Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the leading free zone in trade and enterprise hub for commodities. Located at Western Asia’s business hub, DMCC was established by the local government of Dubai to introduce and impact local and international trading of a variety of goods such as gold, diamonds, tea, clothing, etc.
Currently, DMCC houses over 18,000 companies. It was awarded the Global Free Zone of the Year 2020, bagging the award for six consecutive years, a proof of its attained local and global success in nurturing and assisting companies in Dubai.
E-commerce Business in UAE
The future of e-commerce is bright in the UAE. Worldwide, online shopping revenues are expected almost double to US$6.54 trillion from 2019 to 2022, and within the rapidly-growing Middle East and North African (MENA) region, the UAE boasts one of the largest B2C e-commerce markets. Thanks to its over 9.5 million internet users and a 96.4% internet penetration rate, the UAE e-commerce market is expected to maintain double-digit growth through to 2022.
If you are looking to explore opening an e-commerce business in the UAE, here are some key facts you need to know about its e-commerce market.
Why to start an E-commerce business in the Dubai UAE?
Fastest Growing E-Commerce Market in the Middle East
Having an e-commerce market value of over US$10 billion, the UAE managed to outperform Saudi Arabia despite having only one-third of the latter’s population size. According to E-shop World, 60% of all online buyers are based in Dubai where a whopping 81% of its 3.2 million adult population make product purchases online.
Recently, the Dubai government launched the Dubai E-Commerce Strategy with the aim of solidifying the city as a global logistics hub for the Middle East and increasing its share to the local economy to AED12 billion (approx. US$3.2 billion) by 2023. Initiatives under the strategy include attracting more foreign direct investments and reducing the cost of e-commerce activities by 20% (including storage, customs fees, VAT and transportation).
World Class Transport Infrastructure
The UAE is also home to one of the best transportation infrastructures in the world. Not only is it ranked 3rd in ‘airport infrastructure and means of air transport quality’ and 4th in ‘quality of infrastructure’ in the Global Competitiveness Report 2018, it also connects you to 80% of the world’s GDP in 8 hours or less.
Since the air transport industry supports an estimated US$20 billion in GDP for the UAE, the government takes huge strides in maintaining the competitiveness of its air transport. Official figures put investments into airport infrastructure and development projects so far at around AED 1 trillion (approx. US$272 billion). That is just on airport infrastructure alone.
In addition to all that, the UAE’s Infrastructure and Vision 2021 (which aims to ensure sustainable development while preserving the environment) further outlines the country’s plans to develop roads, bridges, seaports and other public works to support economic growth.
Extensive Support for New Businesses
The UAE ranked 16th in Ease of Doing Business in World Bank’s ‘Doing Business 2020’ report, beating countries like Thailand, Germany, and Canada when looking at overall business regulation and practices. As part of its economic diversification efforts in Vision 2021, the UAE has encouraged the growth of Free Trade Zones (FTZs), where businesses can take advantage of benefits like lower operating costs, reduced tax rates and professional networking opportunities.
For example, FTZs like DMCC in Dubai can offer:
- 100% repatriation
- 0% Corporate Income Tax
- 0% Personal Income Tax
Gain a competitive edge with DMCC
With DMCC’s investments in creating the perfect incubator for your e-commerce business, it comes with a plethora of ecosystem services to give your business the extra push it needs to thrive.
With benefits such as heightened infrastructure, simple business set up, connectivity, unprecedented business support, favorable government incentives, and many more.
How do you start selling online in the UAE?
To start an e-commerce business in the UAE, we highly recommend setting up in Dubai. As we mentioned above, Dubai is not only home to 60% of the UAE’s online shoppers, it is also actively encouraging foreign investment into its e-commerce sector.
In terms of the legal environment, Dubai allows for e-commerce businesses to obtain a license to operate fairly easily. However, it must be noted that although it is a simple process, running an e-commerce business without proper licensing is illegal and procedures must be taken carefully to abide by the law.
Steps for Opening an E-Commerce Business in Dubai
Setting up a company in Dubai can be done in person while you are visiting the country or online. These are the typical steps you need to go through to get set up:
- Decide on your license type and business activities
Although the most SMEs opt to register for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) the type of legal entity you choose will depend on your own circumstances.
What is your preferred business structure? What sort of business activities will you undertake? What is your current residency status? These are some questions you need to consider when making your decision. Ultimately, this will determine what documents and license you need to get to legally operate your e-commerce business in Dubai. - Select a location for your business
As an e-commerce business, apart from needing a business address, you are still required to have a physical location. FTZs usually provide a variety of affordable options for any business size, and may provide office promotions for new business set up. - Submit your application
Complete all the relevant forms, pay any application fees required, sign the relevant documents and send them to the right offices.
Open a bank account
Once you are fully set up as a business, you should set up a bank account for your operations. This will make it easier to handle your company finances and tax filing in the future.
How Much Does it Cost to Open an E-commerce Business in Dubai?
Costs will depend on your license type and business activities. If you would like to see how much it will cost based on different scenarios, you can use our online cost calculator. Generally speaking, though, this is what you can expect in terms of set up costs. Contact us on following details.
By setting up your new online business in the UAE, you can tap into the vast opportunities that exist in the Middle East. Within the UAE, Dubai hosts a large, highly connected population with numerous government-led initiatives that will encourage e-commerce growth within the next decade.
If you would like to learn more about the business setup process in Dubai, you can contact us directly. You can also reach out to one of our experts if you are interested in setting up your business in DMCC.
Yes, that’s it you need to know! It seems easy but its very complex process. And we will make that process easy for you.
We can help you maintaining, consulting and guiding at each step and walk through your success story.
How Can We Help?
Get your 1st Free Meeting of Business Setup from Horizon Biz Consultancy
Horizon Biz Consultancy is experienced in business consultation, business/company setup, Tax consultation, and accounting services. Our UAE based qualified consultants, auditors and accountants are experienced working with many small and leading businesses/companies and organization.
Would you like to know more about Business/Company Setup Service or any other services?
Speak to our experts today.
We are providing not only Dubai’s, but United Arab Emirates’ best Business Consultation Services.
We are working since 6 decades. And years of experience will never let you down.
For,
– Business Consultation Services
– Company/Business Setup Services
– VAT/Tax Consultation Services
– Audit Services
– Company Liquidation Services
– Trading License Advisory Services
– Accounting & Book-keeping Services
– Outsource Accounting Services
– Outsource CFO Services
– Outsource Payroll Processing Services
– Financial Services etc.
Call us Now, For a Free Consultation!
WhatsApp
Call: +971501042665
Email: [email protected]
Read More:
Start A Company In Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone
https://www.horizonbizco.com/do-i-need-a-trade-license-for-starting-an-e-commerce-business-in-dubai-uae/
