WhatsApp quoteChoosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. A Dubai mainland licence, released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Qatar-UAE commercial ties have strengthened again since 2021, and Dubai is a convenient second base for Qatari groups, which gives Qatari entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Dubai licence is released. For most clients, contracting is almost always a mainland licence because projects are delivered on client sites across the emirates. Classification grades and an engineer's credentials are required for most contracting categories.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. Dubai mainland licences are released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
Importantly, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, generally a LLC or a sole establishment. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Nothing is submitted for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
In practice, the document list for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder is short, and most clients 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
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Engineer's attested degree
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- Your current residency visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Pricing for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Day to day, the figures below for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari 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
- 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 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
In our experience, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
Our quotations for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. We speak the languages our customers speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder happen the same day they are ready.
Importantly, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening a contracting company in the UAE as a Qatari founder in a single conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Are Dubai 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
On the ground, 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.
Can a Qatari citizen own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, it can. Qataris can own the full share capital of a Dubai company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is construction & contracting allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. Qataris can own 100% of a contracting company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
