How To Start Freezone company setup Under DCCA-TECOM?

DDIC is a part of the DCCA Free Zone cluster. It was formed under Law No. 1 of 2000 of the Emirate of Dubai. DIC provides a knowledge-economy ecosystem that is designed to support the development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East’s biggest IT infrastructure built inside a Free Trade Zone. DIC is fully supported by the Government of Dubai and has established Freezone-specific corporate laws that empower the companies in the community and help them grow. Within a short span of time, many global ICT companies have established themselves in Dubai Internet City. Dubai Internet City is a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in a vast region extending from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent and Africa to the CIS countries, covering 1.6 billion people.

FEATURES

• State-of-the-art technology
• World-class technical infrastructure (high bandwidth, low telecom cost, high-speed support infrastructure, etc.) built by CISCO, SUN MICROSYSTEMS, SIEMENS
• State-of-the-art urban infrastructure (cost-competitive, flexible office space, etc)
• Largest commercial internet protocol telephony system in the world
• Stringent cyber regulations
• A rich network that companies can tap for resources, partnerships, and ideas
• Easy and fast company registration and licensing procedures
• Lease for up to 20 years
• Type of company activities includes Software Development, Business Services, Web-Based and e-Commerce, Consultancy, Education and Training, Sales and Marketing and Back Office Operations, etc.

DUBAI OUTSOURCE CITY

Dubai Outsource City (DOC) provides a comprehensive infrastructure and environment for outsourcing companies to set up global or regional hubs servicing the worldwide market. DOC is yet another initiative of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone. Dubai Outsource City (DOC) is a unique business community dedicated to the growth and development of the region’s outsourcing, shared services, and business process outsourcing sectors. Dubai Outsource City is an initiative of Dubai Internet City, the state-of-the-art global hub within Dubai. It is the perfect base for companies that provide mid to high-end IT and business processes outsourcing (BPO) services. Some of the key sectors covered are finance, accounting, IT, payroll processing, graphic design, engineering, biotech, R&D, and design. It also serves as a center for disaster recovery facilities for call centers located offshore elsewhere in the world. The Zone caters to offshore requirements from Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

FEATURES

• 100 % exemption from taxes
• 100 % repatriation of capital and profits
• Host of support Services to eliminate problems faced by outsourcing companies and to reduce operational hassles for outsourcing service providers. They include Speedy Incorporation & Trade Licensing, Hospitality Services, and Event Management Services, etc.
• Facilities to plug-and-play infrastructure which helps offshore service providers to start operations with minimal upfront investment.

DUBAI MEDIA CITY (DMC)

DMC is fully supported by the Government of Dubai and has established Freezone-specific corporate laws that empower the companies in the community and help them grow. The facility offers an environment that allows companies and individuals to operate with collective synergy and freedom. Dubai Media City emphasizes “The Freedom to Create”. DMC brings to the media community an advanced infrastructure based on a global interconnected network, linked by satellites, computers, the internet, television, radio, journalism, cinema, and film production. The City is already home to many international companies including global giants such as CNN, Reuters, Sony Broadcast & Professional, McGraw Hill Publishing, Bertelsmann, and MBC, along with regional companies and new start-ups.

FEATURES

• The most advanced scalable IT network
• Satellite Uplink / Downlink facilities
• Post-production studios and facilities
• Shared Business Centres
• Customer Care Centre (provides all technical and support service)
• Special facilities for professional freelancers
• 50-year lease contract for land and building
• Types of company activities include broadcast services, music, video/audio publishing, production and post-production, advertising agencies, studios, etc.

