Business Setup in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone : UAE’s Most Creative Hub Infrastructure
Start your new business in Dubai's World-Class Creative Ecosystem at Dubai Design District Free Zone, the Premier Hub for Design, Art, and Fashion in the UAE.
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Easy Business Setup
- Strategic Location
- Access to a Diverse Community
Dubai Design District, initiated in 2013 by TECOM Investments, is the newest Free Zone business park. Launched by the UAE’s Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, it aims to foster growth and investment in sectors such as Digital Media, Arts, Design, and Fashion.
If you're Planning to Establish a Business in Dubai Design District (D3), it's noteworthy that it Stands as One of the Prime Locations for Entrepreneurs to Establish their Companies in Dubai.
Why Setup your Business in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone ?
The Epicenter for Design, Fashion, and Culture in the region, D3 has already formed a Community of Trendsetters. Establish your business in D3 and reap the advantages of UAE free zones, coupled with an interactive ecosystem fostering emerging creatives, housing established designers, and providing a distinctive platform for startups.
Dubai Design District hosts thousands of globally recognized brands, including the in5 Design Innovation Center. This center grants member startups access to coworking spaces, private offices, prototyping labs, 3D printers, wood/metal cutting machinery, fashion labs, workshops, and connections with top investors. Moreover, in5 sponsors design startups for prominent events like Dubai Design Week and Arab Fashion Week, providing them opportunities to showcase their brands alongside international counterparts.
Beyond stunning offices, attractive studios, and creative co-working spaces, D3 features state-of-the-art floating meeting rooms designed by renowned designers.
Encompassing over 64,000 square feet, D3 offers an impressive array of indoor and outdoor event venues accommodating up to 40,000 visitors. Additionally, pop-up spaces in Dubai Design District provide settings for galleries, showrooms, temporary art exhibitions, and fashion pop-ups.
Available Facilities in Dubai Design District
The facilities provided for business setup in Dubai Design District are tailored to meet the needs of design startups, freelancers, and large companies. Selecting the appropriate facility is crucial for investors, as the wrong type of office or commercial space can impact daily operations. It is recommended to consult business setup experts in Dubai before making a facility choice.
Coworking Spaces:
Coworking Spaces in Dubai Design District offer investors the essential tools and resources to keep entrepreneurs and their teams productive. These spaces include high-speed internet, 24/7 building access, meeting rooms, recreational areas, pantry services, and more.
Commercial Spaces:
Dubai Design District provides commercial spaces with elevated standards and options to maintain exposed ceilings and 'raw' features. These spaces feature LEED Certified & Grade-A buildings, basement storage space, multiple retail, wellness, and F&B options, among other amenities.
In5Design Centre:
In5Design is an innovation center designed for aspiring creative talents in the field of design. Situated at the heart of the Dubai Design District, the In5Design center offers a creative workspace and a unique prototyping lab for designers.
Retail Spaces:
Retail spaces in Dubai Design District offer opportunities for relaxation, dining, fitness, and cultural experiences. Investors and creative professionals can explore design-led boutiques, showrooms, galleries, restaurants, cafés, gyms, shops, beauty salons, and more at these retail spaces.
Benefits of Establishing a Company in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone
Dubai Design District (D3) is a thriving hub for design, art, and fashion, offering a vibrant and supportive environment for businesses in creative industries. Setting up your business in D3 Free Zone can offer numerous benefits, including:
- Complete Foreign Ownership: D3 allows full foreign ownership of companies and complete repatriation of capitals.
- Reduced Taxes: No import-export tax and zero personal income tax.
- No Currency Restrictions: Dubai Design District welcomes investments in any currency, making it accessible to creatives of all nationalities.
- in5 Design: The innovation center provides investor access, mentorship, and creative co-working facilities for startups.
- Creative Community: Over 6,500 like-minded individuals and businesses dedicated to creativity.
- Strategic Location: Prime location near JLT, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Burj Khalifa.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: High-quality, innovatively designed office premises, co-working spaces, and retail spaces.
- Cost-Effective Startup: Dubai Design District offers some of the world's lowest business setup costs. Starting a new business in just one month can cost as little as AED 70,000.
- Cutting-Edge Business Resources: Dubai Design District, a world-class design hub, provides state-of-the-art technology and architect-designed offices suitable for creative companies, allowing you to collaborate with the world's best designers.
- Innovation and Diversity: Most businesses in Dubai Design District are owned by international entrepreneurs, creating an innovative and cosmopolitan community. UAE businesses are also making significant strides in this vibrant district.
- Licensing for Fashion, Design, and Freelancers: Obtaining a business license for various creative industries is straightforward in Dubai Design District, making it an ideal location for freelancers. The district facilitates licensing for freelance creative work, addressing a common challenge for freelancers.
