Driven by the demand for IT Services in UAE; start-ups and entrepreneurs are obtaining IT services company licenses to offer specialized IT Services for organizations in UAE.

The growth of IT related business attracts global investors to UAE. Especially with the pandemic, the demand for IT services in organizations has gone up tremendously.

To stay competitive in the digital world, IT services have a vital role to play. IT provides the perfect infrastructure and platforms for the organization to grow digitally.

How to Open an IT Services Company in UAE?

Opening an IT Services company in UAE is a straightforward process. There are ample choices for entrepreneurs in UAE to start an IT-based business.

To keep the business setup cost low, the Free Zones in UAE are the ideal choice. They offer world-class facilities and amenities along with an IT Service license all at an affordable business setup package with visa quotas to hire employees.

An expert Business Consultant will assist you in the process of obtaining an IT service license, and UAE residence visa application submission. They will ensure you have a seamless business setup and continued business operations by getting all the paperwork and clearance approved.

Steps in Setting Up an IT Services Company in UAE?

To establish an IT Services Company in UAE, the first step is to get the trade name approval. A suitable name must be registered for the company with the respective Free Zone authority. Following are the steps involved in setting up an IT Services Company in the UAE.

• Choose the right business activities and the company structure depending on the number of shareholders. Prepare the shareholder agreement and memorandum of association with the respective Free Zone.
• Submit the required documents to the Free Zone authority and pay the required business license fee.
• Choose the right office space for your IT business based on the budget. Get the tenancy contract for the office space from the free zone.
• Proceed to obtain the investor visa and get it stamped on the passport. Now you can legally start business operations from the newly registered IT company.

Top Free Zones in UAE offering IT Services License

The Free Zones in UAE offer exclusive discount offers for investors aiming to establish an IT business in UAE.

There are few Free Zones offering the perfect infrastructure and business support services for entrepreneurs to start their IT Services business in UAE.

1. Dubai Airport Free Zone

Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the premium choices for every entrepreneur in Dubai. Get the prestigious Dubai Address and set up your company in the top-rated Free Zone in the world.

Situated adjacent to the Dubai International Airport, it is a perfect choice for IT service companies to invite and conduct meetings with clients who are always on the go.

The Free Zone offers attractive business setup packages with a shared office, Flexi Desk, executive office, etc., and business infrastructure that is conducive to IT services business.

2. Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre

The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre is a perfect Launchpad for IT services companies, start-ups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to start any IT-related business ventures.

DTEC offers ample business infrastructure such as a testing laboratory, meeting rooms, conference rooms, cafes, office spaces, business support services, and more.

This free zone has a well-built ecosystem to support IT companies’ growth and expansion of the business communities.

There are a host of business activities under the IT service license in DTEC that investors can venture into at affordable business setup fees.

To know more, read: Start a Company in DTEC

3. Dubai Silicon Oasis IFZA

Dubai Silicon Oasis IFZA is another popular Free Zone for IT Services in Dubai. The Free Zone has dedicated amenities for supporting IT Service companies and entrepreneurs to test the software products.

Also, it provides access to start-up accelerators where entrepreneurs can secure funding for their projects subject to approvals.

There is a robust IT start-up community growing in the IFZA Free Zone. IFZA offers one of the low-cost Business Setup Packages for IT Companies in Dubai.

There are a variety of Office spaces available ranging from shared desks to fully furnished offices, and other facilities to support IT Service businesses to easily grow in the region and beyond.

4. Sharjah Media City

Sharjah Media City is a dynamic Free Zone in the Emirate of Sharjah offering a wide range of business license types for IT Companies.

IT Services are one of the most sought-after business activities among start-ups to meet the growing demand from organizations in the UAE.

Sharjah Media City provides office facilities, conference halls, meeting rooms, shared work areas, etc., for IT start-ups to easily scale up their business at lower business setup fees.

Contact us now to get an IT Services business License in Sharjah Media City Free Zone.

5. Sharjah Publishing City

The Sharjah Publishing City is the newest Free Zone in Sharjah. Located near the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and near the Sharjah International Airport, the Free Zone is a perfect choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs to easily start an IT company at the lowest setup cost.

The highlight of the Free Zone is the Dual License issued for the investors and getting the investor visa stamped to the passport in the shortest time. Dual License allows Free Zone companies to expand beyond the Free Zones and strengthen their presence in the mainland of UAE.

Hence, for start-ups and investors looking for an easy IT business setup in a hassle-free way and obtaining an investor visa at the earliest; SPC Free Zone is the right choice.

To know more about the procedures of opening an IT Service Company in UAE or a Software Development Company in Dubai, talk to our expert Business Consultants right away!

Contact Us: Aurion Business Consultants

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With the pandemic, distant learning and digitally focused learning has become mainstream. The World Economic Forum suggests that demand for technology skills will continue to grow by 20% by 2025.

