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Dubai launches new permit to help free zone firms do business on the mainland

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Businesses in Dubai’s free zones can now trade more easily on the mainland, thanks to a new Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit announced on Wednesday by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The move is designed to simplify and make it more cost-effective for companies to operate across jurisdictions, providing them with access to domestic trading opportunities and government contracts, previously available only to mainland-licensed firms.

“This initiative cements Dubai’s position as a benchmark for regulatory innovation,” said Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation. “We’re enhancing ease of doing business and opening new avenues for growth, from domestic trading to government tenders.”

What the Permit Offers

  • Cross-border flexibility: Free zone companies can now engage in mainland activities without setting up a separate mainland entity.
  • Low-cost entry: The permit costs Dh5,000 for six months and is renewable for the same fee.
  • Talent mobility: Firms can use their existing staff for mainland operations without hiring additional employees.
  • Tax compliance: Revenue earned from mainland activities will be subject to the 9% corporate tax, with companies required to maintain separate financial records as per Federal Tax Authority (FTA) rules.

Who Can Apply

The first phase of the permit covers non-regulated sectors, such as:

  • Technology and IT services
  • Consultancy and design
  • Professional services
  • Trading

Plans are in place to extend the permit to regulated sectors in the future.

Eligible businesses must have a Dubai Unified Licence (DUL). They can apply online via the Invest in Dubai (IID) platform, ensuring a quick and hassle-free process for SMEs, startups, and larger enterprises.

Big Boost for Businesses

DET expects the initiative to increase cross-jurisdiction activity by 15–20% in its first year, benefiting over 10,000 active free zone firms.

By enabling free zone companies to integrate more closely with domestic supply chains, the permit opens doors to billions of dirhams worth of government tenders and contracts, creating new opportunities for growth, innovation, and job creation.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Dubai property boom fuels ANAROCK’s Middle East expansion plans

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ANAROCK Group has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it looks to expand its footprint across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on Dubai’s growing real estate market.

The independent real estate consultancy said the appointments come as the region enters a new phase of growth, driven by rising investor confidence, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand across residential and institutional real estate sectors.

New leadership appointments

Anuj Kejriwal has been appointed CEO, EMEA, while continuing his current role as Founding Partner and Head of Retail Advisory.

In his expanded position, Kejriwal will oversee the rollout of ANAROCK’s institutional advisory services across the Middle East, including capital markets, land services, consulting and valuation.

The company said Dubai will act as the launchpad for its wider regional expansion strategy before moving into broader European markets.

Meanwhile, Aayush Puri has been named CEO – Residential, Middle East and CEO of ANAROCK Channel Partner (ACP).

He will lead the firm’s residential business across the region while continuing to oversee the international operations of ANACITY, the group’s proptech and property management platform.

Focus on Dubai’s growth

According to ANAROCK, Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the key long-term growth drivers for the company, supported by strong economic fundamentals and sustained investor demand.

The firm also plans to hire senior local talent across consulting, residential and capital markets divisions as part of its expansion push.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and capturing new cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

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Announcements

New women-focused platform launches in Dubai with regional expansion plans

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A new women-focused platform has officially launched in the UAE with ambitions to become one of the GCC’s leading ecosystems for female empowerment, entrepreneurship and community support.

FEMPOWERMENT was founded by Kirsten Jenna Michaels and Alexander Sailer and aims to support women through business opportunities, coaching, education and networking initiatives.

Launched in Dubai, the platform combines community events, business launch support, workshops, coaching programmes and large-scale experiences designed to help women grow personally and professionally.

At the centre of the initiative is the Women’s Business Launchpad, a programme created to help women set up and scale businesses in the UAE through partnerships with banking, licensing and business service providers.

Founder and CEO Kirsten Jenna Michaels said the platform was designed to move beyond traditional empowerment messaging and focus on creating real opportunities for women.

The platform also features tiered membership programmes offering access to networking events, certifications, workshops and coaching experiences, alongside promotional opportunities for female-led businesses.

Co-Founder Alexander Sailer said the long-term vision is to build a scalable ecosystem that helps women access funding, launch ventures and create sustainable growth opportunities across the region.

Alongside its business and networking focus, FEMPOWERMENT has also pledged to support social impact initiatives, including plans to provide meals for 1,000 labour camp workers in the UAE and contribute to healthcare and education-related causes.

The organisation plans to expand across the GCC and international markets as part of its broader growth strategy.

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Business

New DP World insurance protects cargo from conflict-related disruptions

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DP World has launched a first-of-its-kind cargo war risk insurance solution designed to help businesses navigate growing disruption across Middle East trade routes.

The new offering aims to solve a major challenge facing global shippers, as traditional war risk insurance has become increasingly expensive, fragmented and, in some cases, difficult to access amid ongoing regional tensions.

Unlike conventional policies that typically cover only one stage of a shipment’s journey, DP World’s solution provides continuous protection across the full supply chain, from ocean or air transit to port storage and inland delivery.

Coverage across the full journey

The insurance covers physical loss or damage caused by war-related risks, including conflict, civil unrest, seizure and derelict weapons. Valid claims will be settled with zero deductible, according to the company.

“This is about solving a real, immediate problem for global trade,” said Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO of DP World.

“Supply chains don’t stop at the port or the shoreline, and neither should insurance.”

Key trade routes included

The programme is available to companies trading in or through the Middle East. It is designed to support supply chain continuity across major trade corridors, including the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and nearby inland routes.

Businesses can choose several coverage options, including:

  • End-to-end cargo protection across sea, air and land transit
  • Standalone ocean, air or land policies
  • Automatic port storage cover for up to 14 days
  • Coverage limits of up to $400 million per shipment

Lower premiums for businesses

DP World said it was able to secure more competitive pricing than standard market war risk premiums by leveraging its global scale and relationships across international insurance markets.

The move comes as businesses continue to face rising logistical risks, rerouting challenges and insurance costs linked to geopolitical instability across key global shipping lanes.

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