From London to Dubai & Abu Dhabi: How Entrepreneurs are Scaling Their Businesses in the UAE
By 2025, a noticeable shift is in progress. Many London entrepreneurs are looking to expand their companies, drawn by the simplicity and speed of doing business in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Dubai has become one of the leading hubs for business setup. Free zones like DIFC allow 100% foreign ownership, low taxes, and quick access to markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is the city of choice for founders who want speed and scale. Abu Dhabi is moving just as strongly, with government-backed programs, simplified company formation, and a focus on long-term stability that appeals to serious investors.
For entrepreneurs ready to expand beyond London, the UAE is not a backup plan. It is the main stage. And this is where ADEPTS comes in. They help founders set up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, handle licensing, and move quickly from launch to growth. With ADEPTS, scaling in the UAE is not theory. It happens.
Why UK Entrepreneurs Are Choosing the UAE in 2025
For a growing number of UK founders, the UAE has become the obvious next step. The pull is all about clear business advantages.
Attractive tax environment
In the UAE, personal income tax doesn’t exist. Corporate tax is capped at 9 percent, which is among the lowest rates in the world. For entrepreneurs accustomed to the UK’s heavier tax burden, this alone makes expansion more appealing.
Strategic geographic advantage
Abu Dhabi and Dubai sit at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. From here, a founder can reach millions of potential customers within a few hours’ flight time. It is a location built for global trade.
Business-friendly setup
Forming a company in the UAE is faster compared to the UK. Dubai offers Free zones, like DIFC and IFZA, which allow simplified licensing and 100 percent foreign ownership. Abu Dhabi is also striving hard to make starting a business easier, with government-backed initiatives that offer to speed up registration.
Quality of life
Entrepreneurs are not just developing corporations; they are living lives. The UAE proposes cultural diversity, safety, and modern infrastructure. Healthcare, schools, and lifestyle opportunities are major factors for founders bringing families with them.
Government support
The UAE is not leaving progress to chance. Dubai’s initiatives, like Abu Dhabi’s startup support programs Invest in Dubai, show their clear commitment to appealing to and keeping overseas entrepreneurs. Incentives include funding access to reduced fees, making it simpler for UK businesses to gauge here. This kind of government support makes company formation in Abu Dhabi convenient and smooth.
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: Choosing the Right Hub for Your Business
For entrepreneurs coming from the UK to the UAE, they are usually confused by one big question: should you establish in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Both of the cities are strong, but serve different kinds of business goals.
Dubai: the global magnet
Dubai moves fast. It attracts startups in finance, tech, trade, and tourism. Free zones such as DIFC and IFZA make it easy to keep full ownership, pay minimal tax, and plug straight into global markets. Company formation in DIFCC or any other freezone is a pleasant experience for entrepreneurs from UK who are hardly used to such ease and support
Abu Dhabi: the steady builder
Abu Dhabi works differently. It has deep roots in energy and heavy industry, but it’s also investing in clean technology and research. For founders chasing government-backed projects or long-term ventures, the capital often makes more sense.
Free zones and mainland choices
Both cities give you two routes: free zones with ownership and tax benefits, or mainland licenses that let you trade directly across the UAE. The smarter choice depends on where your customers are, not just on cost.
Licensing and structure
In Dubai, getting a license is often quick, especially if you’re in a free zone. Abu Dhabi takes more time, but the process is designed to support companies working in key sectors. That choice can influence how your business grows.
In the end, Dubai is ideal if you want speed and global reach. Abu Dhabi is better for founders looking for stability and deeper partnerships. Many entrepreneurs don’t stop at choosing one; they start in one city and expand into another as their business grows.
Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up Your Business in the UAE
Setting up your business is a tedious task no matter where in the world you are. Follow our step-by-step guide for ease:
Step 1: Define Your Business Activity and Legal Structure
At the first step of company formation Abu Dhabi or any freezone for that matter, you have to start simple. What’s your business going to do? In the UAE, everything depends on this first choice. Trading, consulting, building products, tourism, and farming each come with their own licenses. If you pick the wrong category, you will hit roadblocks later.
Once that’s clear, think about the setup. Most people go with an LLC because it’s flexible and works well for local and international trade. You can hire professionals for llc company formation abu dhabi too. If you’re working solo, a sole proprietorship might be all you need. Big companies sometimes open a branch office, while professionals like lawyers or doctors tend to register as a civil company.
Licenses are straightforward once you know your activity. Commercial, professional, and industrial are the main categories, and there are also special ones for tourism and farming. Nail this step, and the rest of the process becomes much smoother.
Step 2: Mainland or Free Zone?
