How do Saudis open a commercial register in Dubai ? Dubai is one of the region’s leading investment destinations, providing a sophisticated business environment that supports the growth of companies and entrepreneurs. For Saudi investors, opening a commercial register in Dubai represents an ideal opportunity to take advantage of numerous economic advantages, such as tax exemptions, advanced infrastructure, and flexible legislation that facilitates doing business. With multiple free zones and diverse company establishment options, Saudis can easily establish their projects according to their desired business type. In this article, we will discuss the steps and requirements for opening a commercial register in Dubai for Saudis, as well as the benefits investors can reap from this important step.

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ToggleCommercial Register in Dubai
A Dubai commercial register is an essential document that allows business owners to legally conduct commercial activities within the emirate. Dubai offers an ideal investment environment thanks to its advanced infrastructure, tax exemptions, and easy company formation procedures, making it a preferred destination for investors of various nationalities, especially Gulf nationals.
Opening a commercial register in Dubai begins with identifying the business activity and choosing the legal form of the company, whether in a free zone or within Dubai’s regular economic zone. Next, register a suitable trade name according to approved standards and submit the required documents, which include a copy of your passport or national ID, a notarized lease contract, and any additional approvals required for specific activities.
Through a commercial register, business owners can benefit from numerous advantages, such as 100% company ownership in free zones, the ability to open a commercial bank account, and the freedom to import and export goods. Furthermore, the Dubai government provides advanced electronic services to facilitate the registration and annual renewal of commercial licenses.
For those looking to establish a successful business in Dubai, Atqan can provide the necessary support every step of the way, from selecting the appropriate business activity to completing the commercial registration process quickly and efficiently, ensuring full compliance with local laws and achieving the best investment opportunities.
How to open a commercial register in Dubai for Saudis
Opening a commercial register in Dubai for Saudis is a strategic step to take advantage of the investment opportunities the emirate offers. Saudis can easily establish their companies thanks to the facilities provided by the relevant authorities. Below are the basic steps for opening a commercial register in Dubai:
Determine the type of business activity: The appropriate business activity must be chosen from among the approved activities in Dubai, whether commercial, industrial, or service, as this affects the
Licensing Requirements: Choosing a Legal Form for Your Company: Saudis can establish sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, or open branches of their existing companies in Saudi Arabia.
- Trade name registration: Choose a unique trade name that complies with the laws of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, ensuring that it does not conflict with previously registered names.
- Obtaining initial approvals: You must apply for initial approvals from the relevant authorities, especially if the activity requires additional approvals from regulatory bodies.
- Renting a commercial office: It is essential to rent an office or workspace that suits the nature of the business. A lease contract certified by Ejari is a basic requirement.
- Submitting the necessary documents: Required documents include a copy of your passport, a copy of your Saudi ID, a business plan in some cases, and official registration forms.
Payment of fees and receipt of license: After completing all procedures and paying the required fees, the commercial register and commercial license are issued, allowing the business to officially begin operating.
Conditions for opening a commercial register in Dubai for Saudis
Saudis can easily open a commercial registry in Dubai, thanks to the facilities provided by the UAE government to support Gulf investors. However, there are a set of requirements that must be met to ensure the company is legally established. The most important requirements are:
- The business activity must be selected from among the approved activities in Dubai, as the type of activity affects the company’s form and the required licenses.
- Saudis can establish sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), companies in free zones, or open branches of their Saudi companies.
- The trade name chosen must comply with applicable Dubai laws, be unique, and not violate the terms and conditions related to trade names.
- Providing the required documents includes the basic documents for opening a commercial register in Dubai for Saudis, a copy of the passport and the ID of the owner.
- Project. Copy of residence visa (if resident in the UAE). Business plan in some cases, especially when establishing large companies or private activities.
- The company must have a registered business address in Dubai, which can be in a free zone or within other commercial areas, and the lease must be registered in the Ejari system.
- Some activities require additional approvals from regulatory bodies, such as relevant government departments or economic activity authorities.
- Registration and licensing fees must be paid according to the chosen activity, after which the commercial register is officially issued, allowing the project owner to commence the activity.
Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis
Establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis is a promising investment opportunity, as the emirate offers a thriving economic environment that supports Gulf entrepreneurs and investors. Dubai boasts advanced infrastructure, flexible government procedures, and tax exemptions across many sectors, making it an ideal destination for business establishment. Steps to establish a company in Dubai for Saudis:
- Choose your business activity – you must select the type of business from among more than 2,000 commercial, industrial, and service activities available in Dubai.
Choose your legal form – you can establish a limited liability company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, open a branch of a Saudi company, or establish a company in one of the free zones. - Trade Name Registration – You must choose a trade name that complies with the laws of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Obtaining initial approvals – Some activities require additional approvals from specialized regulatory bodies.
