Public Joint Stock Company in Dubai

Dubai is rapidly evolving into a premium global financial hub, attracting interest from large multinational corporations. For businesses aiming to build credibility in the Gulf region and obtain access to public markets, establishing a PJSC or public joint stock company in Dubai is the ideal corporate structure.

If your goals include scaling business operations, raising capital through public investment, and gaining strong regional presence, a PJSC offers the legal and financial foundation for long-term success. This article helps you understand in detail what a PJSC is and its key features. It will also guide you through the process of setting up a PJSC company in Dubai.

What is a Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)?

A PJSC is a legal structure where the company’s capital is divided into shares of equal value, and each shareholder is liable for only their share. These businesses are required to offer a minimum of 55 per cent of the company’s shares to the general public by listing them on the stock exchange.

A public joint stock company in UAE must operate under the Commercial Companies Law. Additionally, it must secure the necessary permissions from regulatory agencies such the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

Read our blog to find out more about ‘Amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law’.

Key Features of a Public Joint Stock Company in Dubai

A Public Joint Stock Company in Dubai is subject to specific governance rules and regulatory standards. These requirements ensure transparency for businesses seeking to raise capital from the public. Some of the notable features of a PJSC include:

• Minimum Shareholders: A PJSC in Dubai must have at least five founding shareholders at the time of incorporation.
• Board of Directors: The board must consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of eleven members.
• Public Offering: A public joint stock company in Dubai is legally allowed to offer shares to the public. It can be listed on financial markets like the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).
• Capital Requirement: The minimum capital of AED 10 million must be fully paid before legally incorporating a PJSC.
• Supervision and Compliance: The company must undergo financial audits and regular reporting under the SCA and the Ministry of Economy’s oversight.

All these measures ensure that a public joint stock company in Dubai maintains transparency and builds investor confidence.

How to Register a PJSC in Dubai? 

When setting up a public joint stock company in Dubai, you must abide by the local regulations and obtain approvals from relevant authorities. With the help of Commitbiz experts, this complex process can be simplified. For smooth company incorporation, follow the step-by-step procedure below:

Step 1 - Prepare a business plan

The first step is to draft a clear and detailed business plan. It must clearly outline your business goals as well as your financial and operational strategies.

Step 2 - Get initial approval

Once your business plan is finalised, Commitbiz consultants will submit it to the Department of Economic Development to obtain initial approval.

Step 3 - Draft and submit necessary documents

At this stage, the company’s shareholders must prepare the required documents, such as the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). Commitbiz can help you with the preparation, ensuring your documents meet the requirements and are in compliance with local laws.

Step 4 - Offer shares to the public
At this stage, the company must launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to offer shares to the public. Our consultants will submit the prospectus with all the financial information to the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for approval.

Step 5 - Obtain your license and incorporation certificate

Once you have all the sector-specific approvals from relevant authorities, Commitbiz consultants will submit all the final documents to the DED. Post approval, you will receive your trade license. When you register your company with the Ministry of Economy, you will get an incorporation certificate.

Why Choose Dubai for a PJSC?

Dubai provides a stable financial ecosystem, contemporary infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations. There are many compelling reasons to choose Dubai for your public joint stock company in UAE. Some of these include:

• Access to International Stock Markets: Businesses in Dubai can list on Dubai Financial Market and NASDAQ Dubai. This gives your business access to both regional and international investors.
• Strategic Location: Being a connecting link between the East and the West, Dubai is ideal for multinational operations.
• Strong legal framework: As an investor, Dubai’s open governance policies and robust legal framework ensure full protection.
• Government Assistance: The government offers a range of incentives for IPO facilitation and public listings.

Whether you're starting a new business or expanding, establishing a public joint stock company in Dubai provides you with the groundwork to develop and dominate the global market.

Find out more about the thriving sectors in the Emirate by reading our blog, “Booming Business Opportunities in Dubai in 2025”.

Private vs Public Joint Stock Company in Dubai

While both private and public joint stock companies share structural similarities, they differ in some key areas. The table below lists some common differences between the two:

A private joint stock company in UAE is suitable for closed businesses with fewer shareholders, while a public joint stock company in Dubai is designed for businesses ready to scale and go public.

Why Commitbiz?

When compared to other entities, setting up a public joint stock company in Dubai can be fairly complex. However, the benefits and rewards make it worthwhile. Partnering with Commitbiz business setup consultants who have years of experience with helping companies establish in the Middle East could be beneficial. Our experts have thorough knowledge of the ins and outs of business setup in Dubai, and will ensure complete guidance through every stage. Contact us today for simplified company registration!