DUBAI PRODUCTION CITY

DPC is a unique cluster environment for media production companies from across the industry value chain and from across the world to interact and collaborate effectively. DPC caters to engaging in Graphic Art, Publishing, and Packaging, thus providing a pro-business environment, sophisticated technology, and community infrastructure to support and foster the growth of media production. Companies joining DPC can avail of 100% ownership. Exempt from almost all corporate taxes and personal taxes including those for machinery, equipment, raw materials, and spares utilized by the industry. Co-existing at a single location will enable print companies to coordinate production activities efficiently with feeder companies like machinery and equipment providers and suppliers of raw materials and spares. For small and medium-sized businesses, the time and costs involved in sourcing requirements will be considerably reduced, as they can avail of several shared services. Superior infrastructure for various activities, available as leasehold land and distinct units for printing, production, and warehousing. Printing companies also have the option of taking multiple units or having a combination of both land and production units. DPC deploys and promotes eco-friendly industrial environments, where tested concepts and practices are adopted to recycle waste and enable companies to utilize each other’s by-products instead of disposing of them as waste. Renewable energy sources are included in the site’s infrastructure to guarantee reliable and clean power. The clusters allowed in DPC are Printing and Manufacturing Machinery, Printing Press, Packaging, Publishing, New Media like Digital and Interactive Game Development, Media Services, and Storage.

FEATURES

• State-of-the-art communications
• High-quality thermally-insulated production units
• Complete facility for production operations
• The land can be leased for 30 years
• Type of company activities would include pre-press, printing, post-press, distribution services, logistics services, support service providers, etc

DUBAI STUDIO CITY

Dubai Studio City attracts investors from the production and broadcast industries. Companies providing support services like animation, dubbing, make-up, costume design, casting, talent agencies are also invited to be a part of Dubai Studio City. Film schools and universities offering accredited programs, as well as film workshops and short courses are made available at Dubai Studio City. The institutes and education centers help identify and groom future talent for the industry. Over the past few years, the audio-visual industry has witnessed a revolutionary change. With the rapid increase in the number of TV channels, the fastest-growing media industry today is TV Content Production and Distribution. Technically advanced animation films are gaining popularity, as digital portable devices reinvent the music industry. In such a pulsating scenario, it makes sound business sense to invest in a cost-competitive development like Dubai Studio City which has the potential to make history.

FEATURES

• Industry Cluster Environment
• Advanced and scalable Telecoms and Broadband
• Networking Opportunities
• Tap into the creative and innovative energy in the zone for new ideas
• Excellent networking opportunities in the Media Hub
• Commercial, residential, educational, and recreational facilities
• Type of company activities includes TV and radio broadcasting, broadcast management, filmed entertainment, film production/post-production, sound production, various production services, music & entertainment, etc.

DUBAI KNOWLEDGE PARK

DKP is the world’s only free zone dedicated to Human Resource Management and learning excellence. Established in 2003 as part of TECOM Group, Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) aims to develop the region’s talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy. DKP is a unique hub that offers the best selection of programs in Human Resource Management (HRM), Consultancy, Training, and Personal Development. Students receive diplomas and certificates of the highest caliber from DKP’s top-class Business Partners. Dubai Knowledge Park provides flexible solutions with support from its innovative customer service team. With their assistance, DKP business partners have set up training centers, institutes, and HR agencies to sustain and secure their market share in this booming sector.

FEATURES

• Government support services
• Conference centers and dormitories
• Multimedia library and other common facilities
• The facilities can be leased for up to 50 years
• Type of company activities include IT and Media Corporate Schools, Executive Education Centre, HR Development Centre, Professional Training Centres, Vocational Training Centres, Assessment Centre, Testing Centre, Linguistic Institute, Innovation Centre, Academic Service Provider, School, e-Learning Provider, etc.

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CITY (DIAC)

Dubai Knowledge Park (DK) launched Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), the World’s only Free Zone dedicated to international higher education. Located in Dubai Academic City, DIAC serves as the regional base for premier international higher education institutions. Spread across an area of 25 million square feet, the DIAC campus provides an intellectually inspiring environment for students and faculty. Dubai Academic City already houses seven universities. DIAC only houses international universities separating them from other public colleges and institutions in the area. This thriving knowledge community was founded as part of a long-term economic strategy to develop the region’s talent pool, to accelerate its move into a knowledge economy. Benefits for DIAC investors include 100% foreign ownership, 100% tax-free, and 100% repatriation of profits. There are currently many international universities of higher learning from diverse regions including Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium, the UK, and Ireland operating out of DIAC. However, the authority expects to further house 25 international universities to cater to more than 30,000 students in the future. These institutions offer programs that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academic programs on offer include engineering, computer science, fashion and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management, and business management programs.