- Renting a company headquarters – a registered business address must be provided and documented through the “Ejari” system.
- Document preparation and fee payment – Documents include a copy of your passport and Saudi ID, the articles of association, and any required government approvals.

Advantages of establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis
Saudis enjoy excellent investment opportunities when establishing a company in Dubai, as the emirate offers a sophisticated business environment and legal and administrative facilities, making it one of the best destinations for entrepreneurs. Here are the most prominent benefits a Saudi investor receives when establishing a company in Dubai:
1. Full company ownership: Dubai’s new foreign investment law allows Saudis to own 100% of their companies in many sectors, both inside and outside the free zones.
2. No personal income tax: Dubai is one of the most attractive tax environments, with no personal income tax and tax exemptions for many business and investment activities.
3. A stable and prosperous economic environment: Dubai offers a growing economy and a safe environment for investors, which helps achieve sustainable business growth.
4. Ease of company formation and quick procedures: Dubai is known for its rapid company registration procedures, as commercial licenses can be issued in a short time through digital government services.
5. Advanced infrastructure: Dubai offers a modern transportation network, global ports, and international airports, facilitating import and export operations and access to regional and global markets.
6. Diverse business opportunities: Saudi investors can benefit from investment opportunities in various sectors such as real estate, trade, logistics, tourism, and technology.
7. Freedom to transfer funds and profits: Dubai offers flexible financial systems that allow investors the freedom to transfer profits and funds without restrictions, facilitating international business transactions.
8. Government support and investment incentives: The UAE government provides support programs and investment incentives to attract entrepreneurs and promote business growth.
To maximize these benefits, Atqan can provide specialized consulting and comprehensive services to help Saudis establish their companies in Dubai quickly and smoothly.
Atqan Company’s services for establishing a company in Dubai for Saudis
Atqan provides integrated solutions to help Saudi investors establish their companies in Dubai easily and smoothly, while ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory procedures. With its extensive experience in company formation, Atqan offers a range of services that facilitate the process of starting a business in Dubai.
1. Company formation consultations: Atqan provides specialized consultations to help Saudi investors choose the appropriate business activity and determine the optimal legal form for their company, whether within the free zones or in Dubai Economic City.
2. Registering the commercial register and obtaining the license: “Atqan” carries out all necessary procedures for registering the commercial register, reserving the trade name, and obtaining the licenses required to conduct the commercial activity as quickly as possible.
3. Preparing legal documents: Atqan’s services include preparing official contracts and ensuring that all legal requirements for establishing a company are met, such as notarizing the articles of association and obtaining the necessary government approvals.
4. Securing a Workplace and Office Rental: Atqan offers multiple options for workspaces and commercial premises, whether in free zones or within Dubai, while facilitating the registration of lease contracts in the Ejari system.
5. Opening bank accounts: Atqan helps Saudi investors open commercial bank accounts in approved UAE banks, facilitating the management of financial transactions.
6. Obtaining residence visas and permits: Atqan provides services for issuing residence visas for investors and employees, in addition to work permits, in accordance with the regulations approved in the UAE.
7. Accounting and Tax Services: Atqan provides accounting and tax management solutions to ensure compliance with Dubai’s financial regulations, including tax reporting in accordance with local regulations.
8. Integrated support after company establishment: Atqan’s services are not limited to the establishment phase only, but rather provide ongoing support to Saudi companies in Dubai, such as renewing commercial licenses, expanding businesses, and providing legal guidance to ensure the project’s success.
Through its comprehensive services, Atqan ensures Saudi entrepreneurs have a smooth and reliable investment experience in Dubai, helping them achieve success and expand in the UAE and Gulf markets.
Opening a commercial registration in Dubai for Saudis is a strategic step toward investing in one of the region’s most thriving markets. Thanks to government facilities, advanced infrastructure, and tax exemptions, Saudi entrepreneurs can establish their companies and benefit from a competitive business environment that supports growth and expansion. By partnering with Atqan, company registration procedures can be expedited and full compliance with local laws ensured, giving investors a strong start in Dubai’s promising market. If you’re considering starting your business in Dubai, making the right decision and enlisting the help of specialized entities will be key to your business success.
Frequently asked questions about opening a commercial register in Dubai for Saudis
Can Saudis open a commercial register in Dubai without an Emirati partner?
Yes, Saudis can establish their own companies with 100% ownership without the need for a local partner, especially in free zones and for certain commercial activities within Dubai.
What types of companies can Saudis establish in Dubai?
Saudis can establish several types of companies, such as limited liability companies (LLCs), sole proprietorships, opening branches of Saudi companies, or establishing a company in free zones.
How long does it take to obtain a commercial registration in Dubai?
Does a Saudi investor need a Dubai residence visa to establish his company?
A residence visa is not required to establish a company, but an investor may apply for an investor residence visa if they wish to reside and manage their business from within the UAE.