This choice shapes everything. Mainland company formation abu dhabi or free zone? Thats an important question. Mainland companies can work across the UAE and take on government projects. But the process is slower and usually tied to office space rules. Free zones are quicker. You get full ownership, low taxes, and fewer hoops to jump through. The catch is you can’t sell straight into the local market unless you team up with a distributor.
Most founders from London go straight for free zones. In Dubai, DIFC and IFZA are big draws for finance, tech, and service firms. In Abu Dhabi, ADGM is pulling startups that want access to capital and global networks. Each zone leans toward certain industries, so the best choice depends on what you’re building.
The reason people like free zones is simple you own your company outright, pay less tax, and avoid red tape. For many, that is more than enough to get started.
Step 3: How the Setup Works
The process looks complex until you break it down. First, pick a company name. Keep it original, keep it clean, and check that no one else has taken it.
Next, get the green light from the authorities. It’s just their way of saying your activity fits the system. Once that’s done, apply for your license. Around the same time, you will need an office. Free zones often let you rent a desk or a small space. Mainland setups usually want a proper office.
Then come visas. First yours, then your team’s. The number you get depends on how big your space is and what license you hold. After that, open a bank account. Banks here like to see a clear plan and proper paperwork before they let you in.
Timelines vary. Some free zones wrap it up in weeks. Mainland setups take longer. Costs also shift depending on your sector, office choice, and location. The smoother your prep, the faster things move.
Step 4: Keeping Your Business in Shape
Opening a company is just the beginning. To keep it running, you’ll need to renew your license each year and stay on top of the paperwork.
Taxes are part of the picture. If sales cross the set limit, you’ll have to register for VAT. On top of that, many companies now pay corporate tax, so it’s worth keeping track and filing on time.
When you hire, every contract must follow UAE labor law. Some firms also need to add Emirati nationals to their team under Emiratization rules. Knowing this early makes life easier.
Money management matters too. Some free zones ask for audits, while others want simple accounts. Having a good local accountant helps you avoid mistakes.
Key Strategies UK Entrepreneurs Are Using to Scale in the UAE
There are certain favourable strategies that UK entrepreneurs are making use of to grow and excel in the UAE. They are listed here as:
Tapping government incentives, grants, and funding programs
- UK founders are using free zone packages for fast entry. A company setup plus visa is often wrapped into one deal.
- They are applying for Dubai SME grants and Sharjah’s Sheraa funding to back early-stage ventures. Tech and green startups are the big winners here.
- Many are eyeing the new R&D tax credits (30–50% refunds from 2026). If you’re moving innovation from the UK, this is real money back in your pocket.
- Some scale-ups are working with ADIO (Abu Dhabi Investment Office) for matched funding in agri-tech, health, and AI projects.
Entering new markets through UAE trade agreements and logistics
- UK businesses are setting up in Dubai to be ready for the UK-GCC free trade deal. Once it lands, tariffs drop and sales margins rise.
- They use UAE’s ports and air hubs to reach Africa and South Asia in days, not weeks. Faster shipping = happier distributors.
- Some British brands are plugging into Abu Dhabi Chamber’s “Gateway to the World” network to get introductions in new regions without cold-calling.
- E-commerce players from London are running fulfilment through UAE free zones to cut delivery times and costs across the Middle East.
Going digital with smart tools
- UK entrepreneurs are rolling out AI for hiring. Screening CVs in hours instead of weeks is a big cost saver.
- Many are shifting ops to the cloud. Accounting, HR, and supply chain tools are online, making remote management easy from London or Dubai.
- They are also adopting digital work permits for overseas hires. No more paperwork delays; talent arrives faster.
- For customer growth, founders are testing AI-driven marketing to track UAE consumer behavior in real time.
Building partnerships in hubs and chambers
- British entrepreneurs are joining Dubai Chamber events to meet investors and distributors in one room instead of chasing meetings for months.
- They are signing MoUs through trade associations—for example, Sheraa’s startup links with India help UK tech firms tap two markets at once.
- Networking in DMCC for company formation and DIFC hubs connects them with fintech and commodity players who can open doors beyond the UAE.
- Some use bilateral UK-UAE trade missions as springboards for joint ventures, especially in renewable energy and digital services.
Hiring from the UAE’s diverse talent pool
- UK founders are recruiting AI engineers and digital marketers from the region because the skill base is deeper and salaries are often more competitive than London.
- They value that the UAE market is skill-first, not degree-first. This widens the hiring pool.
- The new digital work permit system makes it easier for them to bring in staff from India, Pakistan, and Africa when roles can’t be filled locally.
- Many are also tapping into Emirati graduates through Emiratisation programs, giving them local insight while fulfilling policy requirements.
Challenges Faced and How to Overcome Them
Scaling in the UAE is full of upside. But there are hurdles every UK entrepreneur hits. Here’s what they are—and how people are getting past them.
