Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international entrepreneurs and groups to retain full ownership of their holding company. There is no requirement for a local Emirati partner or sponsor.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Holding companies licensed through Meydan Free Zone can benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income. Combined with full profit repatriation, this makes Dubai a highly efficient base for structuring regional investments.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
Unlike some financial activities, a holding companies licence under this activity code requires no additional third-party regulatory approval. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations immediately.
Clear Regulatory Framework Backed by UAE Authorities
The activity operates under oversight from the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority, providing a mature and transparent compliance environment. This gives investors and counterparties confidence in the legitimacy of the structure.
Ideal for Investment Groups and International Firms Entering MENA
The licence suits a wide range of users, from global asset managers and banks to family offices and investment holding structures seeking a UAE-licensed vehicle. Dubai's position as a financial hub gives these entities direct access to regional capital flows across MENA.
Fully Digital Licensing Process for Fast Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers a completely digital application and licensing process, reducing setup time and administrative burden. This allows businesses to become operational quickly without lengthy in-person procedures.
Know Exactly What This Licence Does and Does Not Cover
The holding companies activity code covers core holding functions, regulated delivery, client engagement, and regional market reach. Active management, strategic decision-making, and other distinct services fall under separate activity codes and are not included.
How to Start a Holding Companies Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed holding companies business serves the UAE's financial services market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed holding companies businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from Central Bank of the UAE and SCA regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of financial-centre status, mature regulation, and strong regional capital flows is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned financial services as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for licensed financial activities.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Financial services firms | Businesses providing licensed financial services to retail, corporate, or institutional clients under the applicable UAE regulatory framework. |
| Investment, holding, and trust structures | Groups using UAE-licensed vehicles for investment, holding, and fund structuring. |
| International financial groups entering MENA | Global banks, asset managers, and fintech firms establishing a Dubai entity for MENA operations. |
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone means 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a fully digital licensing process, giving you a fast and cost-effective route into the Dubai financial-services market.
6420.00 - Holding Companies
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed holding companies business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Holding Companies core services provided to clients under the activity code. |
| Regulated Delivery | Compliance-led. Services delivered under the relevant regulatory framework, standards, and reporting obligations. |
| Client Engagement | Commercial scope. Onboarding, contracting, and ongoing service delivery to retail, corporate, or institutional clients as applicable. |
| Support and Operations | Operational back-office. Systems, staffing, documentation, and operational support needed to run the licensed activity. |
| Regional Reach | Market coverage. Delivery to clients across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets within the scope of this activity. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Activities such as active management of companies and enterprises, strategic planning and decision making of the company fall under separate codes.
Other related but distinct services are classified under their own activity codes and not under this one.
In short: if you are operating a licensed holding companies business, you are in. If you are delivering a related but distinct service that falls under another activity, you are not.
Third-Party Approval
No third-party approval is required for this business activity. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations under this activity code.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
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