Do I have to rent an office to be able to establish a company in Dubai or elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Renting an office is a mandatory requirement in the company formation process. A private residence cannot be used as an official business address. Subject to the competent authority, different types of offices are available. Options range from work stations in an open-plan office of a business center, already fitted out offices or shell and core premises to warehouses with attached office space. Subject to the location of the company and the individual case, you cannot only rent commercial spaces but also buy them.