New permit rules allow free-zone firms to operate onshore, driving innovation, trade, and market expansion in Dubai.
Dubai is once again leading the way in business innovation. In a strategic move aimed at boosting economic growth, the city has announced that free-zone companies can now operate on the mainland for up to six months, with permits renewable at a modest cost. This reform removes one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs and startups, bridging the gap between free zones and the onshore market.
Under the new rule, tech startups in Dubai Internet City or design studios in Dubai Media City can directly serve mainland clients, participate in government projects, and expand their customer base without restructuring their business. The move is expected to stimulate cross-jurisdiction trade by 15 to 20 percent in the first year, potentially injecting billions into Dubai’s economy.
This initiative is part of Dubai’s long-term vision to double the size of its economy by 2033, creating a more flexible, interconnected, and globally competitive business environment. By connecting free zones and the mainland, the city encourages the flow of innovation, giving entrepreneurs the freedom to scale faster and investors the confidence that Dubai remains open, adaptive, and opportunity-driven.
For entrepreneurs, the permit is more than paperwork — it’s an invitation to think bigger and act faster. For investors, it reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a city that not only welcomes business but continually reinvents itself to make growth easier.
With this latest reform, Dubai is sending a clear message: agility and foresight are at the heart of its economic strategy, positioning the city as a top destination for ambitious founders and multinational companies alike.
