Dubai Design District (D3) Business Setup: A Comprehensive Guide

A place where most of the design, fashion, architecture, and art industries are located.

The Dubai Design District (D3), established in 2013, aims to encourage growth and investment in industries such as digital media, art, design, and fashion. It’s a thriving creative hub located near Dubai’s busiest neighborhoods, with Mohammed bin Rashid City nearby, and Dubai Downtown, home to the Burj Khalifa, just a short distance away.

Today, the Dubai Design District (D3) free zone is a leader in the Middle East, hosting a variety of media and design workshops, trade shows, brand launches, fashion events, art exhibitions, and media events that bring together international brands and the growing number of designers, creatives, and artists in the region.

Moreover, the market demand for these industries is steadily increasing. As a result, many professionals are investing their skills to start their businesses.

The Dubai Design District is a distinctive ecosystem that nurtures emerging brands in fashion, retail, luxury, and hospitality.

Benefits of Operating Business in Dubai Design District (D3)

  • 1

    Dubai Design District D3 is focused on the creative industries, particularly design, art, and fashion.

  • 2

    Dubai Design District D3 is suitable for businesses of all sizes and hosts both local designers and international fashion houses.

  • 3

    In addition to office units and building land, the Dubai Design District free zone also offers studio space and co-working facilities.

  • 4

    100% business ownership and capital repatriation.

  • 5

    Dubai Design District D3 offers a range of retail outlets, a thriving restaurant scene, and multiple event venues.

  • 6

    Work alongside some of the world’s biggest names, including Google, Facebook, and others.

  • 7

    Strategic location for your business.

Activities that You Can Establish in D3

  • Fashion Design Consultancy
  • Art Galleries & Exhibits
  • Marketing Services
  • Beauty Care
  • Event Management

Types of Licenses in Dubai Design District

dubai design district

Commercial License

Commercial licensing means that your company can be registered either as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (owned by an individual or a corporate) or as a Branch Company (a branch of an existing UAE company or a foreign company)

D3 Business Setup

Professional License

Companies are considered as professional companies practicing a profession. Under this condition, the firms registered as professional entities may only practice the specific professional activity and not any commercial activity.

dubai design district

Freelancer Permit

Here is everything you need to work as a freelancer, such as a writer, graphic designer, editor, artist, musician, or in any other fashion, art, or creative profession.

Required Documents to Set Up a Business in D3 Free Zone

  • 1

    Company Registration Application

  • 2

    Details of Shareholder(s)

  • 3

    Copy of the Business Plan

  • 4

    Original Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA)

  • 5

    Board Resolution

  • 6

    Passport Copy and Specimen Signature of the Manager and Director

  • 7

    No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Residency Visa Sponsor

  • 8

    Proof of Share Capital

Why Choose Us to Help You with Your D3 Business Setup?

If you are planning to start a business in Dubai Design District, Dahhan Business Services is here to help and advise you so that you can start your business in the most favorable conditions without getting headaches. We will help you choose the right legal form and license to start a business here in Dubai Design District.

We are here to help:

Whether you’re an individual or a company, our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect solution to meet your unique needs.

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