Dubai has introduced a new business regulation that allows companies registered in its free zones to operate in the mainland under a single permit.
The new “Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit” was issued under Executive Council Decision No. 11 of 2025, as announced by the Dubai Media Office.
According to the announcement, the initiative — launched in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) — aims to strengthen cooperation between free zones and the mainland, enhance economic competitiveness, and attract more foreign investment.
Under this permit, free zone companies can engage in commercial activities within the mainland without establishing a new entity, provided they obtain the necessary activity approvals from the DET.
At this stage, the decision applies exclusively to the Emirate of Dubai. Other emirates, such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, have not yet implemented similar regulations. However, experts expect the successful rollout in Dubai to encourage wider adoption across the UAE in the future.
Sorurce:
https://mediaoffice.ae