WhatsApp quoteAl Quoz is Dubai's industrial and creative district with warehouses and studios, and it is one of the locations company owners ask GoldenKey about most when planning a Dubai mainland company. Setting up a business in Al Quoz means a Dubai mainland licence from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), an office or shop registered in the district and the approvals your activity needs. GoldenKey arranges the licence, tenancy registration and visas for companies locating in Al Quoz, and we can recommend business centres and landlords in the area.
Who sets up in Al Quoz
As a rule, al Quoz attracts trading companies, consultancies, tech start-ups and professional firms. Rents, footfall and parking differ from street to street, so we advise viewing two or three units before signing.
Licensing steps for Al Quoz
To be clear, the licence is granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). GoldenKey reserves the name, obtains initial approval, registers your tenancy contract for the Al Quoz unit and submits the file; municipality and civil defence approvals follow for shops and food outlets.
Costs
Licence packages for Dubai mainland start from AED 15,000, plus rent for your Al Quoz premises and any external approvals. We confirm every figure in writing.
Licensing steps
Step 1Activity and legal form
Day to day, we pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. If the authority raises a query on setting up a business in Al Quoz at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). We keep a written record of this step so your file for setting up a business in Al Quoz is audit-ready.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
On the ground, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas.
Dubai mainland pricing
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why GoldenKey
Crucially, after your Al Quoz licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. Every Al Quoz package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for setting up a business in Al Quoz, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Al Quoz mainland company?
Crucially, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Al Quoz mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
What is the difference between Al Quoz mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
How much office space do I need for a Al Quoz mainland licence?
Importantly, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Al Quoz mainland company?
In practice, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
