As the world is witnessing conflicts related to geopolitics, the relevance of a Dubai International Humanitarian City is becoming more prominent. Initiating the process of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City allows non-profit organisations and related commercial entities to have a solid base from which they can deliver humanitarian services across the world. Founded in 2003, the International Humanitarian City free zone is considered the world’s largest humanitarian hub.
Setting up a company in Dubai International Humanitarian City enables foreign investors to benefit from a diverse range of benefits including strategic location, 100% ownership, tax exemptions, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, modern infrastructure etc. Moreover, the process of company formation in Dubai International Humanitarian City is rather easy as all services are provided under one roof. However, it is advisable to take the opinion of business setup consultants in Dubai to avoid unnecessary delays and to clear the air on any hidden costs.
Here is a list of important things you must consider before opening a business in Dubai International Humanitarian City:
Location of Dubai International Humanitarian City
If you are planning to start a business in any of the free zones in the UAE, it is critical to understand where it is located. Location is key to your free zone business, especially if you are engaged in international trade such as imports, re-exports etc. You need to check whether the free zone is near seaports, airports and major highways. Dubai International Humanitarian City scores high in offering location benefits to foreign investors as the free zone is close to Al Maktoum Airport and the Jebel Ali Port. Companies incorporated in the free zone can move their shipments from sea to air in as little as 10 minutes.
Licenses Permitted in Dubai International Humanitarian City
Dubai International Humanitarian City Authority permits two types of licenses in the free zone. They are a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) license and a Commercial license. The NPO license caters to humanitarian organisations while the commercial license applies to businesses related to humanitarian entities such as manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services to humanitarian agencies.
Facilities in Dubai International Humanitarian City
Your daily operations will be at stake if the free zone of your choice doesn’t offer the infrastructure and facilities necessary for your business. Investors choosing a free zone in Dubai without proper research often end up with limited business facilities. Consulting with business setup consultants in Dubai will enable you to have an overview of the facilities offered by your preferred free zone in Dubai.
Right now let’s check out the facilities offered by Dubai International Humanitarian City. Opting for the process of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City provides you with access to facilities including offices, warehouses, an open yard, helipad, kitting centre, cold chain, temperature-controlled warehouses, permanent humanitarian showroom, events and conference facilities, car parks and 24-hour security.
Tax Benefits in Dubai International Humanitarian City
Free zones offer great tax exemptions for business, which is a boon for companies engaged in exports and imports. Dubai International Humanitarian City is classified by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) as a Designated Zone for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes. It means VAT is not applicable on the transfer of goods between a business operating in the Humanitarian City and other Designated zones in the UAE. You can also enjoy benefits such as a refund of VAT paid on purchases from the local market and the supply of services for humanitarian organisations holding a Tax Reference Number, provided the purchased goods and services are work-related.
Audit Requirements in Dubai International Humanitarian City
Audit requirements vary in the 40-plus free zones across the UAE. Free zones in the Northern Emirates generally do not demand the submission of audit reports. However, just like other free zones in Dubai, you need to submit audited financial statements of your company to the International Humanitarian City free zone authority. The free zone authority will ask for an audited financial statement at the time of trade license renewal.
Business Activities in Dubai International Humanitarian City
You must check the list of permitted activities before opting for the process of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City. The following is a list of some of the business activities allowed in Dubai International Humanitarian City:
- Humanitarian aid & relief
- Humanitarian development services
- Environmental & natural resources
- Agriculture, soil & irrigation
- Coordination & liaison offices, regional headquarters
- Logistics, warehouse management and overseas international freight services
- Service provision & consultancy (audit firms, accounting & bookkeeping firms, law firms etc.)
- Retail activities (general services providing food & necessary items such as restaurants, coffee shops, kiosks etc.)
- Management or business services
- Services or trading of new or used vehicles, spare parts, maintenance of equipment
Leasing Options in Dubai International Humanitarian City
Investors must lease office space in Dubai International Humanitarian City. The free zone authority doesn’t allow sub-leasing and sharing of any Property within the Dubai International Humanitarian City. You are allowed to choose from leasing options such as physical office, business centre, warehouse, and showrooms. Business setup consultants in Dubai can offer you more insights on the leasing options in Humanitarian City.
Consult with the Best Business Setup Consultants in Dubai, UAE
The landscape of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City is not only suited for NPOs but also commercial entities related to humanitarian organisations. Interested investors struggling to understand the regulations set out by the free zone can consult with business setup consultants in Dubai such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) to speed up the licensing process. JBC is one of the top consultants providing the best business setup services in Dubai. We have a team of highly qualified company formation consultants who can advise investors on UAE immigration law, labour law, visa processing, bank account opening, audit, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), Anti-money Laundering (AML) laws etc. Our dedicated company setup advisers in Dubai can give wings to your business dreams.
