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How to Start a Marketing Agency in Dubai: Licence, Activities and Setup Process

To start a marketing agency in Dubai through DUQE, define the services you will offer, select the approved activities that cover them and complete the company formation process. DUQE licence packages currently start at 12,500 (USD 3,404). Standard packages include a trade licence, three business activities and a lease agreement. Most service-led marketing agencies […]

Published 29 September 2026, 17 minute read.

Trade Licence Renewal in Dubai

Trade licence renewal in Dubai extends the validity of an existing company licence through the authority that issued it. DUQE companies renew through DUQE, while other free-zone and mainland businesses follow the process set by their licensing authority. Check the expiry date and issuing authority. Confirm that the activities, ownership, management and address remain accurate. […]

Published 25 September 2026, 19 minute read.

UAE Holding Company: Setup, Licence Options and Tax Considerations

A UAE holding company is a company established to own or control subsidiaries and other permitted assets, rather than primarily selling goods or services to customers. Key Facts About UAE Holding Companies Purpose: Own subsidiaries, shares, intellectual property and other permitted assets. Corporate tax: The standard UAE rates are 0% on taxable income up to […]

Published 23 September 2026, 16 minute read.

DED Activity List Dubai: Business Activities, Codes and Licence Categories

The DED activity list is the catalogue of business activities used for Dubai mainland licensing, now administered by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Each activity has an official name and activity number, and the activity selected should match what the company will actually sell, provide or produce. If you are searching the […]

Published 18 September 2026, 19 minute read.

No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the UAE: Types, Costs, and How to Get One

A NOC in the UAE is written consent from the relevant employer, sponsor, developer, regulator or authority for a specific action, transaction or status change. There is no single UAE-wide NOC form, portal or fee, because the process depends on the authority and purpose. A standard transfer between MoHRE-registered employers is handled through MoHRE’s transfer […]

Published 16 September 2026, 16 minute read.

General Trading Licence in Dubai for Founders and Investors

A general trading licence in Dubai is a commercial licence for companies that want to trade several permitted product categories under one setup, rather than one narrow product line. General Trading Licence Quick Facts: Best for: multi-product importers, exporters, wholesalers and e-commerce sellers Scope: import, export, re-export, wholesale, retail and distribution, where permitted Limits: regulated […]

Published 27 August 2026, 16 minute read.

Professional Licence in Dubai: Free Zone Setup, Activities, and Requirements

A professional licence in Dubai is generally used by service-based businesses, such as consultants, agencies, software providers, designers, trainers, business coaches, and specialist advisers. The correct route depends on the approved activity and whether the company is formed on the Dubai mainland or through a Dubai free zone. This choice affects more than the licence […]

Published 24 August 2026, 16 minute read.

Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai

Free zone company setup in Dubai is the process of forming a UAE company through a Dubai free zone authority, with the legal form, free zone licence, activity, workspace and visa route set under that authority’s rules. Free Zone Company Setup Quick Facts Best suited to founders whose activity and client base fit a free […]

Published 22 August 2026, 15 minute read.

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