Hello

I'm thinking of setting up a business. I'd initially employ six people in Dubai and a couple in the US. I need an office to house the Dubai people on a part-time basis (many will have flexible working arrangements/ heavy travel) and so we probably need a "4 person office" full time. I also need a trade licence - I will not provide any onshore services.

I don't want to pay DIFC rates but would like to be close as the team all live in downtown... the narrow list seems to be DWTC, Business bay/ downtown and D3 (I think this is TECOM?). Does anyone have any experience, or useful advice, about setting up in a free zone or the arrangements for working in these areas?

The last resort is JLT even though it is cheap...

Cheers, Richard Branston.

I can offer no advice at all whatsoever, but would wish you the best of luck.

Speak to Marianna on 055 952 4310, she's brilliant and will guide you through everything, I was on the phone to her on Monday for over 30 minutes, she covers everything you need to know.

D3 is Dubai Design District. Over the other side of Al Khail from Downtown - must be close to home from you. Apparently very cool, super trendy and ergo probably full of *****.

Lots of good deals in Bidniz Bay, obvs. Some towers are nicer than others as with everywhere but more bang for your buck. Unless they live next door to their office (like me) they aren't walking so spending more on Emaar Square is pointless if they live in Burj Views.
Will your space just be desk space for people coming and going or will it 'entertain' visitors? If the former it kind of doesn't matter unless it's in a shithole, go slightly cheaper and make the inside-the-office-doors environment lovely.
Be a good boss and focus on somewhere with affordable / free parking and good places for lunch nearby. That's all people give a shit about.

Very best of luck.

I set up my company in JLT (DMCC registered) about 2 years ago. The process was almost as easy as DIFC but less than half the cost. They have the same kind of do everything office in AlMas tower and I've always found them to be friendly, helpful and efficient. Everything from co setup to visa issuance etc.

Lots of office options including plenty of serviced spaces/hot desks for the startup crowd and SMEs. I have a very small office that fits 3 people in Mazaya Biz Avenue for 65k all in. I can use the conference rooms for free and take on extra space for projects when needed. Get the usual dedicated landline, which is answered when I'm not in the office by reception. The actual DMCC managed spaces are quite a bit more pricey, but a bit more upmarket.

One big issue in JLT is parking so you need to check you get spaces with any office, but it does have a couple of metro stations, so that's always an option, depending upon which cluster you are in.

Hope it helps and the very best of luck in your venture

I'll head up your US arm, and by head up I mean draw a hefty wedge while pursuing 'business leads' . You're welcome

Thanks - today I've looked at some serviced offices in WTC area as well as WTC One. Great buildings and not too expensive but minimum office sizes around 10x what I need.

Will investigate other options - thanks for all the tips. I do like Bay Sq. and D3 as areas. We've been advised against JLT for perception reasons.

I would agree if you're looking at a finance thing as credibility counts highly. DMCC does have a reputation for some dodgy small firms

Exactly. At least the DIFC has a reputation for some dodgy large firms.

I think I'm going to go ADGM with an office in Dubai somewhere.