How can I get 100% foreign ownership for a mainland company in Dubai and which activities are excluded?

Key activities commonly excluded from 100% foreign ownership

• Security, defence and military‑type activities.
• Telecommunications.
• Banking, exchanges, financing and insurance; banknote or coin production.
• Strategic impact activities identified by the UAE Cabinet across seven sectors (these require additional approvals and may be restricted).
• Other sector‑specific exclusions such as certain Hajj/Umrah organisers and some marine/fishing activities, depending on local lists and regulator rules.

Quick checklist for respondents to address

1. Steps and documentation required to register or convert a mainland company to 100% foreign ownership.
2. How to verify whether a chosen activity is on Dubai’s excluded/negative list or the federal “strategic” list.
3. Any minimum capital, licensing, or regulator approvals needed when the activity is sensitive.
4. Practical options if the activity is excluded (local partner, free zone alternative, special permit route).
5. Real‑world timelines, typical costs, and common pitfalls to avoid.

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