Start Smart, Be
Compliant With
Meydan Free Zone
Start Smart, Be Compliant With Meydan Free Zone
When you set up a business in Dubai, a few checks need to happen in the background. They show that your company is real, responsible and ready to grow.
Compliance is your first step to long-term success.
At Meydan Free Zone, we make it simple. From day one, every step you take is backed by smart checks, expert support, and systems that keep your setup clean and future proof.
FRICTIONLESS. FEARLESS. COMPLIANT.
Why Compliance
Matters
In Dubai, compliance shows your business is built on the right foundation with clarity, credibility, and full control. It tells regulators, banks, and partners who’s behind your company, how it operates, and that it meets both UAE laws and global standards from the start.
For Free Zone entities, this involves:
Adhering to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and identifying high-risk transactions
Declaring Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) at the time of incorporation and updating it regularly
Filing corporate tax returns and meeting the criteria for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status
Ensuring all documentation, financial, operational, and structural, is auditable, legitimate, and timely
SEAMLESS. SECURE. STRUCTURED.
How We Can Help You to
Stay Compliant
How We Can Help You to Stay Complaint
Being compliant means your business is in good standing with banks, partners and the government. We make sure your setup follows all UAE laws and international standards.
Our integrated framework ensures:
Alignment with international AML/CFT standards and Counter Proliferation Financing (CPF) measures
Full compliance with UAE laws, including Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) regimes
Ongoing risk assessments and continuous monitoring, built into your day-to-day operations
Compliance services, tailored to your business.
AML Business Risk
AssessmentWe review your setup to identify potential risks and help you meet anti-money laundering rules.
KYC Support
and ReviewWe help you validate your identity and business documents so your setup stays clean, complete, and bank ready.
Policy and Procedure Support
We prepare AML/CFT policies and controls that match your business and meet UAE requirements.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
We help you verify clients properly, with extra checks when needed.
goAML Registration and STR Filing
We assist with setting up your goAML profile and filing reports with Dubai Financial Intelligence Unit.
Annual Compliance Reports
We prepare yearly reports to keep your AML/CFT documentation complete and ready for review.
TIMELESS TRANSPARENCY. TIMELY ACTION. TRACKED IN REAL TIME.
Your Compliance Steps
at Meydan Free Zone
Your Compliance Steps at Meydan Free Zone
At Meydan Free Zone every touchpoint is compliant, not just at approval, but throughout the business lifecycle. Let’s walk you through how we ensure everything checks out before your business takes off.
Seven Simple Steps. One Verified Setup
01.
We Verify You
We match your name and identity across passport, Emirates ID, and visa. If something is missing or expired, we flag it early.
02.
We Review Your Business Plan
We ensure your submitted plan aligns with your chosen business activities. we’ll guide you to fix it right away.
03.
We Validate Your Wealth
We ensure your funding comes from clean, legal sources — salary, savings, or business income.
04.
We Confirm Your Address
We validate your recent tenancy contract, utility bill, bank statement, national ID and third-party declarations to prove your residential address.
05.
We Scan for Red Flags
We conduct a reputational check and run your name across news sources in English and Arabic for links to fraud, sanctions, or criminal activity.
06.
We Run a Global
Compliance ScanYour name is screened through World-Check, a global risk database. If there’s a hit, we investigate. If not, you’re cleared.
07.
You’re Cleared and
CompliantOnce you pass all checks, your company is officially compliant with Meydan Free Zone’s rigorous standards.
BOUNDLESS CLARITY. BUSINESS-READY ALWAYS.
Free Zone Compliance
Made Simple for You
Dubai has clear compliance rules for Free Zone companies, and we make sure you meet them from day one. Whether it’s AML checks, UBO filing or corporate tax registration, we guide you through every step with systems that work in the background and a team that knows this inside out.
Here’s what compliance looks like for Free Zone companies in Dubai in 2025.
Anti-Money Laundering / Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
Every business in Dubai must show where its money comes from, and who it’s dealing with. We handle this by checking your documents, screening your name across global lists, and assigning a risk score based on your setup.
