The UAE continues to push on with its plans to become one of the most advanced business locations in the world. Dubai is a popular destination for British expats to live and work. With a large British population, decades of cultural ties between the UAE and the UK, and a high standard of living, it’s no wonder that hundreds of thousands of British residents have relocated to Dubai.
So here are just some of the reasons why now is the time to open a company in the UAE if you’re looking to avoid, or mitigate, the instability in the UK.
- Brexit uncertainty
- British expat culture
- Free zone options
- Fast setup & visas
- Recruit top talent
- Advanced technology
1. Brexit uncertainty: A golden opportunity for British startups
If you’re wanting to start a business or grow an SME in the UK but are fearful of the current economic climate – you are not alone.
Thousands of entrepreneurs are worried about launching or sustaining a business in Britain due to Brexit.
This is highlighted by the Allied Irish Bank’s latest Brexit Sentiment Index regarding the Republic of Ireland:
- 32% of firms in Ireland report a negative pre-Brexit effect
- 68% of firms in Ireland predict a negative post-Brexit impact
- 35% of SMEs in Ireland have cancelled or postponed investment plans
The figures are similar, or in some cases worse, for companies in Northern Ireland. This data is backed up across the UK, with 75% of tech startups predicting that Brexit will negatively affect innovation prospects.
While you can wait and hope that the UK economy becomes favourable for your startup, this strategy could realistically leave you in limbo for 18 months or more.
This is a key reason why startup locations such as the UAE are so attractive. You can set up in a free zone such as Fujairah Creative City Free Zone very quickly. The benefits include a dynamic entrepreneurial economy and zero percent corporate and income tax.
2. British expat culture: UAE is a home for British entrepreneurs
Making the decision to head to the UAE to create a startup may feel like a brave one, but you certainly won’t feel alone once you’re here.
Over 240,000 British expats now happily call the UAE their home, with an additional one million visiting each year.
The UAE offers a quality of life that many entrepreneurs and workers feel is incomparable with the UK – including the climate, education, smart technology and reduced stress.
The UAE is building the cities of the future, with a mix of cultures that supports the development of a modern global business hub.
Starting up in the UAE also means that you will be surrounded by businesses, colleagues, friends and fellow entrepreneurs who speak your language and are on the same journey.
3. Free zone options: Affordable startup infrastructure
It’s advisable to discuss your startup plan with a business adviser based in the UAE. However, opting for a base in one of the UAE’s many free zones is invariably the best fit for UK entrepreneurs.
The cost-effective benefits of basing your startup in a free zone include:
- Complete foreign ownership
- No import and export taxes
- World-class office space and warehousing
- Recruitment support
- Smart technology
- Excellent transport links
The ongoing improvement and smart technology being implemented in the free zone developments is exciting. Creating a startup in the UAE offers you an opportunity to gain leverage on your business growth.
If you are looking to get your company license in the UAE, free zone, or mainland, or even in Qatar and Saudi Arabia – then our team can help. We also offer monthly installment plans for UAE company registration.
4. Fast setup and visas: Build your UAE team
Launching your startup in a free zone is fast and very flexible, meaning you can create a package that suits your specific budget and logistics.
Using a business advisor based in the UAE will enable you to fast-track this approach.
This includes processing visa applications for yourself, your family, your startup team, and new recruits. The UAE’s legal system is favourable to UK citizens looking to gain visas, but the paperwork and legal processes can be complex without expert help and automation.
5. Recruit top talent: Benefit from the UAE’s global pull
The current social and political climate makes this a potentially very interesting time to create your startup in the UAE.
The combination of Brexit, technological innovation and globalisation means that prospective workers are very interested in working for startups based in progressive locations.
Factors attracting top talent to the UAE
- Fear of Brexit job cuts
- Globalisation
- New technology
- Better lifestyle
You may find it easier to recruit the best talent when based in the UAE.
6. Advanced technology: The UAE is aiming to boost startup success
London remains the leading tech hub in Europe, but Brexit has created a pessimism that may be well-founded in post-Brexit Britain:
- 87% of London tech workers are against Brexit
- 75% of tech startups predict a negative post-Brexit economy
- 28% will remain in the UK but open a European outpost; while 17% are considering moving their HQ to Europe or elsewhere
Regardless of whether your startup is specifically tech-based, there’s no doubt that the UAE will connect you with technology and innovations that benefit your business.
The level of investment across the UAE’s leading emirates is staggering. Among many other projects, the government has announced The Fujairah 2040 Plan that focuses on improving housing and transportation infrastructure. At a cost of AED 1.5 billion, the municipality has begun work on road improvements, water barriers, ports, and residential complexes, as well as expanding healthcare facilities.
We are the team of Business Incorporation Zone, your best business setup advisor across the Gulf Region. If you are looking to open your company in Dubai, across the UAE, in KSA or Qatar, get a free zone license, or start a business in the mainland, then we can help. From visa applications to all the necessary admin tasks, we handle it all – leaving you free to get on with your business.
