Setting up an educational service business in the UAE makes business sense for foreign investors due to the country’s state-of-the-art educational infrastructure. The UAE’s one of the leading educational hubs in the region as the government invests significantly in equipping schools and colleges, both public and private, with smart devices and supports the adoption of e-learning and virtual classrooms. Moreover, the country has free zones dedicated to the education sector along with free zones offering exclusive licenses to educational service providers.
Even though the landscape of business setup in the UAE is conducive to educational institutions (including both online and offline institutions), the investors need to clear many licensing procedures and documentation requirements. Business setup consultants in the UAE can help you navigate such legal hurdles. However, foreign investors need to select a free zone that fits the bill from over 45 active free zones in the UAE.
Selecting a UAE free zone can be a taxing task but the following blog can provide you with some key facts. Read ahead to gain more insights on the best UAE free zones for educational service providers:
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is a free zone located in Dubai that caters exclusively to businesses in the education sector. The process of business setup in DIAC is regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), which oversees its regulations and licensing procedures. The DIAC free zone is more focused on the higher education sector and some of the leading global and local internationally accredited universities have set up their businesses in this Dubai free zone.
As per the latest available date, DIAC hosts more than 27,000 students from 125 nationalities and offers world-class facilities such as office spaces, lecture halls, and accommodation options. Some of the business segments in DIAC for educational services providers include Higher Education Providers, Non-Academic Services Providers, Educational Support Services, and School and Early Learning Centres.
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) is a free zone in Dubai, dedicated to education and training institutions. The free zone is known to be the Middle East’s HR and training hub due to its wide range of facilities such as offices, training rooms, and conference facilities. The DKP mainly houses human resource management, recruitment, consultancy, executive search, vocational training and professional development companies.
Just like DIAC, DKP is also regulated by the DDA and managed by the Tecom Group. Some of the business activities in DKP include Professional and Management Development Training, Computer Training, Language Training, Fine Arts Training, Child Skills Development Training, Tutoring Services, Technical & Occupations Skills, Human Resources Consultancy etc. Business setup consultants in Dubai can help you get a license in DKP.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is home to some of the top international educational institutions and service providers. The free zone has a dedicated hub for educational services providers known as RAKEZ Academic Zone. RAKEZ Academic Zone offers plenty of benefits including cost-effective solutions, professional assistance and support, a dedicated zone for education providers, easy business set-up procedures, an option for leasing or building a facility, academic and industry bridging etc. Moreover, RAKEZ offers a Virtual Education License for companies providing online education services in the UAE. Business setup advisers in the UAE can help you get a RAKEZ license.
Sharjah Publishing City
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) is a free zone in Sharjah dedicated to the publishing industry. However, the free zone offers trade licenses for educational service providers to set up a company in the UAE. The process of company formation in the SPC free zone is conducive to e-learning solutions and the publishing of educational materials. The free zone offers modern office spaces, printing and distribution services, and access to a global network of publishers. Some of the key educational activities in SPC include Academic tutoring services, Automobile driving schools, Public speaking training, Religious instruction, Technical and vocational secondary education, Education consultancy etc.
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is a financial-free zone in Abu Dhabi, ideal for educational service providers that offer financial training or education services. The free zone offers a range of facilities, including offices, training rooms and access to a network of financial institutions. Activities in ADGM for educational service providers include Pre-primary and primary education, General secondary education, Technical and vocational secondary education, Higher education, Insurance business training, Law training services, Training on accountancy and auditing, Training in Banking & Finance etc.
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a free zone in Ajman, that offers a wide range of facilities and services to educational service providers. The free zone offers modern office spaces, access to a range of business support services, and easy access to the rest of the UAE. Ajman Free Zone currently accommodates over 170 educational facilities with modern infrastructure.
Hire the Best Business Setup Consultants in the UAE
Educational service providers may struggle to find the right free zone for setting up a company in the UAE as all the free zones offer a wide range of benefits. However, business setup consultants in Dubai such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) can help you find the perfect free zone. Our highly qualified consultants can impart the legal know-how and expertise to expedite the process of company incorporation in Dubai. JBC can help foreign investors to navigate complex procedures such as document drafting, visa processing, bank account opening etc. We also help the companies avoid hefty penalties by providing compliance services related to ESR, UBO & AML-CFT. Company registration in Dubai becomes easier with JBC’s guidance and assistance.