The UAE is one of the leading international financial hubs attracting investors and companies from all around the world. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are the major proponents of the economic growth in the UAE. So, you can start an investment company in Dubai to play your part in this transformation of the UAE.
It is crucial to understand the corporate legal system of the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, you need to fully comprehend the requirements for the business licensing in the UAE. A thorough awareness of the UAE’s market trends is desirable in this regard as well.
Key takeaways of Dubai investment sector in the UAE
Here are some insights from the investment vertical in Dubai, UAE.
- The UAE is enhancing FDI policies to increase foreign investment from $30.5 billion in 2023 to $65.3 billion by 2031.
- In H1 2025 (first half of 2025), Dubai attracted AED 40.4 billion (≈ USD 11 billion) in FDI inflows.
- D33 envisions cumulative economic activity of AED 32 trillion (~USD 8.7 trillion) over the 10-year span until 2033, a strong macro backdrop for future investment firms.
- As of early 2025, Dubai is home to over 1,034 active startups reflecting a mature and growing investment ecosystem.
- Experts forecast that the broader UAE economy (including Dubai) will grow ~4.4% in 2025 and accelerate to ~5.4% in 2026, driven by non‑oil sectors (good signal for investment climate).
- According to Dubai Economic Agenda D33 (launched 2023), Dubai aims to double its economy by 2033, which would significantly expand opportunities for investment companies.
- By the end of June 2025, DIFC had about 7,700 active companies, a 25% increase compared to H1 2024.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is increasing, as Dubai attracts investors worldwide because of its strong economy.
- Rise in sustainable investments (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has been observed.
- There is strong demand for luxury and commercial properties in Dubai because of tourism.
- Rise in adoption of AI, blockchain and automated investment platforms has been observed also.
- Strong interest in hedge funds, venture capital and private equity has also been observed.
Process to establish an investment company in Dubai
This is the essential step-by-step procedure for creating a financial investment company in Dubai.
- Select corporate structure
- Choose company and trade name
- Obtain initial approval
- Apply for license
- Secure office space
- Register for business banking
Now, we briefly look upon these steps of the registration process of a financial investment company in Dubai.
Select corporate structure
Come up with a suitable business structure for your investment company in Dubai. What do you prefer from a free zone entity, limited liability company (LLC), or an offshore company? Accordingly, make the decisions after the selection of the legal structure of your firm.
Choose company and trade name
Pick a unique trade name that follows the UAE’s corporate naming regulations. Furthermore, ensure that it aligns with your brand. This way, it can better resonate with your clientele as well.
Obtain initial approval
Take initial approval form the Department of Economic Development (DED). Otherwise, you can obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from the chosen free zone authority. This preliminary NOC enables you to proceed towards the next steps.
Apply for license
It is one the most important steps in starting your own investment company in Dubai. You can apply to the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for the license by submitting relevant documents. Otherwise, you can submit application to the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), regulator of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DIFC).
- Passport copies of business owners, and shareholders
- Copy of valid UAE visa of all stakeholders
- Business plan highlighting investment strategies
- Certificate for trade name reservation
- NOC from the DED or the free zone authority
- Feasibility study report
- Office lease/rent agreement
- Financial statements of the company
Secure office space
You have to rent/lease a physical office premises that fulfills the minimum requirements for running business operations. Likewise, you need an appropriate space for meeting the customers. Thus, wisely choose your office location to efficiently conduct all official activities.
Register for business banking
You need to have a corporate back account for smoothly making financial transactions.
Considerations while beginning investment firm in Dubai
Here are some factors that you need to take care of when starting an investment business in Dubai.
- While launching any investment company in Dubai, it is really important to have awareness of the UAE’s financial market trends.
- Make sure to adhere to the guidelines of Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
- Ensure that you meet minimum capital requirements as per financial investment licensing regulations.
- Dubai does offer you tax advantages, but it is necessary to remain compliant with the international tax regulations.
- Keep the confidence of clients by protecting their investments, through the implementation of the risk management measures.
Different types of investment companies in Dubai
These are some leading kinds of investment businesses in Dubai.
- VC investment companies
- Private investment companies
- Publicly traded investment firms
- Real estate investment trusts
- Hedge investment funds
Next, we discuss these classifications of the investment firms in Dubai, and across the UAE.
VC investment companies
The venture capital (VC) firms provide financial support to early-stage enterprises with significant development potential. Mainly, they focus on investing capital in innovative ventures, new-age businesses, and startups. They frequently invest in stocks and help business owners grow their companies.
Private investment companies
The private investment firms specialize in managing the corporate and wealth portfolios of institutional and high-net-worth clients. To increase and protect assets, they offer specialized investment planning, financial strategies, and other risk management services.
Publicly traded investment firms
The publicly traded investment firms listing on stock markets raise money by selling the shares of the investors. They invest in a variety of financial asset classifications, such as equities, bonds, and commodities. However, changes in regulatory policies and market swings impact their revenues.
