WhatsApp quoteOn the ground, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Abu Dhabi mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. 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. South Africans are a community of around 100,000 residents strong in finance, hospitality, education and mining services, so the Abu Dhabi authority, the banks and the immigration officers see South African applications every day and process them without hesitation. For most clients, 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.
Why Abu Dhabi
To be clear, businesses that benefit most from Abu Dhabi mainland licensing include oil and gas services, contracting, engineering, healthcare and education, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Just as important, among the strengths of an Abu Dhabi mainland licence are access to ADNOC and government supply chains and Tajer licence with no office for 2 years, which is why local service businesses gravitate here.
How Abu Dhabi works with GoldenKey
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
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. For opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
The memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Importantly, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder in real time.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- A bank statement from your South Africa bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A police clearance certificate from South Africa if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. In our experience, pricing for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- 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
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder and makes international pricing simple. In short, 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 a South African founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
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 an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder. GoldenKey's consultants have handled opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. On the ground, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Abu Dhabi file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit.
As we tell every client, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for opening an oil and gas services company in the UAE as a South African founder in a single conversation.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Abu Dhabi mainland licence?
On the ground, 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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
As a rule, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Abu Dhabi mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can a South African citizen own 100% of a company in Abu Dhabi?
Absolutely. South Africans can own the full share capital of a Abu Dhabi company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is oil & gas services allowed in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. South Africans 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.
