Dubai Design District (D3) – Biz HQ Consultants

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Dubai Design District

Dubai Design District, commonly known as D3, is the UAE’s creative hub dedicated to developing the design industry and promoting the city as a global design capital. D3 is situated in the heart of Dubai, close to iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The district covers an area of over 4 million square feet and is home to over 500 businesses, including world-renowned design studios, showrooms, galleries, and fashion brands, including Dior, Adidas, Nike, and Foster + Partners.

Annually held in D3, Dubai Design Week is the region’s creative festival, showcasing architecture, fashion, product design, and graphic designs. The event usually includes exhibitions, talks, workshops, and other activities. Dubai Design Week is one of the most important events in the UAE, as it brings together designers, artists, and other creative professionals from around the world.

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Advantages of Setting Up Your Business
in Dubai Design District

Aside from being a design capital, companies can also benefit from the numerous incentives D3 provides to entrepreneurs:

Modern and Advanced Infrastructures

D3 is a smart zone hub. These initiatives include smart parking meters, smart energy meters, and smart waste management, among others.

Proximity to World-Renowned Landmarks

Dubai Design District is located close to Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the UAE, with an annual visitor count of 65 million, as well as to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Internet City clusters, DIFC, and Dubai’s Business Bay.

Low-Cost Company Setup

Forming a company under D3 is relatively inexpensive. The license cost in Dubai District starts from around AED 15,000, and the minimum share capital required is as low as AED 50,000.

World-Class Recognition

Every year, designers and artists are given a chance to showcase their work to world-renowned designers through Dubai Design Week.

Legal Framework

Company ownership
No restrictions on capital repatriation
No currency restrictions
No personal income tax
No restrictions for foreign employees
Only 9% corporate income tax (if applicable)
Low tariff rates
Special freelance permit for designers and artists

Types of Licenses Offered
in Dubai Design District

Here are the three types of business licenses offered in Dubai Design District

Manufacturing License

Allows companies to engage in manufacturing, processing or assembling activities within D3.

Commercial License

Intended for businesses offering specific goods and services within D3.

Service License

Allows businesses to provide services (e.g. repair and maintenance services) within D3.

General Documents Required for
Company Setup in Dubai Design District

Company registration and licensing application form
Profile details of shareholder(s)
Passport copies and specimen signature of each director and general manager
Board resolution

Business Structures
in Dubai Design District

There are two types of legal company structures, and a special freelancer permit offered in Dubai Design District:

Branch Company

 A Branch Company established under Dubai Design District is a representative of a company already existing outside D3 or the UAE. Branch Companies can have different names from their companies.

D3 FZ-LLC

A Free Zone LLC is a legal entity registered under the free zone jurisdiction of Dubai Design District. FZ-LLCs are similar to other types of LLCs in that they are separate legal entities from their owners and offer limited liability protection to their shareholders. 

Freelance Permit

As a global creative hub, designers and artists are allowed to carry out services under their name through a special permit.

Steps in Setting Up Your Business in
Dubai Design District

Starting a company in D3 is fast and easy. Generally, this includes five steps:

1

Select a Business Activity and Location

Before you start, you must select one of the approved business activities permitted in Dubai Design District. Companies in D3 have the option to select where they want to conduct business – from the Free Zone to the mainland or both.

2

Submit Application

Businesses must complete the online application and submit business plans and passports for all shareholders. Biz HQ Consultants can assist you throughout this process to ensure faster, less-expensive company incorporation.

3

Secure Physical Space

Companies operating within the Dubai Design District jurisdiction must secure office space or a warehousing facility dedicated to their business. Freelancers may be exempted from this requirement.

4

Apply for Trade License

After securing an office space, companies will need to apply for the appropriate trade license through the Dubai Design District. Depending on the nature of the products and services offered, companies may be required to apply for multiple trade licenses.

5

Open a Bank Account

After obtaining all the relevant documents, you can now proceed in opening a corporate bank account. This is where all the financial transactions of your company will be made while operating under the jurisdiction of Dubai Design District.

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