WhatsApp quoteAn Abu Dhabi mainland licence, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. A mainland company in Abu Dhabi can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. Put simply, typical examples of this activity include equipment supply, inspection services, engineering support and chemicals trading, which can usually sit together on one Abu Dhabi licence. The most common businesses Egyptians open through GoldenKey are in consulting, engineering, media and education, although Abu Dhabi supports almost any activity.
Why Abu Dhabi
As a rule, in-Country Value (ICV) certification boosts success in government and ADNOC tenders. Abu Dhabi mainland licences are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), which currently processes most standard files in around 5 working days (Monday to Friday).
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Crucially, we pick the precise activity codes from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), including any external approvals your activity needs. Nothing is submitted for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
On the ground, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
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. If the authority raises a query on opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
Just as important, the document list for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- The UAE entry stamp or visa page if you are already in the country
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- A bank statement from your Egypt bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A police clearance certificate from Egypt if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Company profile
Pricing
Pricing for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. The figures below for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 3,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 10,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
Crucially, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. To be clear, after your Abu Dhabi licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice.
To be clear, tell us about your plans for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as an Egyptian founder and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my free zone company to a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
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.
Are Abu Dhabi mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
Can a Abu Dhabi mainland company trade in other emirates?
It can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, it can. Egyptians can own 100% of an oil and gas services company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Abu Dhabi for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Can a Egyptian citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Egyptians can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