Top Permitted Business Activities in Dubai Design District (D3)
Dubai Design District is well-suited for a variety of creative businesses. Common business activities in this district encompass:
- Fashion design
- Architectural design
- Graphic design
- Branding and corporate identity
- Direct marketing
- Public relations
- Image consultancy
- Industrial design
This list is not exhaustive, and the creative community in Dubai Design District is continually expanding. Regardless of your specific creative venture, this remains one of the premier startup locations globally.
Business Setup Options in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone
You have the freedom to choose the type of business you wish to establish in Dubai Design District. The processes vary, but all are accessible and straightforward.
- Establish a Limited Liability Company
- Create a UAE company branch
- Establish a branch for an overseas company
- Register as a freelancer and apply for your permit
These represent the primary business types available. Dubai Design District, however, provides adaptable options for businesses of all kinds. Unsure about the most suitable business structure for you? Seek advice from Smart Zones® UAE business setup consultant.
Steps to Launch a Company in Dubai Design District "D3" Free Zone
Establishing a Business in Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone involves several steps:
Embark on the journey of opening a business in Dubai by partnering with Smart Zones® UAE. Our adept company formation specialists will guide you through the business license application and setup process, liaising with relevant government and municipal authorities on your behalf.
Prior to commencement, it is essential to choose an approved business activity permitted in Dubai Design District. Companies in D3 have the flexibility to decide where they wish to operate – whether within the Free Zone, on the mainland, or a combination of both.
Businesses are required to complete the online application, submitting business plans and passports for all shareholders. Smart Zones® UAE can guide you through this process, ensuring a quicker and more cost-effective company incorporation.
Companies under the jurisdiction of Dubai Design District must secure dedicated office space or a warehousing facility for their operations. Freelancers may be exempt from this requirement.
Following the acquisition of office space, companies must apply for the appropriate trade license through the Dubai Design District. Depending on the nature of products and services, multiple trade licenses may be necessary.
Complete the process by opening your corporate bank account for your Dubai Business with Smart Zones® UAE. This final step paves the way for the successful opening of your Business.
Remember that the process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities. Consulting legal and business experts familiar with Dubai's business setup landscape is highly recommended.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Documents Required to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3)
When registering a company in the Dubai Design District, business owners must furnish essential documents. The crucial documents include passport and visa copies of all directors and general managers, along with their specimen signatures and proof of the share capital requirement.
In addition to this, the company registration and licensing application form, accompanied by a comprehensive business plan, must be submitted to the DED. It is mandatory that all these documents are provided during the business setup process.
Submitting incorrect documents can lead to immediate rejection. Our consultants at Smart Zones® UAE ensure you have the right documents, avoiding any complications in the process.
License Cost for Dubai Design District (D3) Free Zone Company Setup
The License Cost To establish a business in Dubai Design District (D3) can vary, encompassing factors like business structure & activites, rental expenses for space, visa fees, obtaining necessary government approvals, marketing, advertising, and other miscellaneous costs. For a more precise estimate of the total expenses, we recommend reaching out to Smart Zones® UAE to receive an accurate quote.
Dubai Design District, initiated in 2013, is a Free Zone business park designed to foster growth in Digital Media, Arts, Design, and Fashion. Launched by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, it offers a vibrant community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strategic location, making it a prime choice for entrepreneurs.
Setting up your business in D3 Free Zone provides benefits such as complete foreign ownership, reduced taxes, no currency restrictions, and access to cutting-edge resources. It also offers a creative community, strategic location, cost-effective startup options, and streamlined licensing for creative industries.
D3 provides tailored facilities for design startups, freelancers, and large companies. This includes coworking spaces with high-speed internet, commercial spaces with LEED Certified buildings, In5Design innovation center, and retail spaces for relaxation, dining, and cultural experiences.
Dubai Design District accommodates various creative businesses, including fashion design, architectural design, graphic design, branding, direct marketing, public relations, image consultancy, and industrial design. The creative community is continually expanding.
The process includes partnering with Smart Zones® UAE, selecting a business activity and location, submitting an application, securing physical space, applying for a trade license, and opening a corporate bank account. Specific steps may vary based on jurisdiction and business activities.
Essential documents include passport and visa copies of directors, specimen signatures, proof of share capital, and a comprehensive business plan. Submitting correct documents during the business setup process is crucial to avoid complications.
The license cost varies based on factors like business structure, activities, rental expenses, visa fees, government approvals, and miscellaneous costs. For an accurate quote, it is recommended to contact Smart Zones® UAE for a precise estimate.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