Navigating cultural and communication nuances
Business meetings can feel different. Decisions often take longer and rely on trust. The fix? Spend time building relationships. Join local chambers, show up at networking events, and learn the etiquette. A bit of cultural awareness earns you serious respect.
Managing legal and bureaucratic complexities
The UAE has rules for everything—licenses, visas, taxes, compliance. Miss a step and your launch slows down. The workaround is clear: use local advisors who know the system, or set up in free zones that streamline the process. Don’t guess. Get guidance early.
Access to finance and credit facilities
UK entrepreneurs often find that local banks are cautious with new entrants. Credit history in Britain doesn’t always carry over. Many solve this by starting with free zone-linked banks, using alternative financing platforms, or partnering with UAE investors who already have banking lines open.
Building credibility and brand presence in a competitive environment
You’re not the only foreign founder in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Standing out is tough. The ones who win focus on visibility: register with business councils, get featured in local media, and partner with established UAE brands. Credibility builds faster when locals see you’re serious and invested.
ADEPTS Support: Your Partner in Scaling from London to the UAE
Knowing the rules and governmental policies won’t help you alone. You will need professionals to take the massive load of setting up a business off your shoulders and that is exactly where you need ADEPTS:
- Company setup made simple
We guide you through licenses, visas, and free zone choices. You get the right structure from day one, without costly detours. - Tax and VAT made clear
From corporate tax to VAT refunds, we break down the rules in plain English. Our advice is tailored to UK entrepreneurs, so you don’t get lost in compliance. - Forensic audit and compliance
We dig deep to uncover risks before they hit your balance sheet. That means cleaner books, stronger investor confidence, and zero nasty surprises. - Growth consultancy with local insight
We don’t stop at setup. Our team tracks trends, connects you to local networks, and gives you the market intelligence you need to scale fast. - Proven track record
From tech startups to family businesses, we’ve helped UK founders enter, grow, and exit in the UAE. Real results, not just promises.
Future Trends: Scaling Businesses in the UAE Beyond 2025
The UAE is not standing still. It’s moving into industries where growth is explosive. Green energy is one of them. Abu Dhabi’s clean hydrogen projects and Dubai’s solar parks are pulling in investors from Europe and Asia. For UK founders, this means there’s room to bring tech, supply chains, and project expertise into billion-dollar ventures.
Fintech is another magnet. The UAE Central Bank has rolled out instant payment platforms and is piloting a digital dirham. DIFC and ADGM are positioning themselves as global hubs for blockchain and digital assets. British fintech startups are already testing products here because regulation is more open than in London.
It’s not just about sectors—it’s about ecosystems. Dubai’s DIFC Innovation Hub, Abu Dhabi’s Hub71, and Sharjah’s Sheraa are becoming meeting points for mentors, investors, and scale-ups. These hubs don’t just offer co-working desks; they connect you to funding rounds, pilot projects, and government contracts.
Of course, rules will keep shifting. Corporate tax, ESG reporting, and digital asset laws will evolve. That’s where firms like ADEPTS step in. Our role is to track the changes, decode the fine print, and keep entrepreneurs building instead of battling paperwork.
Final Word
For UK founders, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are more than new markets; they are launchpads into Europe, Asia, and Africa. Few places combine tax perks, safety, and reach like this.
The move can feel daunting, but with ADEPTS, the path clears fast. They have helped other founders leap, and they will do the same for those ready to grow.
2025 will not wait. The entrepreneurs who move now will set the pace for the UAE’s next chapter of business.
FAQs:
Most founders get an investor or partner visa through their company. Free zones throw in a few visas with the setup. If you meet the rules, the Golden Visa gives you a longer stay.
It depends on where you set up. Some free zone packages start around AED 15,000. If you want a bigger mainland setup with staff and office space, you’ll pay more.
Not much: a passport copy, photos, proof of address, and a basic business plan. A few industries ask for extra papers, but that’s it.
Yes, if the activities are linked. If they’re completely different, you will need another license.
Once sales hit AED 375,000, VAT applies. Corporate tax is 9% for most companies. Some free zones still give tax breaks if you follow their rules.
Mainland companies need a physical office. Free zones are easier; you can start with a desk or a shared space and upgrade later.
In Dubai’s free zones, it can be done in just a few days. Abu Dhabi or mainland setups may take a couple of weeks if more approvals are needed.
Yes. You can register your brand, invention, or creative work with the Ministry of Economy to lock in your rights.
Yes, and that’s the difference. They stay with you after registration, handling taxes, audits, and compliance, so you don’t get stuck in paperwork.
By getting out there. Founders join trade shows, business councils, and chamber events. One good coffee meeting can turn into your next big partnership.