FEATURES

• Government support services
• Wellness centers, dining facilities, and entertainment venues including movie theatres, gaming centers, etc.
• Student Accommodation
• Sports centers
• Multimedia library and other common facilities
• Type of company activities includes Universities, colleges, sports facility management, library management, accommodation service provider, academic support services, etc.

DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT (D3)

Dubai Design District (D3) is home to the region’s growing community of creative thinkers. It plays a key element in Dubai’s vision to transform into an innovation-led economy, and aims to engage, inspire and enable emerging talent as well as providing a platform to showcase Arab creativity to a larger, global audience. d3 is the latest addition to Dubai’s free zone jurisdictions. Located adjacent to Dubai’s Business Bay area, with an envisioned acreage of over 25 million square feet, d3 is poised to attract leaders in the art, fashion and design industry, with a view to attracting international fashion and design brands and to develop Dubai into a regional hub for the sector. d3’s mantra is to be the beating heart of the Middle East’s design scene, a creative community where local designers rub shoulders with global brands. The idea is to nurture local talent in the hope that the next global brand will come out of Dubai”. Although construction of d3 is yet to be completed, it is already accepting numerous applications for registering corporate entities and is already issuing licenses. Importantly, entities licensed prior to the completion of construction of d3 will be permitted to operate from offices located anywhere in Dubai, until such time construction of d3 facilities is completed and the physical launch of d3 takes place.

FEATURES

• 100% tax-free and 100% foreign ownership
• No corporate tax and income tax for 50 years
• No customs duty
• As an incentive to set up in d3, its rules permit the migration into d3 of companies set up in free zones administered by TECOM or the DIFC
• Entities set up in d3 can apply for two licenses enabling them to operate within d3 as well as in the Dubai mainland
• 3, on a case-by-case basis, may permit 100% foreign ownership of restaurant businesses and, similarly to the DIFC, select venues may be awarded alcohol licenses.

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE (DIFC)

DIFC was initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He had the original vision to create an international financial center in Dubai. The DIFC is expected to make a strong contribution to the GDP growth of Dubai, as well as that of the UAE and the region as a whole. DIFC is an “onshore” financial center, offering a platform of choice for leading financial institutions and service providers looking to do business in the region. It has been established as part of the goal to position Dubai as a recognized hub for institutional finance, and as the regional gateway for capital and investment. It aims to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing financial needs and requirements of the region while strengthening links between the financial markets of Europe, the Far East, and the Americas.

NASDAQ DUBAI (Formerly known as the Dubai International Financial Exchange Limited {DIFX}), a subsidiary of the DIFC Authority, is expected to play a major role in the development of regional capital markets by attracting key regional companies to list their shares and other issued securities on the exchange. This, in turn, is expected to attract international investors and encourage additional portfolio flows to the region, thereby accelerating the process of the region’s integration with world markets.

Legal restrictions on authorized firms in DIFC

• 1DIFC entities may not offer any products or services to the retail market
• Insurance activities in the UAE are restricted to re-insurance
• UAE federal laws regarding the Criminalization of Money Laundering apply, while federal civil and commercial laws do not apply
• DIFC entities may not take deposits, deal, and offer any products or services in UAE dirham
• All DIFC licensed entities must be residents in the DIFC. If no space is available in DIFC, the entity may apply to be resident in Dubai until such time space is available.

While the DFSA permits a wide range of financial services to be carried out from within the DIFC, some restrictions apply. Authorized Firms are not permitted to undertake the following activities:

• Dealing with an individual client with less than US$ 1 million in liquid assets
• Dealing with an institutional client with share capital or net assets less than US$5 million
• Accepting deposits from the UAE market
• Conducting insurance business with individuals
• Providing money services unless it is connected with another financial service for which the firm is authorized.

