How-To
How To Start An Online Business In Dubai (2024 Guide)
From choosing a business name, to applying for your visa, this guide takes you through everything you need to know about starting an online business in Dubai.
There has never been a better time to start an online business in Dubai than now.
Experts anticipate retail e-commerce sales to reach a new high by 2024, growing from $4.28 trillion in 2020 to $5.4 trillion. This massive growth is fueled by the always improving availability of electronic devices, new generations of mobile network technology, and more accessible online payment methods, just to name a few factors.
When choosing the best place to start an online business, Dubai should be high on your list. Not only does the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have the most advanced e-commerce market in the whole MENA region, but businesses that decide to incorporate in Dubai can look forward to many benefits, such as:
- Minimal bureaucracy
- 0% tax rate
- 100% business ownership
- Low operating expenses
- No import/export duties
Best of all, starting an online business in Dubai is much easier than you might think, and we explain everything you need to know in this article.
Starting An Online Business In Dubai In A Few Simple Steps
The process of starting an online business in Dubai is deliberately straightforward to attract as much business activity as possible. Essentially, it involves filing an application for an e-commerce license, which then allows your online business to operate and sell products or services specified in the license.
Before you go ahead and file your online business application, there are some decisions that you need to make.
1- Choose Your Jurisdiction
The UAE consists of two main economic zones, or jurisdictions:
- Mainland: Businesses incorporated in the UAE mainland are free to operate anywhere in the UAE market, meaning they can do business both inside and outside the UAE. They can also take on government contracts.
- Free Zone: On the other hand, businesses incorporated in the UAE free zone are now allowed to conduct their operation in non-free zone without the support of a local agent. However, such businesses get to enjoy a special tax, customs, and imports regime.
2- Pick A Name For Your Company
If you haven’t done so already, now is the right time to pick a name for your online business. While this may seem like an easy decision, you need to keep in mind that the UAE has strict naming conventions, and you definitely want to avoid names that include:
- Offensive language
- References to Allah
- Sectarian or political groups
- Initials and abbreviations
- Politically charged terms
If you’re having trouble picking a suitable name for your online business, then you may want to consider hiring a consulting firm with a deep understanding of the UAE, its culture, and customs.
3- Prepare Your Business License Application
You can now submit your business license application. The application process will take far less time if you have all basic documentation in order, including:
- Properly filled out application form
- Passport copy of the proposed owner or owners
- Two-color passport photos
Again, any inaccuracies in the application form can lead to unnecessary delays and complications, so we highly recommend you double-check everything before you submit your business license application. If everything goes right, your application should be approved in a week or so.
You can, of course, let a company formation expert take care of this step for you, but you need to be ready to pay a rather steep fee for the service.
4- Apply For Your Visa
Although your online business may not need physical premises like a brick-and-mortar store, you are required to have a legal address. In order to move to a Dubai-based office, you and your employees will need a valid visa.
All entrepreneurs who have set up a business of their own at some point in the past can apply for a business visa, which is part of the Golden Visa system under which foreigners can obtain a long-term visa for themselves and their dependents.
5- Open A Bank Account In Dubai
As a Dubai-based online business, you need a local bank account. The good news is that non-residents don’t have to jump through too many hoops to open a bank account in Dubai. As long as you have a password, your UAE identification card, a copy of your visa, and your business license, you should be good to go.
The largest banks in Dubai include:
- Emirates NBD
- National Bank of Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- First Gulf Bank
- Dubai Islamic Bank
While some banks cater specifically to online businesses, other banks are less accommodating, so make sure to do your research so that you get the best service possible.
Top 3 Online Business Ideas To Start In Dubai
If you’re reading this article because you’re just thinking about starting an online business in Dubai, then we have a few business ideas for you to consider:
- Online Store: E-commerce has been booming in the UAE for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated its already rapid growth. If you have a product that people will want to purchase, then there’s nothing easier than setting up an online store and making it available to the entire world.
- Online Teaching: Traditional learning, which can be defined as teacher-centered delivery of instruction to classes of students, doesn’t reflect our rapidly changing world. If you have any skill that’s in demand, you should consider starting an online teaching business or publishing video courses on the internet.
- App Development: The number of smartphone users worldwide is expected to reach 3 billion by 2024, so there’s a huge opportunity to start an app development online business and publish mobile apps on major app marketplaces, such as the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Regardless of which business opportunity you decide to pursue, we hope the information provided in this article will help you achieve your business goals and grab your share of the e-commerce market.
Bonus: If you do happen to make it to Dubai, consider getting yourself a Nol card. This card gives you simple access to all public transportation options available in the city.
