Although there are a range of attractive features associated with operating within any one of Dubai's free zones such as 100% ownership and tax exemptions, there are also a number of local legal requirements and trading restrictions of which investors should be aware.

In brief:

• Legal entities incorporated and operating in any of the Dubai free zones benefit from a wide range of commercial incentives, including 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and income taxes and repatriation of profits.

• Each free zone has its own respective laws and regulations regulating the licensing and governance of entities operating within the same.

• In general, businesses can be set up and operated using one of three legal entity options, each of which features specific legal requirements and procedures.

Setting up business in a free zone