Uae Dubai

UAE Mainland vs Free Zone: Key Differences

Published by Corpy

https://corpy.xyz/uae-dubai/free-zones/uae-mainland-vs-free-zone

Corpy business-formation guide, fact-checked and corrected.

Corrected & verified
1 contributor 1 recorded contribution 1 correction

Who created and checked this page

Correction

Emir BaycanExpert Contributor

Correction history

Every accepted correction to this page is recorded with the exact change, so readers can see how the page improved over time.

  1. 14 July 2026 · corrected by Emir Baycan
    Before

    Since Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, which amended the UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreign nationals and foreign-owned entities can hold 100% ownership of most mainland company types.

    After

    Since Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, which amended the UAE Commercial Companies Law and took effect June 1, 2021, foreign nationals and foreign-owned entities can hold 100% ownership of most mainland company types.

    Why: The 100%-ownership reform was wrongly attributed to Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021; the actual amending law was Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, effective June 1, 2021.

    View the full record →

Full contribution timeline

  1. Correction 14 July 2026

    Emir Baycan

    Proof record →