How Government Support for Businesses in UAE is Creating a Global Business Hub

The evidence is clear: the government support for businesses in UAE is comprehensive, strategic, and highly effective.

Government support for businesses in UAE

The United Arab Emirates, with Dubai at its forefront, has rapidly transformed into one of the world's most dynamic and attractive business hubs. This remarkable evolution isn't a matter of chance; it's the direct result of visionary leadership and a strategic commitment to creating a pro-investor ecosystem. The incredible influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)—a record $30.7 billion into the UAE in 2023 alone—is a testament to this success. For entrepreneurs and established companies alike, understanding the depth of government support for businesses in UAE is the first step toward leveraging this thriving environment. From bold legal reforms to world-class infrastructure and targeted funding, the government has meticulously laid the groundwork for unparalleled commercial success.

UAE Economic Growth Initiatives: The D33 Agenda and Operation 300bn

Dubai’s ambition is codified in clear, long-term strategic plans that provide a predictable and growth-oriented future for investors. These roadmaps are central to the government's support structure.

Dubai Economic Agenda D33

Launched in early 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Economic Agenda, or “D33,” is a comprehensive plan to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033. This isn't just a broad statement; it's backed by over 100 transformative projects with a staggering economic target of AED 32 trillion over the next decade. For businesses, D33 signals immense opportunities, with goals to double foreign trade to AED 25.6 trillion and more than double annual FDI to AED 60 billion. This agenda solidifies Dubai’s position as a top-three global city, assuring investors of a stable, high-growth market for years to come.

Operation 300bn UAE

Complementing Dubai's vision is the UAE-wide industrial strategy known as "Operation 300bn." This initiative aims to boost the manufacturing sector's contribution to the national GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031. It focuses on attracting advanced technology, upskilling the workforce, and creating thousands of new jobs. For industrial enterprises, the government is rolling out significant incentives, including streamlined regulations, tailored financing through the Emirates Development Bank, and customs exemptions. This targeted support makes the UAE an increasingly competitive base for global manufacturing and supply chain operations.

Dubai Pro-Investor Policies: Attracting Capital and Top Talent

At the heart of Dubai’s appeal are its progressive and investor-friendly policies, designed to remove barriers and attract the world’s best talent and capital.

Benefits of 100% Foreign Ownership in UAE

One of the most significant recent reforms has been the amendment of the federal company laws to permit 100% foreign ownership for most mainland businesses. This game-changing policy eliminates the long-standing requirement for a local Emirati partner to hold a majority stake, giving foreign entrepreneurs complete control over their ventures. This reform has been a major catalyst for the surge in FDI, offering investors greater security, autonomy, and a more straightforward path to establishing a presence in the local market. While some strategic sectors may still have specific requirements, the vast majority of commercial and industrial activities are now open for full foreign ownership.

The Golden Visa Program

The UAE government actively encourages long-term residency for skilled professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and investors through its Golden Visa program. This initiative grants 10-year residency to eligible applicants, providing stability for them and their families. The program's success is evident in the numbers: Dubai issued nearly 158,000 Golden Visas in 2023, almost doubling the previous year's figure. This policy not only attracts capital but also enriches the local talent pool, creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and expertise that benefits all businesses operating in the region.

At the heart of Dubai’s appeal are its progressive and investor-friendly policies, designed to remove barriers and attract the world’s best talent and capital.

World-Class Infrastructure: The Backbone of Business Success

Dubai’s government understands that a thriving economy requires a world-class physical and digital infrastructure. Its strategic investments in logistics, transport, and business facilities are second to none.

The emirate’s strategic location, connecting East and West, is amplified by its state-of-the-art logistics network. The Port of Jebel Ali is the largest container port in the Middle East, handling over 14.47 million TEUs in 2023 and ranking among the world's top 10 busiest ports. Complementing this is Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest for international passenger traffic, which saw over 92 million passengers in 2024. Together with an expanding airline network and advanced digital infrastructure, these hubs provide businesses with seamless global connectivity.

Furthermore, Dubai is home to more than two dozen specialized free zones, each offering a tailored ecosystem with 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined administrative services. These zones, such as DMCC for commodities or Dubai Internet City for tech, allow businesses to operate in a regulated environment designed for their specific industry.

SME Support Programs in Dubai

Recognizing that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the engine of economic growth, the government has established robust support systems. SMEs already contribute over 63% of the UAE's non-oil GDP, and numerous initiatives aim to bolster this sector further.

Agencies like Dubai SME provide incubation programs, access to funding, and reduced fees for new ventures. Government procurement policies are also designed to benefit smaller players, with at least 10% of federal contracts reserved for Emirati-owned SMEs. Furthermore, dedicated funds like the Khalifa Fund, capitalized with AED 2 billion, provide critical financing to local entrepreneurs. This focused support has made the UAE a global leader for entrepreneurship, with applications from international startups to base themselves in the country increasing by 284% in recent years.

Dubai is an excellent place to start a business due to a combination of powerful government support and strategic advantages. Key reasons include a favorable tax environment with 0% personal income tax and a low 9% corporate tax on profits above a high threshold. The government offers pro-investor policies like 100% foreign ownership for most businesses and long-term residency through the Golden Visa program. Furthermore, Dubai boasts world-class infrastructure, including a top-ranked airport and seaport, specialized free zones, and robust support programs for SMEs and startups. This creates a stable, high-growth, and globally connected ecosystem ideal for entrepreneurs.

Partner with START to Seize the Opportunity

The evidence is clear: the government support for businesses in UAE is comprehensive, strategic, and highly effective. Through visionary plans like the D33 Agenda, groundbreaking reforms like 100% foreign ownership, and dedicated support for SMEs, Dubai has created a fertile ground for businesses to thrive. Its world-class infrastructure and investor-friendly environment are not just buzzwords; they are pillars of a deliberate strategy that continues to attract global attention and investment.

Ready to leverage this incredible government support for your own venture? The opportunities are immense, but navigating the setup process requires expert guidance. Contact START today for a free consultation and let our specialists guide you through every step of your Dubai business setup journey, ensuring you capitalize on all the advantages this dynamic city has to offer.