How-To
How To Watch Arabic Channels In USA, Canada & Australia
Arab families living in the United States, Canada, and Australia now have several options on how to watch their favorite Arabic TV channels.
Some options for watching Arabic channels in the United States, Canada, and Australia are suitable for cord-cutters, whose goal it is to get rid of cable and satellite TV and save as much money as possible. Other options are ideal for those who prefer a more traditional satellite TV experience. Regardless of which two groups you belong to, you’ll be able to satisfy your craving for Arabic TV with the help of this article.
Here’s a quick overview of the various options for watching Arabic channels in the USA, Canada, and Australia:
| Solution: | Best For: | Hardware Required? |
| Direct Channel Streaming | Casual viewers | No |
| VPN Services | Tech-savvy users wanting access to geo-restricted content | No |
| MySat | Australian viewers, especially in remote areas | Yes (Dish & Receiver) |
| ArabCast | Viewers wanting flexible, affordable streaming | No |
| JadooTV | Those interested in South Asian and Arabic content | Optional (Set-Top Box) |
| Reelplay Arabic IPTV Box | Users wanting an easy-to-use, dedicated solution | Yes (IPTV Box) |
| DISH Arabic TV | Users preferring traditional satellite TV | Yes (Dish & Receiver) |
| Sling TV Arabic | Cord-cutters using multiple devices | No |
| FilmOn | Budget-conscious viewers | No |
Use A VPN To Watch Geo-Restricted Arabic Channels
Many Arabic websites that offer content over the internet are geo-restricted outside the Arab world for legal reasons. This means that if you’re living in the USA, Canada, or Australia, you might encounter frustrating “this content is not available in your region” messages.
Fortunately, such geo-restrictions are easy to circumvent using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to connect to servers in different countries, making it appear as if you’re browsing from that location. By connecting to a server in an Arab country, you can unlock access to geo-restricted Arabic content.
My favorite VPN services that works great when it comes to unlocking geo-restricted Arabic channels are:
- NordVPN: Known for its extensive server network (including servers in the UAE) and top-notch security features. NordVPN offers excellent performance and user-friendly apps for various devices.
- ExpressVPN: Renowned for its fast speeds and ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services. ExpressVPN has servers in almost 100 countries, so it should easily unlock any Arabic content.
- CyberGhost: User-friendly with specialized streaming servers. CyberGhost operates servers in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries to provide ample options for accessing Arabic channels.
Recommended For: Tech-savvy users who want to access a wider range of Arabic content, including geo-restricted channels and streaming platforms.
MySat
MySat is an affordable satellite TV service that specializes in providing Arabic channels to viewers in Australia. With a wide selection of channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and religious programming, MySat can make it easy for you to stay connected to your cultural roots.
The Arabic package includes MTV, Al Jadeed, LBCI, Rotana, ART, MBC, DMC, and more channels. The starter kit costs just under $70, and it includes the physical satellite TV box and 3 months of TV subscription. After the first 3 months, TV subscription auto-renews at the regular subscription price, which is around $35.
For those living in more remote parts of Australia where high-speed internet might be inconsistent or unavailable, MySat can be an excellent solution. With the satellite service, you can enjoy your favorite Arabic channels without worrying about internet connectivity issues or buffering problems that often plague streaming services in rural areas.
Recommended For: Individuals seeking a satellite TV solution with a good variety of Arabic channels, especially those in remote locations.
ArabCast
With an impressive lineup of over 400 live Arabic channels, ArabCast offers a comprehensive selection of programming, including news, entertainment, sports, and more. One of ArabCast’s key attractions is its user-friendly approach. You can enjoy ArabCast on any device, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, with the added convenience of casting to your TV using Google Chromecast.
ArabCast offers a pay-as-you-go system with a generous trial period, and their subscriptions are among the most affordable in the market ($4.49 for 1 month, $24.99 for 6 months, or $44.99 for 12 months). There’s no long-term commitment required, giving you the freedom to adjust your viewing options as needed.
In addition to impressive content selection, ArabCast provides 24-hour support to assist you with any issues you might encounter, and there are over 15,000 happy customers who are ready to vouch for the service.
Recommended For: Arabic-speaking viewers who want a flexible, affordable streaming service with a wide range of channels and no need for special hardware.
JadooTV
For those who are interested in a broader range of international programming, particularly South Asian and Bollywood content alongside Arabic channels, JadooTV offers a compelling solution.
The flagship product is the Jadoo7 Android 9 Entertainment Hub, a set-top box priced at €199. This device transforms your TV into a smart entertainment center, offering access to apps, video-on-demand content, and TV series.
