Dubai, the sun-drenched city, is filled with opportunities for people who wish to start a business in Dubai. Any business that wants to reach globally needs promotions, and here comes digital marketing to support the growth of your business.
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The land where every day 100s of new businesses emerge comes with the need for promotions. So, it's always the best time to incorporate a business in Dubai.
This blog will explain to you the nuances of navigating the process to start a digital marketing agency in Dubai.
Benefits of Starting a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai
Starting a digital marketing agency in Dubai comes with several benefits, such as:
- Tax exemptions
- 100% Ownership
- Strategic Location
- 100% repatriation of profits
- Business-friendly environment
- Demand For marketing services
- Skilled resources in terms of both labour and technologies.
Steps to Start a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai
Here are the steps to start a digital marketing agency in Dubai:
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Do Proper Market Research
Any business requires market research that will help your business to grow strategically. It's always important to understand the current market trends, learn the competitors' offerings and identify your niche.
A point to be noted during market research is tailoring your approach to resonate with the local market.
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Choose the Location
The location of your business plays a major role in the growth. The city offers mainland and freezones to incorporate your digital marketing company in Dubai.
Here are the factors that you should note before selecting your jurisdiction based on your needs.
Mainland |
Freezone |
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100% Ownership. |
100% Ownership. |
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Mainland companies can do both B2b & B2C. |
Freezone companies can only do B2B (Business to Business). |
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Mainland companies must have 200 sq ft of office space. |
Freezone companies don’t necessarily need office space. You can set it up if you need one. |
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Visa limits do not apply to mainland companies; however, the number of visas depends on your workspace area. If your organisation requires more visas, it must first acquire or rent a larger workspace. |
The number of visas that free zone companies can apply for is limited. It depends on the free zone's regulations and ranges from one to six. |
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You would need government clearance from multiple government organisations for a mainland company. |
Each free zone has its own set of laws and regulations, and businesses established within it must follow only those rules and regulations. |
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These include the Department of Economic Development, the Ministry of Labour, the Department of Culture & Tourism, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Municipalities & Transport, and so on. |
Furthermore, you need permission for certain activities from non-free zone government authorities to set up business in the freezone. |
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At the end of each financial year, all mainland companies are expected to prepare a financial audit. |
Certain free zones are exempted from audit preparation. Only free zone corporations like FZE and FZCO must undergo a year-end audit. |
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Decide a Trade Name
Trade name, in other words, is also referred to as the trade name. While deciding on a name for your business, you should adhere to a few regulations such as.
- Avoid using abusive names.
- Avoid using any negative terms.
- Avoid using religious or any god or goddess names.
- Choose a name that represents your business activity.
- If you decide to keep a person's name, use their full name.
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Secure License
Gather all the documents, check your relevant authority and obtain the business license. The license will allow you to do your chosen business activity.
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Gather a Team of Experts
To start a digital marketing agency in Dubai, you need a team of experts like SEO experts, SEO Content writers, and social media managers who can understand the best market strategies that need to be followed for the growth of your business.
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Choose the Best Tool
Decide the best digital marketing tools and technologies to analyse the analytics that align with your budget.
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Create a Brand Presence
Create a brand identity in the market, and the best thing to do is to build a strong website with an attractive social media page on all the platforms. Try engaging the local community; this can help in great ways.
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Build Connections
Build a strong connection with related businesses. Participate in events and online forums.
Building a successful agency takes time. Adopt the best strategy and build strong connections; this will help you to grow and continue moving further.
Cost to Start a Marketing Company in Dubai
The cost to start a digital marketing company in Dubai depends on the jurisdiction in which you choose to incorporate your business and the size of your business. To know more about the cost, it is always better to contact experts. Our experts will assist you with all the information about the prices.
To know more about starting your Digital Marketing agency, contact our experts in Commitbiz now.
Do I need a local partner to start a digital marketing agency in Dubai?
It depends. If you choose the mainland setup, you'll need a local sponsor with at least 51% ownership. The free zone option allows 100% foreign ownership, but your business operations are limited to the free zone area.
What type of digital marketing license do I need?
The specific license depends on your agency's services. Popular options include "Internet Advertising Services," "Social Media Marketing Services," and "Search Engine Optimization Services." Consult a professional for tailored advice.
Can I hire international employees for my agency?
Yes, but they'll need work visas sponsored by your company. Visa regulations can be complex, so seek professional guidance to ensure compliance.
What marketing channels should I focus on in Dubai?
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook dominate, but consider LinkedIn and TikTok for specific niches. Content marketing in Arabic is essential. Analyse local trends and competitor strategies for more specific insights.
