UAE onshore licensing regime under federal commercial law, allowing unrestricted trade across the UAE.
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development of each Emirate and operate under UAE federal commercial law. Since the 2021 reforms, most activities allow 100% foreign ownership. Mainland licences permit direct trade with the UAE market and government contracts, unlike most free zone licences. Choice between mainland and free zone turns on market access, ownership, banking, and visa needs.