For those who prefer to use their existing smart TVs or connected devices, JadooTV offers smart TV apps. These apps are available for a wide range of platforms, including Samsung, Sony, Android TV, LG, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku devices. The smart TV app service is priced at €6.99 per month or €69.99 for an annual plan.
Lastly, for viewers on the go, JadooTV provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. Priced at €5.99 per month or €59.99 per year (plus VAT), these apps offer access to live TV channels, a vast library of on-demand content, and a large selection of Bollywood movies.
Recommended For: Viewers who have a broad interest in international content, particularly those who enjoy South Asian programming and Bollywood movies alongside Arabic channels.
Reelplay Arabic IPTV Box
The Reelplay Arabic IPTV box is a compact device, measuring just 9cm x 9cm and 1.8cm, that provides access to a vast array of Arabic channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and more.
The box comes with impressive specifications, including a quad-core Cortex A53 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5.0GHz) and includes an Ethernet port for stable internet connectivity.
One of its standout features is the unique 7-day reeltime rewind function, which allows viewers to catch up on missed shows at their convenience. If you find the Reelplay Arabic IPTV box to be an attractive solution, then I recommend their special starter pack, which includes the box and 3 months of free Arabic service for new customers.
Recommended For: Arabic-speaking viewers who don’t have a smart TV capable of smoothly running modern streaming apps and are looking for a plug-and-play style solution that’s easy to set up and use.
DISH Arabic TV
DISH TV is one of the most popular providers of satellite TV in the United States, and the company has several packages with Arabic TV channels, including Arabic Elite Pack, Arabic Music Pack, Arabic IQRAA Pack, Arabic Noursat Pack, and Arabic Aghapy TV Pack. This is what’s included in each package.
We recommend Arabic Elite Pack because it includes a wide variety of TV channels, covering dramas, music, news, political updates, religious programming, and more. Arabic Elite Pack costs $34.99 a month with a two-year commitment. DISH TV users can customize their Arabic TV package with extra channels, including Willow Cricket HD, NDTV 24*7, France 24, and others.
New subscribers to DISH TV get professional installation for free, and it doesn’t matter how many TVs you want to connect to your satellite.
Recommended For: Those who are used to the satellite TV experience and are willing to pay a premium price for it.
Sling TV Arabic
Owned by Dish Network, Sling TV is a popular American over-the-top internet television service that you can watch using Roku, Apple TV, Samsung TV, LG TV, Android, iOS, Xbox One, Amazon FireTV, Azulle, Windows, Google Chrome, AndroidTV, Chromecast, and AirTV.
With Sling TV, you can watch over 130 Arabic TV channels broadcasting from 15 Middle Eastern countries. Some of the most popular Arabic TV channels available on Sling TV include MBC, Aljazeera, ART, LBCI, Aljadeed, Rotana, CBC, DMC, and Melody. For more information on the Arabic TV channels offered by Sling TV, read this channel guide. For Lebanese abroad, you’ll even be able to watch MTV Lebanon online.
Sling TV Arabic costs either $25 a month or $150 a year. Regardless of if you choose the monthly or annual subscription, you always get a 7-day free trial that allows you to evaluate the service without forcing you to make a commitment.
Recommended For: Cord-cutters who want to watch Arabic TV on many different devices.
FilmOn
FilmOn is an internet-based television provider with multiple Arabic channels, including Rotana Aflam, Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic TV, Dubai TV, AYAAT, and others. The service costs $19.95 per month or $199 per year (you get two months of free service).
FilmOn launched in 2009 in the United Kingdom and a year later in the United States. At the time of writing, it licenses several hundred channels and nearly 100,000 video-on-demand titles. Being an internet-based television provider, you can watch FilmOn on just about any device.
Recommended For: Budget-minded individuals who are looking for a cost-effective way to watch Arabic TV on the go.
Watch Arabic TV Channels Directly
Some Arabic TV channels, such as Alsumaria or Nessma stream their live TV programming on the internet, so you can simply tune in from any country and start watching.
If you’re fine with watching Arabic TV in a web browser and can live without extra features, this method of watching Arabic TV channels in the United States, Canada, and Australia is certainly worth trying, especially considering that it doesn’t cost anything at all.
Recommended For: Casual viewers who don’t often watch Arabic TV.
Also Read: PayPal In Lebanon: Everything You Need To Know
Bonus: If you’re into watching Arabic movies (especially those good old classics), then you can also check out Cinemoz, the fastest growing premium video on demand platform in the Arab World.
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Richard Devano
June 10, 2021 at 6:01 PM
This guide was just what I needed! Any thoughts on how long the whole process will take? Thanks!
Brittany Borrego
June 10, 2021 at 4:28 PM
This is a really helpful article! Thank you! Is there a fee associated with the license?