Mainland vs free zone company in the UAE — what's the difference?

The main difference is jurisdiction, ownership, and where you can trade. A mainland company is licensed by the emirate's economic department (e.g. Dubai's DET) under the UAE Commercial Companies Law and generally trades across the UAE and bids for government work. A free zone company is licensed by its zone's authority, has long allowed full foreign ownership, and often suits import/export, services, or international trade, though selling into the mainland may require a distributor or extra steps. Mainland activities are now also widely open to full foreign ownership. Activities, office requirements, visas, and regulators differ; confirm specifics with the relevant authority. Full comparison: UAE Mainland vs Free Zone Company Setup.