Client Background
Name: Waseem Ahmad
Nationality: Indian
Business Type: General Maintenance Company
License Type: Mainland License (Dubai)
Visa Quotas: 10 visas
Waseem Ahmad, an entrepreneur from India, had a clear business vision: to establish a general maintenance company in Dubai that could operate across the UAE, secure contracts with local businesses, and grow his workforce. To achieve this, he chose to pursue a Mainland License Dubai — a strategic choice that would provide full access to the UAE market, flexibility in hiring, and the ability to expand operations rapidly.
The Challenge
Setting up a business in a foreign country can be complex, especially for first-time entrepreneurs unfamiliar with local regulations. Waseem faced several challenges:
- Understanding Company Formation: Dubai’s corporate framework has many licence types. Choosing the right setup — especially one that supported his long-term business plan — was critical.
- Regulatory Navigation: The detailed documentation and regulatory approvals required by Dubai authorities such as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) can be overwhelming without local expertise.
- Visa Planning: For a growing maintenance company, securing enough visa quotas (in Waseem’s case, 10) was essential. Mainland businesses can apply for visas based on office space and needs, but the process requires careful planning.
Dar Aluloom’s Solution
Dar Aluloom International Business Consultancy provided end-to-end company setup support, guiding Waseem through each step of the journey:
1. Strategic Planning and Licensing
Dar Aluloom conducted a thorough business evaluation, recommending a Mainland License Dubai due to its advantages — unrestricted local trade, broader market access, government contract eligibility, and scalable visa quotas, tied to office space rather than arbitrary caps.
2. Document Preparation and Submission
Dar Aluloom’s team helped prepare and verify all required documentation — including trade name reservation, Memorandum of Association, and lease agreement — ensuring seamless submission to the DET and related authorities.
3. Office Setup and Compliance
A physical office space was arranged to meet the Mainland license requirements. Dar Aluloom ensured compliance with the Ejari (tenancy registration) and other prerequisites, which are essential for visa allocations.
4. Visa Quota Allocation and Processing
With an approved Mainland license, Dar Aluloom managed the application process for 10 visa quotas — including employment and investor visas — facilitating medical tests, Emirates ID processing, and final residency stamping.
Outcome
Thanks to Dar Aluloom’s structured approach:
- Mainland License Dubai was successfully issued.
- 10 visa quotas were allocated and processed smoothly.
- Waseem’s company gained full access to operate anywhere in the UAE.
- The business was positioned to pursue local contracts, workforce growth, and long-term market presence.
Waseem now operates a fully licensed general maintenance company with the flexibility to expand services and hire employees as needed — a strong foundation for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Mainland License in Dubai?
A Mainland License Dubai allows a company to trade freely within the UAE and internationally without geographical restrictions. Mainland companies can service local clients, bid for government and semi-government projects, and secure visas based on operational needs.
2. Why choose a Mainland License over a Free Zone license?
Mainland companies can operate across the entire UAE market, tenders with government entities, and hire employees without fixed visa caps (visa quotas are linked to office space). Free zone entities often have limitations in local trade unless they partner with mainland firms.
3. How many visas can a Mainland License Dubai company get?
There is no strict cap — the number of visas a Mainland company can apply for depends on the size of the leased office space and the demonstrated need for staff, rather than a fixed quota.
4. Can a foreign national own 100% of a Mainland company?
Yes. Recent reforms have allowed many mainland businesses to have 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local sponsor, depending on the specific business activity.
5. How long does it take to get a Mainland License in Dubai?
The process can vary depending on the business activity and the completeness of documentation, but with expert consultancy support, it typically spans a few weeks from application to licence issuance and visa processing.