Growing Technology Investments in the Education Sector of the UAE

The tech-savvy generation is highly dependent on technology and devices to fulfill their requirements. Even the educational sector has witnessed an increasing demand for technology. Innovative learning practices using Augmented Reality and other software applications is the trend now.

Technavio forecasts the education sector in the UAE to grow at a CAGR of 4.74% between 2018-2020.

How are the Future Schools Embracing Educational Technology?

1. Bridging Communication Gap

The modern education system aims at merging the communication gap between parents and teachers. Interactive apps and platforms enable busy parents to connect with teachers and view the performance of their kids on a periodic basis. It helps in providing required guidance and support to the children.

2. Re-Modeling the Classrooms

The traditional blackboard based teaching is bygone. Now it is the age of digital classrooms. The smart blackboard and activity board keeps kids engaged better.

Also, for professional education, there is an immense opportunity by bringing the internet to the classroom. The classroom is turned to a platform for solving real-world problems now with onsite consulting on technologies such as virtual reality and 3D printing.

3. Immersive Learning Experience

Virtual Reality is being widely used in educational institutions currently. It is estimated that the Global Virtual Reality Market in the Education Sector is to grow at a CAGR of 59% (2018-2022). Many universities have VR labs with applications for supporting medical students, robotics, etc., to conduct simulations, studies, and tests.  

4. Artificial Intelligence Backed Learning

Artificial Intelligence has a very huge opportunity in the education industry. AI is currently in the early phase of adoption in the classrooms. With the power of advanced analytics and AI, it will help in simplifying complex textbooks and guides into interactive smart content programs.

Also, analytics will help in identifying the kids’ liking, preferences, behavior, etc., and devise the right methods to make them actively participate in the classes. So, in a nutshell, there are immersive opportunities in the field of EdTech for entrepreneurs to conceptualize their startup ideas.

Immense Opportunity for EdTech Startup in UAE

There is an immense demand for interactive and custom content in the education sector ranging from kindergarten to professional colleges.

Comprehending information from academic books and research papers into engaging digital content is the current trend. There is a huge demand for applications and platforms that offer interactive, innovative content creation, and knowledge sharing.

Gamification increases student engagement and advanced analytics technology along with graphic design principles helps in creating platforms that will enable students to explore new concepts in an interesting way.

Digital Innovation and Technology Integration – Transforming Education System in UAE

Digital innovation and technology integration are key pillars that transform the current educational system.

The smart classroom consists of a wide range of technology solutions starting from:

• Connected Campuses
• Digital Student Records,
• Cyber Security Systems, Tablets, & Digital Collaboration Tools,
• High-Performance Research and Development Labs,
• Learning Experience Centers, etc.,

UAE is investing heavily in its education technology to bring in digital transformation in all schools and educational institutions.

How to start an Edtech startup in UAE?

As e-learning becomes the new-norm, schools and colleges are looking at interactive ways to engage the students digitally. The Edtech startups with engaging applications and software to support the online education scenario to make the sessions exciting.

Starting an EdTech company in UAE is relatively easy and follows the general company formation process. However, it requires additional approval from the Educational Department of the Emirates. For Example for EdTech company in Dubai requires approval from the Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) Dubai.

To know more, read: Starting an Education Training Centre in UAE

Dedicated Free Zones for EdTech Startups

For starting an EdTech company that supports educational institutions with smart classroom applications and products, the best choice is to go with any of the free zones of the UAE.

They offer customized all-inclusive low-cost license packages that includes company license, office space, other benefits, and access to world-class infrastructure.

The Mainland of UAE – Right for Training Centres

If the entrepreneur is interested in opening an EdTech company with a training facility, testing laboratories, and learning centers, then mainland of UAE would be the ideal choice as students can easily enter your premises.

Most of the Free Zones in the UAE are mostly gated and secure. It has the customs checkpoints and other strategic sectors at the premises that require security. Having said that, there are few free zones in UAE like the Sharjah Research Innovation and Technology Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, etc., that are dedicated to promoting educational activities in UAE.

Hence, the business prospects for an EdTech Startup is enormous in the UAE. To know more about starting and Educational Technology Startup in UAE, reach out to our expert team right away!

The post Education Technology Start-up in the UAE – Tackling the Growing Demand appeared first on AURION.

The Social Media Influencer License in UAE will enable the younger generation to take their passion into a business with all legal protection. It will help them to establish a company and conduct social media related promotional activities complying to the business legislative authorities of UAE.

Update: Please reach out to our expert Business Consultants for the latest pricing update. The Package cost will vary in real time.

How Social Media Influencers Became Popular?

Social Media Influencer License in UAE is one of the most popular in the online space currently. With smartphone penetration of more than 90% in the world. Content sharing, creation, promotion, and consumption have become part of our daily routine.

