Dubai Permits Free Zone Entities Mainland Market Access Under Resolution No. 11

Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 allows eligible free zone companies to operate in the mainland market without establishing duplicate onshore entities. Mainland access is granted via permits from Dubai Economy and Tourism tied to existing free zone business activities. Financial institutions governed by the Dubai International Financial Centre are excluded from the regime.

Published November 2, 2026 Source: Global Law Experts

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中文 Chinese version
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Issuing authority: Dubai Executive Council
Jurisdiction: United Arab Emirates
Stage: Final rule
Official document: Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11
Official source: uecn.org

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Legal analysts reviewed the operational rollout of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11, which permits free zone entities to conduct business onshore through permits issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism. The regulatory framework enables eligible firms to access mainland markets directly, removing the need to establish duplicate onshore corporate entities.

Under the mechanism, issued permits are linked directly to activities already authorized under a company's existing free zone license. However, the regulation excludes financial institutions based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which remain under separate legal oversight.

According to corporate advisers cited by Global Law Experts, the regime allows international and regional businesses to consolidate their corporate structures, eliminate duplicated administrative filings, and reduce overhead costs.