Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Setup
Setting up a mainland company in the UAE allows you to operate anywhere in the Emirates, bid for government projects, and tap into one of the fastest-growing business environments in the world.
Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Setup
Set Up Your Business in the Capital of the UAE
Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest-growing business hubs in the world, offering unmatched economic stability, a transparent regulatory framework, and world-class infrastructure. As the capital of the UAE, it serves as a gateway to the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it a strategic location for entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand or establish their business.
Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi is straightforward and efficient, thanks to simplified government processes, investor-friendly policies, and strong support for new businesses. Whether you’re entering the energy sector, real estate, tourism, finance, or construction—Abu Dhabi provides endless opportunities backed by a stable, diversified economy.
At Al Wahda, we assist you at every step—from trade name registration and securing initial approvals to obtaining your license and processing visas. Our goal is to ensure your company is up and running without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Start your journey in Abu Dhabi with confidence—and let Al Wahda turn your business vision into reality.
Benefits of starting a business in Abu Dhabi
Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi Mainland is a streamlined process with well-defined steps. With the right guidance and documentation, you can establish your company within a matter of days. At Al Wahda, we simplify the entire journey for you:
Choose Business Activity
Start by selecting your business activity from the list approved by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The activity determines your license type and legal structure.
Finalize Legal Structure
Decide the legal form of your company—such as LLC (Limited Liability Company), sole proprietorship, or branch office—based on your business model and future goals.
Trade Name Registration
Propose a unique name for your company and get it approved by ADDED. We ensure your trade name follows local naming
conventions and is available.
Initial Approval
Apply for initial approval from ADDED — This ensures the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has no objection to your planned business activity, allowing you to move forward with the company setup process.
Prepare Legal Documents
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other legal documents. These documents must be notarized and submitted along with your application.
Office Space and Ejari
Secure a physical office space in Abu Dhabi mainland. You must provide a tenancy contract (Ejari) as part of the licensing process.
License Issuance
Submit all documents to ADDED for final approval and make the necessary payments. Upon approval, you will receive your official trade license.
Visa Processing
After obtaining your license, you can apply for investor visas, employee visas, and dependent visas as needed.
Basic Documents Required for Company Setup in Abu Dhabi
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)
Shareholders Agreement
Manager’s Appointment Letter
Board Resolution (Copy)
Notarized Company Documents
Proof of Share Capital
Trade Name Approval Certificate
Tenancy Contract or Lease Agreement
Types of Business Licenses in Abu Dhabi Mainland
1. Commercial License
Issued to companies involved in trading activities—such as buying and selling goods, general trading, and retail businesses. This is one of the most commonly issued licenses in the UAE.
2. Industrial License
Ideal for businesses engaged in manufacturing, industrial production, or processing of goods. This license allows operations such as factories, assembly lines, and industrial plants.
3. Professional License
Required for individuals or companies offering professional or service-based activities. This includes consultancy firms, IT services, legal advisory, accounting, marketing, and more.
4. Tourism License
For businesses in the travel, hospitality, and tourism sectors—like travel agencies, tour operators, and hotel management companies. Regulated in coordination with the Department of Culture and Tourism.
5. Agricultural License
Granted to businesses engaged in farming, animal production, and related agricultural services. It is suitable for investors in the agro-industry.
How to Start a Business in Abu Dhabi?
Starting a business in Abu Dhabi is a smart decision for entrepreneurs seeking growth in the Middle East. With Al Wahda’s expert assistance, the process becomes smooth and hassle-free. Here are the 10 essential steps to get started:
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Determine the nature of your business—commercial, professional, or industrial—as it will decide the type of license you need.
2. Select a Legal Structure
Decide your company’s legal form (e.g., LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or Branch Office) based on ownership, liability, and business goals.
3. Register a Trade Name
Reserve a unique and compliant trade name with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
4. Apply for Initial Approval
Secure initial approval from ADDED, which allows you to proceed with the formation steps.
5. Draft the Legal Documents
Prepare and notarize essential documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association, and partner agreements.
6. Lease Business Premises
Choose a business location and obtain a tenancy contract that meets Abu Dhabi’s commercial space regulations.
7. Get External Approvals (if required)
For certain business activities, you may need special approvals from relevant government authorities (e.g., health, education, or municipality).
8. Submit Final Application to ADDED
Submit all documents, lease agreements, and approval certificates to ADDED for license issuance.
9. Pay License Fees
Clear all government fees associated with your business license, office registration, and commercial approvals.
10. Receive Your Business License & Start Operations
Once approved, you’ll receive your trade license, and your business can officially begin operations in Abu Dhabi Mainland.
How Al Wahda Consultants Help You
Setting up a business in the UAE can seem complex—but not with Al Wahda by your side. We provide expert guidance and complete support at every step of your business setup journey. Here’s how we make it easy for you:
Business Consultation
We understand your goals and help you choose the right business activity, structure, and location tailored to your vision.
Trade Name & Initial Approval
Our team handles trade name reservation and secures initial approvals from ADDED and other relevant authorities.
Legal Documentation & Notarization
Our team prepares, reviews, and notarizes essential documents like MOA and shareholder agreements.
Visa & Immigration Services
We assist in processing visas for investors, partners, and employees along with medical and Emirates ID.
Corporate Bank Account Setup
We guide you in opening a business bank account in a UAE-based bank quickly and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
It usually takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on approvals and documentation.
Yes, in most cases, a local service agent or Emirati partner is required based on the legal structure of the company.
Yes, certain business activities now allow full foreign ownership under UAE regulations.
You can set up commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism-related businesses.
Yes, having a physical office or commercial space is required to obtain a trade license.
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