FEATURES

• Internationally accepted laws and regulatory processes
• A world-class, independent, regulatory agency working alongside other financial regulatory agencies located in major global jurisdictions
• A fully transparent operating environment, complying with global best practices
• A dollar-denominated environment
• An international stock exchange with primary and secondary listings of debt and equity instruments
• A variety of legal vehicles may be established with capital structuring flexibility.

DIFC focuses on several sectors of financial activity like Banking Services (Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, and Private Banking); Capital Markets (Equity, Debt Instruments, Derivatives and Commodity Trading); Asset Management and Fund Registration; Insurance and Re-insurance; Islamic Finance; Business Processing Operations and Ancillary Services.

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN CITY (IHC)

International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a global humanitarian and aid hub, given a Free Zone status in Dubai. IHC is an independent Free Zone created by the Government of Dubai and chaired by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. IHC consolidates Dubai as an essential link in the humanitarian value chain. International Humanitarian City (IHC) aims to facilitate aid and development efforts by providing local and international humanitarian entities with facilities and services specifically designed to meet their needs. Nearly 60 organizations and commercial companies including UN Agencies and NGOs are currently registered with IHC. IHC is a non-religious, non-political, and non-profit organization. IHC brings together United Nations agencies, local and international aid and development organizations, commercial companies, and other stakeholders in a secure environment that fosters partnerships, social responsibility, and global change.

FEATURES

• Strategic location
• Logistics hub
• World-class infrastructure
• Ability to assimilate relief aid suppliers
• Organizations and donors within an integrated city
• Cost-effective procurement options
• Easy access to the port and the international airport
• Types of organizations in IHC would include United Nations agencies, local and international aid and development organizations, well-established NGOs, commercial companies relief agencies, donors and complementary business, etc.

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE AUTHORITY (DWTC AUTHORITY)

Established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTC Authority) provides a unique and highly desirable proposition for businesses looking for an effective, competitive, and well-regulated business ecosystem to compete even more effectively regionally and globally. A public corporation that enjoys corporate body status, financial and administrative autonomy, and full legal capacity to help it carry out its duties and activities, will deliver a more flexible business-conducive environment in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities.

Located between the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre and Jumeirah Emirates Towers – two symbols of Dubai’s meteoric rise as a leading destination of international commerce – the DTCD development is being designed to best-in-class quality standards and has achieved LEED® Gold precertification from the US Green Building Council. With leasing and licensing opportunities available now across the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Trade Centre District, the Free Zone provides a strong incentive for multinationals to use Dubai as the springboard to enter local and regional markets, as well as incentivizing global associations to establish a permanent, regional base in the free zone, and allowing organizers to deliver much more streamlined event participation and logistical experience while also increasing attractiveness.

FEATURES

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital
• Zero income tax for 50 years and renewable
• Zero corporate tax for 50 years and renewable
• No export tax
• No restriction on currency and repatriation of funds
• No restriction on hiring foreign employees
• No restraints over the capital nationality
• Freedom to initiate multi options for legal operating structures
• Flexibility to determine prices of services or products and the profit margin desired
• Stable and clear regulation
• One-stop-shop service that provides business partners with a variety of government services, including company registration, licensing, visa, and other services;
• Simplified incorporation process.

TRAKHEES

This Department started the implementation of its business in 2009, following the issuance of a decree by His Highness, the Ruler of Dubai, No. 22, with respect to supervising the infrastructure, providing it with public services, as well as imposing, defining, and collecting fees of such services in special development zones. This Decree stipulated and stated that services of “Trakhees” shall include lands, complexes, and areas owned by Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai World or entities and subsidiaries of any of them in Dubai or those located within the scope of their jurisdiction and authority, in areas defined by Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, or areas identified under legislation issued by the Ruler of Dubai, including, but not limited to, Nakheel, Limitless, Dubai Maritime City, Investment and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees is deemed the regulatory arm of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in Dubai and the agency responsible for licensing and regulating business in Special Development Zones and areas. Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees consists of four main departments:

FEATURES

• Civil Engineering Department
• Commercial Licensing Department
• Environment, Health and Safety Department
• Corporate Excellence Department.