Business Setup in Dubai Design District (D3): Everything You Need to Know

Dubai’s Design District (D3) is a beacon of innovation and creativity in this futuristic city. It provides companies seeking to grow a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere with unmatched opportunities.

Dubai’s Design District (D3) offers a dedicated space where inventors, designers, and artists can work together and grow. Here you can find a one-of-a-kind ecosystem for upcoming as well as established businesses to thrive in the fashion, retail, and hospitality sectors. Modern infrastructure, a vibrant community, and strategic backing have made D3 a key component of Dubai’s plan to diversify its economy and foster cultural advancement.

Dubai Design District was founded in 2013. Now, it is a pioneer in the Middle East, hosting a range of media and design workshops, brand launches, trade shows, fashion events, art shows, and more. Sole DXB and the Fashion Forward Dubai are two of the most significant events held in D3. These events attract leading brands from around the globe. The free zone also hosts the Dubai Home Festival, which showcases interior design talents, boutique firms, and outdoor specialists. 

Moreover, D3 is home to Amato which is the UAE’s first globally renowned couture fashion brand. It’s also home to Frame which is GCC’s first boutique devoted to Japanese lifestyle and culture. Moreover, you can find many one-of-a-kind galleries throughout D3.

Perks of Setting Up a Business in D3

D3, the center of fashion, design, and culture in the area, has already made a name for itself as a trend-setting community. If you start a business in D3, you’ll get all the advantages of the UAE-free zones along with the added benefit of an interactive ecosystem that supports experienced designers, fosters the growth of emerging creatives, and provides a unique platform for startups.

The Dubai Design District is home to countless globally recognized brands, such as in5 Design Innovation Center, whose member startups have access to coworking spaces, private offices, prototyping labs, 3D printers, metal/wood cutting equipment, fashion labs, workshops, and leading investors. Additionally, in5 supports design startups so they may showcase their products alongside global companies at events like Arab Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week.

Strategic location

With close proximity to JLT, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Burj Khalifa

100% foreign ownership

100% foreign ownership & 100% repatriation of capital

Minimised taxes

0% import-export tax plus 0% personal income tax

Creative Community

Find 6500+ like-minded people and businesses

State-of-art facilities

High-quality, innovatively designed office spaces, co-working spaces, and retail spaces

Choose Types of Licenses Issued in The D3 Free Zone

D3 is a design district that serves as a hub for the creative thinkers of the area and nurtures emerging talent. It is home to renowned companies including Dior, Burberry, Foster + Partners, and Zaha Hadid Architects. Although D3 is primarily focused on assisting the creative industries, it also fosters numerous government agencies and top businesses from other sectors.

These are the licenses that you can get in the D3 Free Zone:

1. Services License
2. Commercial License
3. Industrial/Manufacture License

Do you know?

Apart from the commercial, service, and manufacturing license, you can get Freelance permits which enable individuals to work as a sole proprietor for any specified activity.

Steps to Set Up Your Business in D3

Define Your Business Activity

Make sure your company is in line with D3’s priority areas, which include media, fashion, and design. This will put your company in a successful position and speed up the approval process.

Choose a Business Structure

D3 offers a variety of company structures, including limited liability companies (LLCs), branch offices, and corporations located in free zones. Every structure has its own perks and drawbacks, so choose the one that best suits your company’s goals and needs. 

Submit Your Application

Get the necessary paperwork ready, such as copies of your passport, your business plan, and your proof of address. Apply via the D3 portal or speak with a company setup expert. Usually, the application process entails a review phase wherein your organizational structure and business operations are assessed.

Get Necessary Approvals

After your application is reviewed, you must get the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. Depending on your business activity, this could involve additional documentation and compliance checks.

Finalize Licensing and Registration

You can complete the licensing and registration process once you’ve gotten the required approvals which may take around 2-4 weeks. This entails acquiring your business license and paying the necessary costs which start from AED 70,000. D3 provides a range of license alternatives to meet diverse company requirements.

Cost of Business Set up in D3 Free Zone

Setting up a business in D3 requires several expenses such as license fees, office space rent, and operating expenses. Depending on the chosen office space and business type, initial setup fees may change. To maintain financial stability, it’s critical to properly plan your budget and take continuing operating expenses into consideration.

Note: Share Capital Minimum of AED 50,000- 100,000, depending on the chosen segment, needs to be deposited to the company bank account before the company’s license will be released. Moreover, a free-lance permit does not require any capital.

Keep in mind that a 5% value-added tax (VAT) is applicable on all the fees.

Office Space and Infrastructure

D3 offers a variety of office spaces, from co-working spaces to private offices. Moreover, leasing options are flexible, catering to startups and established businesses alike.

The available facility in D3 is just physical office space only. The minimum size depends on the current availability. 1 visa eligibility is equal to 9 sq. ft.

The district’s state-of-the-art infrastructure includes high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and event spaces, providing everything you need to run your business efficiently.

Support Services and Resources

Do you know what is the best part about D3? Here you can find business development programs, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. Additionally, D3 hosts numerous events, workshops, and networking sessions that foster collaboration and growth.

How can Abatera Pro help?

Established in 2011, Abatera Pro can help you at every stage of your company formation in Dubai Design District. Since its foundation, they have assisted thousands of local and foreign entrepreneurs to set up businesses in Dubai’s one of the best Free Zones; D3.

Contact Abatera Pro today because we have:

• Highly professional and trustworthy team
• Deep knowledge and understanding of local rules and regulations such as labor laws, data protection regulations, and financial reporting standards
• Strong connections with UAE Authorities, local and international banks, and more

Our team will help you navigate the process of company formation in D3 and provide you with personalized customer service on your way to success in the UAE.

Book your appointment today for a consultation!