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Investment Advisory

Research, due diligence and structuring support for investing in Dubai, with introductions to licensed professionals. General guidance, not financial advice.

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Overview

Dubai attracts investors with no personal income tax, a currency pegged to the US dollar and clear rules for foreign ownership. But opportunities vary widely in quality, and the right structure matters as much as the asset. We help you research the market, check what you are buying into and set up the right vehicle.

This is general guidance, not personalised financial advice. Almahira does not manage money, recommend specific securities or hold client funds. Instead, we provide market research, coordinate due diligence, set up companies and holding structures, and introduce you to professionals licensed by the relevant regulator: the Capital Market Authority (CMA, formerly SCA) onshore, the DFSA in the DIFC, the FSRA in ADGM, VARA for virtual assets in Dubai, and RERA for property brokers.

Every investment carries risk, including the loss of some or all of your capital. Property, private companies and listed shares each carry different risks around liquidity, delivery and regulation. We explain the risks we find in plain language so you can make your own decision, ideally with independent financial and tax advice.

Important

Information on this page is general guidance, not personalised financial advice. Investments carry risk; consider independent advice before investing.

Key facts

Securities and investment firms
Capital Market Authority (CMA, formerly SCA) onshore; DFSA in the DIFC; FSRA in ADGM
Banks, payments and insurance
Central Bank of the UAE
Virtual assets in Dubai
VARA, covering the mainland and free zones outside the DIFC
Personal income tax
None; personal investment and real estate investment income are not treated as business income
Corporate tax
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above
Currency
UAE dirham, pegged at AED 3.6725 to the US dollar

Who it's for

First-time UAE investors
You are considering Dubai for the first time and want to understand the rules, costs and risks before committing money.
Business owners relocating
You are moving your business or family to the UAE and want your investments, company and residency to fit together.
Family offices and private investors
You want research and due diligence support on a specific sector, company or property, alongside your own advisers.
Investors seeking residency
You want an investment that may also support an investor visa or Golden Visa application.

What's included

  • Market analysis and feasibility studies
  • Risk assessment and due diligence coordination
  • Company and holding structures for investors
  • Introductions to startup and private business opportunities
  • Property portfolio support with licensed agents and managers
  • Cost, tax and exit scenarios for each option
  • Introductions to licensed brokers, lawyers and auditors
  • Corporate bank account and residency support

Documents you'll usually need

  • Passport copy with at least six months' validity
  • Proof of residential address
  • Evidence of source of funds and source of wealth
  • Recent bank statements
  • Tax residency details from your home country
  • Company documents, if you invest through an existing company
  • A short summary of your goals, budget and time horizon

The exact list depends on your nationality, activity and the authority involved. We confirm it with you before anything is submitted.

How it works

  1. Discovery call

    We discuss your goals, budget, time horizon and how much risk you can accept, and agree what research you need.

  2. Market research

    We research the sector, location or business you are considering, including the rules that apply, typical costs and how easy it is to exit.

  3. Due diligence

    We check licences, ownership records, title deeds and company filings, and coordinate legal or financial review with licensed professionals where needed.

  4. Structuring and setup

    If a company or holding structure makes sense, we set it up, support the bank account application and register it for tax.

  5. Introductions and follow-through

    We introduce you to licensed brokers, developers or advisers to complete the transaction, then support renewals, filings and residency afterwards.

Typical timeline

Timing depends on the investment and the parties involved. Research can start as soon as your brief is clear, while due diligence, company setup and bank onboarding often take several weeks and depend on third parties and authorities.

Common questions

Do you give investment advice?

No. Almahira provides general guidance, research, due diligence coordination and company setup. We do not recommend specific investments, manage funds, trade on your behalf or hold your money. Where you need regulated advice, we introduce you to firms licensed by the relevant UAE regulator, such as the CMA, DFSA or FSRA. Consider independent financial and tax advice before investing.

Can foreigners invest in Dubai?

Yes. Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas, own 100% of free zone companies and, since 2021, of most mainland companies, and buy listed shares through a broker licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA, formerly SCA). Some sectors have extra licensing or ownership conditions. We check the rules for the specific asset or business you are considering before you commit.

Do I pay tax on investment income in Dubai?

Usually not as an individual. The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals, and the Federal Tax Authority does not treat personal investment or real estate investment income as business income. Companies pay corporate tax of 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and qualifying free zone income may be taxed at 0%. Your home country may still tax you, so take advice in both countries before choosing how to hold an investment.

How can I check that an investment opportunity is genuine?

Start by checking licences. Financial firms should appear on the public register of the CMA, DFSA, FSRA or, for virtual assets in Dubai, VARA, and should not appear on the CMA's warnings list. Property brokers and off-plan projects can be checked with the Dubai Land Department and RERA. Be cautious of guaranteed returns, pressure to pay quickly, or requests to send money to personal accounts. We can coordinate these checks as part of due diligence.

Should I invest personally or through a company?

It depends on the asset, the number of investors, your home country's tax rules and your plans for succession. A company or holding structure can help with shared ownership, banking and succession, but it adds setup costs, annual renewals and tax filings. We compare both routes so you can decide with your tax adviser.

Can investing in Dubai give me residency?

Some investments can support residency. Shareholders in a UAE company may apply for an investor or partner visa, and qualifying investments, such as property worth at least AED 2 million, may support a Golden Visa application. Each route has its own conditions, and final decisions are made by ICP or GDRFA. We check this as part of your plan.

What are the main risks of investing in Dubai?

Risks depend on the asset. Property markets move in cycles, and off-plan projects can be delayed. Shares in private companies can be hard to sell. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, but your home currency may move against it. Rules and fees can change. Any investment can lose value, so only invest money you can afford to have tied up or lose.

Who regulates investment firms in the UAE?

It depends on where the firm operates and what it does. The Capital Market Authority (CMA, formerly SCA) regulates securities and investment firms onshore, the DFSA regulates financial services in the DIFC, and the FSRA does the same in ADGM. VARA regulates virtual assets in Dubai outside the DIFC, and the Central Bank of the UAE regulates banks, payments and insurance. Check the firm on the right regulator's register before you invest.

Guides on this topic

Last reviewed . Rules change often; we confirm current requirements during your consultation.

Sources

Tell us what you're planning

One short call is usually enough to recommend a jurisdiction, licence and visa route. A written quote follows.

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Or call +971 52 210 4014 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 6 PM)