants with ease: As well as offering a straightforward process for applying for your own visa, Dubai Internet City makes it easy to obtain visas for your dependants as well. Providing you meet the salary requirements, you’ll be able to sponsor staff and/or family members when making their visa applications. Whether you require a visa for a spouse, child, maid or driver, the process is four straightforward stages: entry permit, status adjustment, a medical fitness test, then Emirates ID registration and visa stamping. As this is such an important process, it’s a good idea to get advice from an expert in setting up UAE free zone businesses – to ensure that before starting an application, both you and those you are hoping to sponsor meet the entry criteria.
  
  
• Set up with multiple shareholders: Dubai Internet City is particularly popular among large multinational organisations as it allows for company formation with more than one shareholder. Companies setting up in the free zone are allowed multiple shareholders – both individuals and corporates.
  
  
• Work alongside industry giants: While Dubai Internet City may be slightly more expensive in terms of setup and running costs compared to others in the region, it is the place to be for businesses that want to make their name in the tech industry. DIC is the premier address for IT companies in Dubai, offering the opportunity to work alongside tech giants and Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Dell and Cisco.
  
  
• Location, location, location: DIC’s location is also a huge part of its appeal. Centrally located in Dubai, the free zone is just off one of the city’s main highways – Sheikh Zayed Road – making travel in and around the Emirates a breeze. Dubai Internet City is also within easy reach of several major ports and both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, ideal for business travel and trade. Finally, for those that don’t intend to move too far from the free zones, DIC is well stocked with amenities: home to over 80 restaurants, alongside banking, courier and many other business facilities.