How to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3)

How to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3)

Khadija Amir

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How to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3)

How to Start a Business in Dubai Design District (D3): The Complete Creative Startup Guide

Dubai has established a reputation in the world as a creative, luxurious, and innovative place, and nowhere can it be seen better than in Dubai Design District (D3). D3 is a creative talent building and hosts fashion entrepreneurship, digital creators, architects, media agencies, luxury brands, and international design labels. D3 provides one of the strongest platforms to develop a creative business in Dubai with world-class infrastructure and hassle-free business regulation.

What does Dubai Design District (D3) mean?

As an extension of TECOM Group, the Dubai Design District is a free zone, created to encourage the creative economy in Dubai. It is also in a strategic position adjacent to the downtown Dubai and Business bay area making it one of the most upscale commercial districts in the city. In contrast to the traditional free zones, D3 is designed specifically to serve the creative community which includes studios, co-working areas, art areas, showrooms, and high-end offices.

Some of the most iconic events in the region are provided by D3 and they include Dubai Design Week, Sole DXB, and various art and fashion festivals. This provides all businesses in Dubai Design District with direct reach to the global audiences, international brands, and prospective clients.

Why should you open your business in Dubai Design District?

  1. Specific Creative Ecosystem.

D3 is the single district in Dubai that is shaped by people interested in design, artists, creators, architects, and innovators in the digital area. You work in the culture of creativity.

  1. Premium Location

D3 is located in the heart of Dubai, providing it with direct access to luxury markets, high-income clients, and the business districts.

  1. 100% Foreign Ownership

Dubai Design District is a free zone and therefore, full foreign ownership can be facilitated without any local sponsorship requirement.

  1. Strong Banking Reputation

TECOM has a high level of credibility with banks, such as the D3 zone, which facilitates corporate bank account opening easier than most other free zones in Dubai.

  1. Global Talent/ Events Access.

D3 is a place to be seen whether you own a fashion house or agency with exhibitions, conferences, and design-oriented events that happen all year round.

Activities Allowed in Dubai Design District

  • Fashion designing, tailoring, couture.
  • Interior design and engineering services, architecture.
  • Graphic design & branding
  • Online marketing, PR and social media management.
  • Animation, motion pictures, film and editing.
  • Product design & commercial arts.
  • Art galleries, creative studios and consultancy.
  • Creative products e-commerce.
  • Media, events, and talent management.

Here, a freelancer or a large agency will find the appropriate structure of activity in D3.

Types of Licenses in D3

  1. Service License

In the case of agencies, consultants, design studios, and creative production houses, as well as digital service providers.

  1. Commercial License

In the case of retailing, there is a showroom, e-commerce outlets, stores and physical exchange of goods.

  1. Freelancer Permit

Individual artists, photographers, designers, stylists, content makers, and influencers who would like to have their name on the Dubai visa.

Documents Required

For Individuals:

  • Passport copy
  • Passport-size photo
  • Visa page (if applicable)
  • Business plan (not always optional)

For Corporate Shareholders:

  • Certification of incorporation.
  • Articles of association and Memorandum.
  • Board Resolution
  • Copies of copy passports of shareholders.

The D3 Process of establishing a business.

  1. Select Your Activity

Select over imaginative, business, digital, and design-related endeavors sanctioned in Dubai Design District.

  1. Choose Your Business Name

Provide 3 or 5 names according to Dubai rules of naming.

  1. Get Initial Approval

D3 checks your papers and business plan.

  1. Select Office or Workspace

The flexi desk, studio space or a private office based on the visa requirements.

  1. Send Final Documents and Payments.

After paying fees, you are issued with a business license.

  1. Establishment Card Application.

Had to obtain the visa of the owners and staff.

  1. Apply to the UAE Residence Visas.

Medical test, Emirates ID and stamping included.

Start Your Creative Company in Dubai.

Dubai Design District is the place where the most renowned creative minds all over the world cooperate, innovate, and develop. Should you be willing to establish your company in D3, E-Startup could assist you in the entire Dubai business setup process easily and hassle-free.

Why e-Startup?

  • More than a decade of experience in the formation of Dubai businesses.
  • Experts in media, creative and design-industry arrangements.
  • No peculiarities of prices.
  • End to end services: licensing, visas, bank accounts and office space.
  • Get Started With Building your Brand in the most iconic creative Hub in Dubai.

Dubai Design District is a place where designers can find a unique exposure and business opportunities as well as digital agencies and creative startups.Have a free consultation with E-Startup now and start developing your D3 company in Dubai. 

 Visit their official website for more info : https://dubaidesigndistrict.com/

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