Free Zone Companies are allowed to operate in Dubai proper

Dubai Government has enacted a new law (Law No. 13 of 2011) regulating the economic activities in the Emirate. As per the law the Dubai Department of Economic Development shall be the body responsible for regulating all the business activities in Dubai. Accordingly a Free Zone Company or Free Zone Establishment can open a branch should it intend to conduct the operation in Dubai. However, the Free Zone entity must comply with all the applicable pre-requisites to obtain the branch license such as appointing a UAE national as Service Agent and leasing of ofce facility etc. Currently the licenses are issued only for the entities which are engaging in professional and consulting activities.