Dubai Design District
About Provider
Dubai Design District is a free economic zone (free zone) established in 2013 in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE, and is part of TECOM Group. Dubai Design District was created to support and develop creative industries such as design, fashion, art, and architecture, offering an inspiring environment for artists, designers, and startups, while bringing together leading brands and unlocking limitless opportunities for creative thinking and innovation.
The free zone provides advanced infrastructure, including unique office spaces, studios, showrooms, and event venues that can be tailored to individual business needs. Dubai Design District is renowned for its cultural events, such as fashion shows, art exhibitions, and themed conferences, which bring together international brands and local talent. Businesses registered in Dubai Design District are permitted to operate both within the free zone and beyond the UAE.
Dubai Design District issues the following types of business licenses:
- Commercial (wholesale and retail trade)
- Professional (provision of services)
With its combination of unique architecture, advanced infrastructure, and a focus on fostering a creative community, Dubai Design District has become a hub for innovative projects in design and art. Here, companies can expand their operations using the latest technologies and resources, creating a space for creative experimentation and the successful implementation of their ideas.
Suitable Targets
Popular Business Fields
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
Media, Marketing & Publishing
Professional services
Household & Consumer Goods
Chemistry & Raws
Requirements for Legal Entities Names
- Must not violate the country laws or contain words that are obscene, indecent or generally offensive
- Must not contain the names of Allah, Buddha or God, or any other religious terminology
- Must not infringe any third party's intellectual property rights
- Must not be identical or similar to local/global brands or registered trademarks
- Must not contain geographical names, such as the names of emirates, cities, countries and other landmarks
- Must not contain the names of local/international religious, political or governmental organizations
- Must correspond to the company’s business activities
Tax Regime and Profit Management
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Since January 1, 2018, the UAE has implemented a VAT rate of 5%, which applies to most goods and services and is charged to companies operating within the country, except for those registered in designated zones.
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A Designated Zone is a territory within a free zone that is treated as outside the UAE for tax purposes, allowing goods to be exempt from taxation, provided certain criteria are met. The main taxation rules in Designated Zones are as follows:
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The Designated Zones are listed in the Cabinet Decision to Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax (VAT).
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Goods moved between or within Designated Zones are not subject to tax.
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The export and import of goods between a Designated Zone and a foreign company are also not subject to tax.
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For local companies and those registered in Non-Designated Zones (free zones not included in the Designated Zones list), the standard tax rules set forth in the Federal Decree-Law on VAT apply.
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Companies with an annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000 are required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as VAT taxpayers.
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Companies with a turnover between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may register on a voluntary basis.
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Companies can offset VAT paid on purchases of goods and services (input VAT) against the VAT they collect on sales (output VAT), shifting the tax burden to the final consumer.
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Some goods and services may be exempt from VAT or taxed at a 0% rate, such as international transportation, educational, and medical services.
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As of June 1, 2023, the UAE has introduced a corporate tax at a rate of 9%, levied on the taxable net profit of companies with income exceeding AED 375,000.
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A 0% rate is applied to taxable income not exceeding AED 375,000.
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Charitable, non-profit organizations and medical institutions are fully exempt from corporate tax.
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Since October 1, 2017, the UAE has introduced an excise tax aimed at reducing the consumption of harmful products and funding healthcare initiatives. The tax applies to alcohol, tobacco products, and beverages containing added sugar, including energy drinks and carbonated beverages.Excise tax rates vary depending on the product category:
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50% on carbonated drinks (excluding mineral water)
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100% on tobacco products
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100% on energy drinks
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100% on electronic smoking devices and liquids used for them
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50% on products containing added sugar or sweeteners.
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Companies dealing with excise goods must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), submit monthly declarations, and maintain records. Excise tax is paid upon the import, production, or release of goods for consumption in the UAE.
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Custom duties in the UAE are applied to most imported goods at a standard rate of 5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). Exceptions include certain categories of goods, such as medicines and food products, which may be exempt from duties or subject to a reduced rate.
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Goods imported into UAE free zones are generally not subject to customs duties as long as they remain within these zones. However, when such goods are transferred to the UAE mainland, standard duties apply.
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In the UAE, personal income is not subject to taxation.
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UAE citizens and residents are exempt from paying taxes on their personal income, including salaries, interest, dividends, inheritances, gifts, luxury goods, and capital gains.
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- Individual emirates may impose specific local taxes and fees in line with their economic and social needs. These taxes and fees are aimed at supporting public services and implementing infrastructure projects.
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