Social Media Influencers Monetize their Creative Content

Social Media Influencers are individuals who monetize on their creative way of sharing content and leveraging the power of instant content consumption, getting popular quickly.

To regulate the commercialization and protect consumers as well as the influencer’s interest, the National Media Council (NMC) launched the UAE Influencer license.

Exclusion for Social Media Influencer License

If you are a blogger who solely receives gifts, experiences, and or products in exchange for coverage of brands on your social channels. You will not need to obtain a license or be signed to an influencer agency to operate.

3 Types of Licensing Options for Social Media Influencers

Following are the types of licensing options available for Social Media Influencers:

1. Apply for an individual license and also a trade license to conduct commercial selling activities in the UAE

2. Apply for a partnership license (a small group of influencers-friends or family). Get an NMC special e-media license and a trade license on behalf of the company

3. Sign up with an official influencer agency certified by NMC. (Can only work with the signed-up agency)

Influencers that fail to comply with the risk of the new law of having their account shut down and will be levied a fine of Dh 5000.

Low-Cost Social Media Influencer Permits Available in the UAE

1. Influencer Permit by RAKEZ Free Zone

RAKEZ is offering Social Media Influencer Permit for influencers or bloggers residing in the UAE. It is not a trade license but a permit that enables influencers and bloggers to advertise in their social media accounts in exchange for money complying with the UAE laws.

There is no memorandum of association, certificate of incorporation, or partner list for the social media permit.

Also, there is no visa eligibility nor any immigration file under the social media influencer permit. Hence, using a Social Media Influencer permit one cannot hire any office space nor open a corporate bank account.

Social Media Influencer or blogger can obtain the Social Media Influencer Permit from RAKEZ for AED 3,550 per year. The package is inclusive of the National Media Council (NMC) permit. It will allow to legally conduct the business activities in UAE without any hassles.

Similarly, a social media license for influencers from the Sharjah Media City Free Zone starts at AED 5,740 for zero visa quota.

2. Social Media Influencer Permit by Ajman Media City Free Zone

 The permit is custom-made for bloggers, social media influencers who have to comply with the UAE laws of conducting business.

The Ajman Media City has tied up with National Media Council to issue permits for eligible social media influences to conduct business legally in the UAE.

E-Trader License in Dubai

E-Trader License in Dubai is launched by the Dubai Economy (DED) for home entrepreneurs based in Dubai. The E-Trader License will make it easier for individuals and single-business owners to sell their items online.

DED has launched the initiative to curb counterfeit sales and fake product advertising on social media platforms like Instagram. With the e-Trader license, the online selling sector is expected to be regulated and eliminate all illegal practices.

Who can Apply for E-Trader License?

E-trader license is ideal for those who don’t have to require a physical office space to conduct their business. UAE and GCC Nationals and ex-pats of certain other nationalities can apply for the E-Trader License in Dubai.

There are certain regulations in terms of business activities for other nationalities. Commercial Trading activities are restricted to other nationalities. However, services businesses such as lifestyle coaching, marketing services, project management services, etc., are open to all nationalities.

DED Trader license aims at providing an authentic legal backup for start-ups, and entrepreneurs.

It helps those working from home to continue their entrepreneurial journey and contribute actively to the economy. At the same time curb all illegal activities and protect consumer interest.

Do you require a Commercial Trade License Required for Selling Items Online?

UAE residents are eligible to be fined up to Dh 500,000 for selling items on social media without a valid commercial trade license or an eCommerce license.

The purview of Selling in Social Media includes all categories of items including online catering, tailoring, and beauty business from home.

Selling any kind of items ranging from garments, shoes, handbags, and homemade food on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups will come under scrutiny.

Ways to get an e-Commerce License in UAE?

In the UAE, to carry out trade by any means, one must have a valid trade license from the Dubai Economy or any of the Free Zones offering commercial Trade Licenses.

There are two ways to obtain an e-commerce trading license in UAE

1. Getting an e-Commerce License from the Department of Economic Development in each emirate
2. Getting an e-Commerce License from any of the Freezones of the UAE

All residents in the UAE intending to sell goods online, be it stay-at-home mothers, part-timers, etc., must have a valid trade license to avoid any fines or legal actions.

Is a Trade License a must for selling Online in UAE?

Over the years, there has been a significant increase in online stores for tailor-made clothes, beauty products, and accessories via online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.

UAE and the Telecom Regulatory Authority are on a constant watch to locate and shut down unauthorized websites and social pages to protect consumer interest.

The Free Zones such as Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) provide an e-Trader Package for AED 6,510 with Zero Visa quota. The Package allows only two business activities. One is eCommerce and the Other is a general trading activity.

So, all those involved in online sales, e-commerce platforms, and utilizing social media platforms to promote sales, have to be compliant with the UAE commercial license requirements to avoid fines or shutdowns.

To know more about the relevant social media and online selling licenses, talk to our expert business consultants.

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