WhatsApp quoteAl Reem Island is Abu Dhabi's modern financial and residential island, and it is one of the locations founders ask GoldenKey about most when planning an Abu Dhabi mainland company. Setting up a business in Al Reem Island means an Abu Dhabi mainland licence from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), 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 Reem Island, and we can recommend business centres and landlords in the area.
Who sets up in Al Reem Island
In our experience, al Reem Island attracts contractors, engineering firms, oil and gas suppliers and clinics. Rents, footfall and parking differ from street to street, so we advise viewing two or three units before signing.
Licensing steps for Al Reem Island
Put simply, the licence is issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). GoldenKey reserves the name, obtains initial approval, registers your tenancy contract for the Al Reem Island unit and submits the file; municipality and civil defence approvals follow for shops and food outlets.
Costs
Licence packages for Abu Dhabi mainland start from AED 14,850, plus rent for your Al Reem Island premises and any external approvals. We confirm every figure in writing.
Licensing steps
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
To be clear, your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), together with any external approvals the activity requires. Nothing is submitted for setting up a business in Al Reem Island until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. For setting up a business in Al Reem Island, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Abu Dhabi 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
| Additional visa | AED 3,520 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 11,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled setting up a business in Al Reem Island for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves without delay. If a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Al Reem Island file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit.
If you would like a written quotation for setting up a business in Al Reem Island, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Al Reem Island mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Al Reem Island mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How long does Al Reem Island mainland company formation take?
With supporting documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in most cases issues the licence within 5 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
What is the difference between Al Reem Island mainland and a free zone?
For most clients, 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 Reem Island mainland licence?
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) 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.