Real estate investment trusts
These realty sector investment firms combine the money of several investors to buy and oversee residential and commercial properties. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) empower the investors to enter the realty market without actually owning any properties. Frequently, the REITs generate the consistent income via rental returns and distribute it to the investors after keeping the margins.
Hedge investment funds
The hedge funds provide investors with large returns by using a variety of investment strategies and financial instruments. They are well know for optimizing the financial profits, while reducing the investment risks. For this purpose, they utilize many strategies including leverage, short-selling, and derivatives trading.
Calculate business start-up cost
Main business activities of investment firms in Dubai
These are some major business activities of the investment firms in Dubai, UAE.
- Corporate investment in Dubai: You can provide advisory services to different businesses regarding financial sponsorship and investment.
- Wealth management: One of the premier business activity that an investment firm in Dubai can perform is wealth management. People having high-net-worth need help with managing their assets. So, you can engage in managing the investment portfolios and assets.
- Real estate investment: You can provide capital for business ventures and real estate developments, which have vast scope in Dubai.
- Venture capital and private equity: Dubai government goes out of the way to support entrepreneurship and startups. So, it is highly profitable to invest in the startup companies and growing enterprises. With a greater scope across the UAE, the returns on VC funding are much higher.
- Investment funds in Dubai: You can set up and manage hedge funds, mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Also, you can engage in managing the securities portfolios. The sky is the limit with too many investing opportunities throughout the UAE.
Ideal locations to form an investment business in Dubai
These are some of the perfect places for starting a new investment company in Dubai.
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): If you want to focus on investment firms and commodity trading, then DMCC is your best option.
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): For international investment companies and offshore financial firms in Dubai, JAFZA is among the best options.
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): As a leading economic center, DIFC has the DFSA regulatory framework in alignment with the universal standards.
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): OK, this one is not in Dubai for sure. this strong financial hub in Abu Dhabi for regulated investment activities deserves a mention here. ADGM is so serious, that it has got its own Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
Advantages of incorporating investment companies in Dubai
These are the benefits of forming an investment company in Dubai.
- There is 0% income and corporate tax in Free Zones which is a huge tax advantage.
- You will have access to some of the most established and emerging markets in Dubai.
- The regulatory framework is very strong ensuring financial stability and investor protection.
- You will have access to a wealthy client-base, as Dubai is full of high-net-worth corporations and individuals seeking investment services.
- Dubai is a city full of profitable financial opportunities as there is continuous economic expansion.
- The chances of success of your Dubai investment business are pretty high.
KWS ME helps you open a Dubai investment firm in the UAE
Starting an investment business in Dubai requires compliance with several key regulatory authorities. KWS Middle East assists you navigate all of these regulators with ease. We help you in obtaining the necessary DFSA license, ensuring compliance of business operates within Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Our team manages the SCA approval process for the activities like stock trading, fund management, or investment advisory services. While, we also guide you in meeting the Central Bank requirements for financial products and banking-related services. We handle the trade license applications and business registration formalities to satisfy the Ministry of Economy regulations.
Moreover, we assist in securing licenses and approvals from various free zone authorities such as DIFC, ADGM, or DMCC. You get end-to-end support from KWS Middle East for understanding the regulatory requirements. We prepare accurate documentation, and maintain full compliance, and ensure your investment business operates smoothly. Thus, you can avoid penalties, and grow confidently in Dubai.
For connecting with KWS Middle East, call us at +97180059763, email us at info@kwsme.com, or WhatsApp us at +971509664705 now.
FAQs about the Dubai investment vertical in the UAE
These are the answers to the common questions regarding the investment vertical in Dubai, UAE.
Is it necessary to have an investment company license in Dubai?
Yes! It is mandatory to obtain a license from the SCA, DFSA, or other relevant free zone authority. So that you can run investment operations in Dubai mainland or a free trade zone.
Can foreign investors fully own investment firms in Dubai?
Yes! Foreign investors can own 100% of an investment company in Dubai. Especially, they can have complete ownership in Dubai free zones like DIFC.
How long will it take to register an investment business in Dubai?
The registration procedure of Dubai investment firms takes from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on legal documentation requirements and approvals.
Is it beneficial to establish an investment fund in Dubai?
Yes! It is very rewarding to open an investment fund in Dubai to facilitate the users in the UAE and globally. Because, it offers a strong regulatory framework, an access to high-net-worth investors and most importantly tax free investment returns.
What are the minimum capital requirements for an investment company in Dubai?
Think of AED 1 million as the bare minimum for starting investment firms in Dubai. However, the estimates vary depending on the regulatory body and the license type you have. Furthermore, financial capital requirements for a large-scale Dubai investment fund can go to the north of AED 50 million.
Author Bio