What we check at Meydan Free Zone:
Stakeholders screened against global watchlists
Nature of your business activity
Source of wealth and proof of ID
Extra checks if your profile is high-risk
How we help:
We follow UAE and FATF guidelines, built into our system
We flag any issues early so you’re never stuck
We guide you through every document and category
Even in complex cases, we keep it simple
Know Your Customer / Know Your Business (KYC / KYB)
KYC is a mandatory verification process conducted by licensed entities to confirm customer identities. KYC/KYB involves your identity, checking your stakeholders, and reviewing ultimate beneficial owners. It ensures your business is legal, transparent, and safe to transact with.
How Your Risk is Scored
Our internal systems use a multi-layered matrix to assess risk across five categories
What we check at Meydan Free Zone:
Identity and documents like passport, visa, Emirates ID
Jurisdiction and personal background
Business activities, funding sources, UBO matches
How we help:
We guide you through the KYC questionnaire
We review documents and flag mismatches early
We sync public data, and system checks to save you time
Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO)
UBO refers to the individual or group who ultimately controls or benefits from your company or asset, generally someone who owns 25% or more of your company’s shares or voting rights, even if they are not officially listed as legal owners in any official documents or licenses. We help you do it right, clearly, and on time.
What we check at Meydan Free Zone:
Full disclosure of all major shareholders
Ownership structure and share percentages
Alignment with government records
How we help:
We trace and confirm UBOs, even through layers
We handle the full filing process
We make sure deadlines are met and data is clean
Corporate Tax Registration for Free Zones
Corporate tax registration is now mandatory for all Dubai companies, including those in Free Zones. Eligible businesses that meet the QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Person) status can benefit from a 0% tax rate, if they comply.
2025 Free Zone Corporate Tax Framework
Tax Rate:
0-9% depending on activities
Registration deadline:
Within 30 days of commercial license issuance
Documentation requirements:
Corporate structure, ownership details, financial statements
Qualifying activities:
Certain activities may qualify for preferential tax treatment
Compliance obligations:
Annual filings, transfer pricing documentation, substance requirements
Economic Substance:
Minimum operational requirements to qualify for tax benefits
International Standards:
Alignment with OECD and BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) requirements
Digital Submission platform:
Federal Tax Authority portal for registrations and filings
What we check at Meydan Free Zone:
We assess whether your activity qualifies for 0% tax under Free Zone rules.
We help you register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Alignment with government records
How we help:
We identify if you’re eligible for QFZP benefits
We track your filing deadlines and ensure compliance.
We assist with filings, deadlines and tax advisory.
EFFORTLESS PROCESS. BUILT-IN SYSTEMS. END-TO-END SUPPORT.
How We Makes Compliance Easy for You
From real-time checks to automated updates, we make sure your company stays in good standing every step of the way. No long forms. No complicated follow-ups. Just a platform that knows what to look for, when to flag it, and how to keep you on track.
How We Keep You Compliant
One System, All Checks
AML, KYC, UBO, Tax, integrated from day one
Smart Alerts
We notify you when something needs action.
Dashboard View
See your compliance status at any time.
Built-in UBO Mapping
We track ownership across every level.
Audit-Ready Files
Your documents are always formatted for UAE banks and authorities.
High-risk Cases Get Extra Checks
We trigger enhanced due diligence automatically
if needed.
Built-in Alerts and Reminders
If a document expires or something needs review,
we will notify you, instantly.
Real-time Dashboards
You can always see your compliance status,
deadlines and any next steps.
Fast Updates, Easy Changes
Need to update a shareholder or change a UBO?
It’s all built in.
Bank-ready Compliance Packs
We format your files to KYC match what
UAE banks ask for.
FLAWLESS FACTS. RISKLESS FUTURE.
15 Facts You Didn’t Know About Compliance
Here are 15 facts that reveal how Dubai is building one of the most dynamic, future-focused regulatory landscapes in the world.
01.
Off the Grey List
The UAE exited the FATF grey list in 2024. That means stronger AML/CFT systems and renewed global trust in the country’s business environment.
02.
