Digital Marketing in the UAE
Let’s face it! Traditional marketing tactics are slowly fading away thanks to the incredible possibilities offered by digital advertising. In fact, Digital marketing is a booming industry that’s expected to surpass $375 billion globally by the end of 2021. As print ads fall to the wayside in exchange for internet, streaming, and mobile-based advertisements, businesses are shifting to an entirely new marketing approach.
Throughout the UAE, digital marketing companies help companies stand out from the crowd. And in today’s supercharged, competitive market, standing out is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. The pandemic has forced businesses to shift their marketing strategies from print-based efforts into digital and social platforms. Citizens have been locked down, and travel has been restricted due to the COVID-19 virus, causing the purchasing habits of many consumers to wildly swing from brick-and-mortar establishments into the digital realm.
The market forecast surrounding retail and E-Commerce shows substantial growth in the upcoming years. Vaccination rates are at an all-time high, travel restrictions have been lifted, and people are itching to return to their regular routines. Additionally, online shopping habits formed during the pandemic will continue for years to come. So, for those that have long considered starting a digital marketing firm in Dubai, you’ve come to the right place at precisely the right time!
How to Form a Digital Marketing Firm in Dubai
Forming any company is a huge undertaking, but the potential is immense. The UAE has made enormous strides in making business for foreign investors easier than ever. Dubai’s economy is swiftly recovering from the pandemic, and it’s time to strike while the iron is hot. But where does one start? Let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to take for marketing agency set up:
1. Carefully Analyze Dubai’s Market
Having a thorough understanding of your product or service and the market surrounding it is paramount to success. By thoroughly researching your chosen field, you’ll be able to decide which business activities you’ll carry out once you get your digital marketing agency set up.
2. Register Your Trade Name
Every company needs a name! You’ll want to register your digital marketing agency’s trade name with the Department of Economic Development (DED). You’ll want to keep in mind that your name submission must not already be claimed by another company and may not include profanity. Failure to follow these rules will result in outright rejection.
3. Choose Your Business Location
Once you’ve performed your due diligence and applied for your trade name, it’s time to choose your business location. You’ll have a wide set of options, from Dubai’s many Free Zone jurisdictions to mainland incorporation.
4. Apply for Your Digital Marketing Business License
Once your trade name has been approved and reserved, you will need to apply for your business license. The application process will require you to carefully gather the required documents. These documents include:
- Proof of Identification for all directors and shareholders
- Copies of passports for shareholders and directors
- Copy of trade name approval
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
5. Handle Visas and Corporate Bank Account
At this stage, you’ll need to apply for visas for yourself and any shareholders or employees. Additionally, you’ll need to contact a local banking institution to begin the startup process for your new corporate bank account\.
6. Build a Portfolio and Your Online Presence
Developing a portfolio that’s complete with plenty of customer reviews will allow you to generate more leads, more traffic and improve your agency’s reputation. Additionally, building your online presence through your website and social media is a crucial tactic that will pay off greatly.
What is the Cost of Starting a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?
Determining the full extent of a business startup’s cost can be difficult as it can vary wildly from company to company. However, you can estimate that your business overhead will be proportional to the setup and scope of your business. This scope can range from a sizeable multi-person company with office spaces to running a company from a few laptops.
The Benefits of Forming a Digital Marketing Agency in the UAE
With the economy returning from the effects of the pandemic, the benefits of starting up your digital marketing company are vast. They include:
1. Zero tax responsibilities
Marketing agencies in the UAE are not required to pay income and corporate taxes, allowing them to run more efficiently.
2. Full repatriation of profits
Unlike some countries, the UAE allows foreign investors to return their profits to their nation of origin.
3. Complete ownership
Businesses operating in Dubai’s Free Zones are not required to secure a national sponsor, allowing full ownership of their company.
4. Low overhead
Unlike other business types, operating a digital marketing agency requires very little financial overhead.
What Documents are Required for Business Set Up in UAE
When it comes to applying for a license, the UAE government has a strict set of rules and regulations. You will need to carefully gather all the documents required. These include:
- A completed application form
- Copies of passports for all business owners and shareholders
- Receipts for payment of trade name reservation
- A lease agreement document verifying your businesses’ registered address
- CV’s for all directors and shareholders
- A comprehensive business plan
Thinking of Marketing Agency Set Up? MSZ Consultancy Can Help!
With the economy rebounding from the effects of the pandemic, businesses are adapting their marketing approach. And with technology constantly evolving, developing a digital marketing agency can be an incredibly lucrative endeavor. The UAE has made enormous strides in streamlining its business application process. However, many investors seek the assistance of 3rd party business consultants to help them navigate new business setups in the UAE.
And that’s where we come in! MSZ Consultancy is a consulting firm with years of experience and thousands of happy customers. We’ve helped investors across the globe with license applications, handled necessary renewals, and even secured the services of a public resource officer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new foreign investor or part of a large corporate structure; our expert consultants have the experience to streamline your business and let you get back to what’s most important. Give us a call today at +971 52 544 1248, and let us minimize your overhead, maximize your profits, and launch your business into the stratosphere!
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