Dubai Design District (D3)

About Dubai Design District (D3)

Dubai Design District, widely known as D3, serves as the UAE’s premier hub for creativity and innovation, fostering the growth of the design sector and positioning Dubai as a leading global design capital. Strategically located near major landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, D3 spans over 4 million square feet and hosts more than 500 businesses, including internationally acclaimed design studios, showrooms, galleries, and fashion brands like Dior, Adidas, Nike, and Foster + Partners.

Dubai Design Week

Held annually at D3, Dubai Design Week is the region’s flagship creative festival, celebrating architecture, fashion, product design, and graphic arts. The event features exhibitions, workshops, talks, and interactive activities, attracting designers, artists, and creative professionals from across the globe. It is one of the UAE’s most significant cultural events, fostering collaboration and innovation within the creative community.

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Advantages of Setting Up Your Business in Dubai Design District (D3)

Dubai Design District not only serves as a hub for creativity but also offers a wide range of benefits and incentives for entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in the UAE:

Advanced and Smart Infrastructure

D3 provides a fully integrated smart environment, featuring innovations like intelligent parking systems, energy monitoring solutions, and efficient waste management programs.

Prime Location Near Iconic Landmarks

Situated close to major attractions such as Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Internet City, DIFC, and Business Bay, D3 offers unmatched connectivity and exposure to millions of visitors annually.

Affordable Company Formation

Starting a business in D3 is cost-effective, with licensing fees starting from approximately AED 15,000 and minimum share capital requirements as low as AED 50,000.

Global Recognition and Exposure

Entrepreneurs, designers, and artists can gain international visibility and showcase their creations to a global audience during Dubai Design Week.

Business-Friendly Legal Framework

Full foreign ownership

Freedom to repatriate capital and profits

No currency restrictions

No personal income tax

Flexibility for employing foreign talent

Corporate tax capped at 9% (if applicable)

Competitive tariff rates

Special freelance permits available for designers and creative professionals

Types of Licenses Offered in Dubai Design District (D3)

Dubai Design District offers a range of licenses tailored to different business activities. The main types include:

Manufacturing License

Permits companies to carry out production, assembly, or processing operations within the D3 free zone.

Commercial License

Designed for businesses that trade specific goods or provide particular products within D3.

Service License

Grants businesses the ability to offer services, including repair, maintenance, and other professional services, within the district.

Steps to Set Up Your Business in Dubai Design District (D3)

Establishing a company in D3 is straightforward and efficient. The process generally involves the following five steps:

Choose Your Business Activity and Location

Begin by selecting an approved business activity that aligns with your operations. Companies in D3 can choose to operate within the Free Zone, on the mainland, or a combination of both.

Submit Your Application

Complete the online application and provide required documents such as business plans and passport copies for all shareholders. Tashgheel 360 can guide you through this process to ensure a quicker, cost-effective company registration.

Secure Your Workspace

Businesses in D3 must arrange for office or warehouse space appropriate for their operations. Freelancers may be exempt from this requirement.

Apply for the Trade License

Once your workspace is secured, submit your application for the relevant trade license(s) through D3. Some companies may need more than one license depending on the nature of their products or services.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

After receiving all necessary documents, establish a corporate bank account to manage your company’s financial operations within Dubai Design District.