ESR No Longer Applies
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) were updated in 2024. If your financial year starts after 1 January 2023, ESR doesn’t apply to you.
03.
VAT Came Late, But Light
VAT was only introduced in 2018, one of the last countries to do so. It’s still just 5%, keeping the cost of doing business low.
04.
A Shift from 0% to 9%
The UAE introduced the corporate tax in 2023: 9% on profits above AED 375,000. Small businesses below that line and eligible businesses that meet the QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Person) status can benefit from a 0% tax rate if they comply.
05.
UBO Registration Is Mandatory
If someone owns 25% or more of your business, their details must be disclosed. This is known as UBO registration and it’s non-negotiable.
06.
Tax Breaks for Small Businesses
Profits under AED 375,000? No corporate tax. The UAE’s tax structure is designed to support founders and startups.
07.
Data Protection Law is Now Federal
The UAE introduced a federal data protection law (PDPL) in 2021. It’s built on international standards like Europe’s GDPR.
08.
Two Systems, One Country
The UAE has both federal and emirate-level laws. Your business needs to comply with both, depending on your setup.
09.
Crypto Comes with Rulebooks
Dubai’s Virtual Assets Authority updated its rules in 2025. Licensed firms must comply by 19 June with token sales to custody protocols.
10.
Audits Aren’t Optional
Mainland businesses must audit accounts yearly and store records for five years. Free Zone requirements vary by authority.
11.
Whistleblower Protection Is Law
Since 2022, UAE labour laws protect employees who report wrongdoing. A clear move towards more transparent workplaces.
12.
Innovation Gets Room to Grow
Dubai offers regulatory sandboxes and controlled zones where startups can test new products under official supervision, reducing compliance risks.
13.
Compliance for Every Culture
With over 200 nationalities living and working here, the UAE’s regulations are designed for global business and cultural diversity.
14.
Labour Laws Mean Business
The UAE’s labour laws are strict, from employment contracts to visa rules. Non-compliance can lead to fines or worse.
15.
Green Compliance Retains its Position
Environmental audits are increasing. Failing to meet ecological standards can lead to fines and reputational damage.
LIMTLESS QUESTIONS. FULLY ANSWERED.
Ask Us Anything and
Receive Real Responses
Have a question about compliance? Leave it below, our team will respond within 24 hours.
We believe compliance should be a two-way conversation. Our moderated comment box lets you ask anything and get real answers, publicly shared for all to learn. Ask us anything about UAE regulations, filing deadlines, or Meydan Free Zone’s procedures.
Doubtless Decisions. Always Informed.
Featured Questions from Entrepreneurs Like You
What’s the risk of not declaring UBOs correctly?
Failure to declare UBOs could face regulatory penalties and suspension of license under Cabinet Decision No. 109 of 2023.
What’s required to qualify for 0% corporate tax at Meydan?
You must register for Corporate Tax, meet QFZP criteria, and ensure income is derived from permitted Free Zone activities.
Can I still form a company if my country is on a watchlist?
Yes, but you’ll undergo enhanced due diligence per UAE AML regulations and FATF guidelines.
What if my company structure includes offshore shareholders?
Our team will request clear documentation of ownership. UBO declarations apply across jurisdictions.
Can I still open a business if I’m from a high-risk country?
Yes, with enhanced due diligence. Risk does not equal rejection.
Do I still need to file Corporate Tax returns if my Free Zone business qualifies for the 0% rate?
Yes. All Free Zone entities must register, file, and maintain eligibility annually.
Why am I asked about my source of wealth?
It’s a legal requirement under UAE AML laws. It protects your business from exposure to illegal funds.
EFFORTLESS NOW. FUTURE-PROOF ALWAYS.
Why Meydan Free Zone Means Compliant
We don’t just form your company, we future proof it. We build it to withstand audits, inspections, and regulatory changes, today and tomorrow. At Meydan Free Zone, every compliance requirement is integrated, automated, and supported by real people who know what it means to be business-ready in Dubai.
Meydan Means Compliant.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Know Your Customer (KYC)
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
Corporate Tax
Interested to avail this service with Meydan Free Zone?
Choose how we can best assist you.