WhatsApp quoteCrucially, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. On the ground, payments between Saudi Arabia and the UAE are routine: the dirham is pegged to the dollar, Saudi riyal (SAR) transfers settle quickly and UAE banks are familiar with Saudi business profiles. As a rule, holiday homes in Dubai are licensed through DET and need each unit registered. Desert safaris, yacht charters and water sports have operator permits and safety requirements from the relevant authority.
Why Dubai
Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
On the ground, we select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. For opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
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
In short, the memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). We keep a written record of this step so your file for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder is audit-ready.
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.
Documents required
The document list for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A bank statement from your Saudi Arabia bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- Educational certificates attested by the Saudi Arabia authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
Pricing
All prices for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment. Day to day, the figures below for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
In practice, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder and makes international pricing simple. From day one, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves promptly. Put simply, our quotations for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for opening a hospitality business in the UAE as a Saudi founder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dubai 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 Dubai mainland licence?
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 Dubai 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.
Is tourism & hospitality allowed in Dubai?
Absolutely. Saudi nationals can own 100% of a hospitality business in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
How long does the process take for Saudi applicants?
Processing for Saudi nationals follows the same timeline as other nationalities. Documents from Saudi Arabia that need attestation are the main variable, and GoldenKey guides you through that step.
