What both markets share
Different reasons to arrive, same underlying platform. Whether the entry point is a DIFC holding structure or a DMCC trading licence, every UAE company benefits from the same core drivers.
UAE Market Entry
The UAE means one thing to a London family office and another to a Shenzhen trading house — and it should be structured differently for each. UK and European groups come for legal certainty; Chinese groups come for trade momentum. This page sets out both.
DMCC has become the destination of choice for Chinese trade into the region — and the intake keeps accelerating year on year.
+25% year-on-year growth in new Chinese member companies at DMCC (2024)900+ Chinese companies now operate from DMCC. Trend illustrative of DMCC-reported growth; +25% and 900+ figures per DMCC, 2024.
Different reasons to arrive, same underlying platform. Whether the entry point is a DIFC holding structure or a DMCC trading licence, every UAE company benefits from the same core drivers.
DMCC is not a generic free zone — it is purpose-built for global commerce, and the scale shows why Chinese and international traders concentrate there.
Every UAE company — DIFC, DMCC, IFZA or mainland — must register for Corporate Tax, including those expecting a 0% outcome. A free zone company applies 0% on qualifying income only where it meets every condition of the Qualifying Free Zone Person regime. This applies equally to a UK holding vehicle and a Chinese trading company; neither is exempt from registration.
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. Registration is mandatory for all UAE entities; the standard rate is 0% up to AED 375,000 of taxable income and 9% above.
Mainland companies are governed by the Commercial Companies Law. For most commercial and industrial activities, 100% foreign ownership is permitted — the former requirement for a UAE-national shareholder has been removed for those activities. Free zones such as DIFC and DMCC have always permitted full foreign ownership within the zone.
Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025. Article 10 preserves a carve-out for activities of strategic impact, where Cabinet-imposed conditions may apply.
We advise UK, European and Chinese groups at principal level — one point of contact from structuring through formation, banking and ongoing compliance. You are not handed off to a formation agent once the licence is issued.
This page is general legal information current to 2026, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Legislation and its application change; the position for a specific structure or activity must be confirmed on advice. DMCC figures (25% year-on-year growth in new Chinese member companies, 900+ Chinese companies, 26,000+ total companies, 170+ countries, #1 global free zone) are as reported by DMCC, 2024. AMAAN PRO – FZCO is licensed in the UAE for Corporate Service Provider, Management Consultancy and Tax Consultancy activities.