Dubai is the home of business networking. And while the world has moved online over the past year, there’s nothing UAE-based entrepreneurs like more than rubbing shoulders at events, expos, and exhibitions. Whether it’s the Grand Dubai Expo, international sports competitions, conferences, or events with high prize money, high-profile events are a regular occurrence in the UAE. From art and culture to music and sport, Dubai takes center stage for some of the world’s most prestigious gatherings.
Such is our appetite that the events industry contributes over USD 3 billion to Dubai’s economy. Expo 2020’s mega-success – an event that welcomed 22 million visitors in six months made history while bringing the world together.
Dubai has been named the number one destination globally for association meetings and business events in 2021 by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) report. The newly-published ICCA Statistics Report, published by state news agency WAM, ranked Dubai the top city in 2021 for the number of meetings organised by international associations and estimated participants at these events.
If you have experience managing such occasions, a significant opportunity may be waiting for you in the UAE. And when you start an event management business in the UAE with the help of Meydan Free Zone, you can be up and running in no time. Our team of experts in business setup in Dubai can help you with licensing, visas, and much more.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your event management license in Dubai, including:
What is Event Management?
Event management refers to a wide range of activities involved in the organisation of large-scale events. Examples include conventions, conferences, concerts, trade fairs, festivals, and ceremonies. It entails managing the event’s overall logistics, collaborating with staff, and managing the event as a whole. Additional responsibilities of an event manager may include managing the budget and the teams of persons responsible for each function, as well as overseeing the event’s execution. Event management also oversees all outside vendors and specialists, including event planners.
The Benefits Of Starting An Events Company In Dubai, UAE
Dubai is often dubbed as the event capital of the Middle East. This is because no locations like this one exist in the events business. But apart from the high demand for your services, there are many other reasons to set up your event management business out here.
Start Your Events Company Now With AED 1,042 Per Month
The UAE’s attractive tax rate of 0% on personal income is understandably a significant draw, and the benefits continue when you set up in a free zone. These include total freedom to repatriate capital and profits.
When you start your business in Meydan Free Zone, you’ll also benefit from:
â—Ź Premier Office Location from Meydan Hotel
â—Ź Easy start-up with 100% Ownership
â—Ź A great place to work, live and play
Types Of Event Management Services
Event Management
Professional event managers are adept in event planning and executing technical and artistic aspects. They first identify the audience of each event and go out of their way to understand the client’s brand and budget, whether it’s a trade exhibition, product launch, wedding, cocktail party, awards ceremony, or sit-down gala dinner.
Event Coordination
Event coordinators specialise in creating novel ways to inspire, communicate, and amuse. Lighting, décor, catering, theming, styling, sound, vision, and entertainment are among the most significant parts of event production.
DĂ©cor Hiring Services
These businesses specialise in providing dĂ©cor hire services to meet clients’ needs for their next special event.
Conferences And Venue Sourcing Services
Event management companies work with clients to develop a distinct conference identity through rigorous content programming and extensive logistic planning, which can include—
- Ground transportation
- Delegation of accommodation booking and venue sourcing
- Social and partner activities
- Involvement of guest speakers and facilitators
- Management of all audiovisual needs
Event Planning Services
Event managers eliminate the hassle of preparing a special event by staying ahead of the market. They may source breathtaking floral arrangements, comfortable linens, and unique entertainment alternatives to make an event unforgettable.
The Cost Of An Event Management License In Dubai
When you set up in Meydan Free Zone, the cost of an event management license will start at AED 12,500. You can also operate under a Flexi desk license, allowing you access to business facilities like desk space and Wi-Fi with no overheads.
When you partner with Meydan Free Zone, you benefit from our expertise so that you can go into the company formation process with total confidence.
Planning to Setup an Event Management Business In Dubai?
Steps to start an event management company in Dubai and UAE
When setting up an events business in the Emirates, the first thing to do is to familiarise yourself with its corporate landscape. While the UAE is welcoming with low barriers to entry, there are some ways in which it differs from much of the rest of the world.
When you partner with Meydan Free Zone, you benefit from our expertise so that you can go into the company formation process with total confidence.
- Choose Your Business NameThis is crucial because the UAE has set some guidelines in this area. For example, the name should be memorable, unique, and not blasphemous; no abbreviations should be used, and only complete names should be utilised.
- Confirm All The Business Activities Under Events As A Part Of Your License Application.Identify the types of business activities that you intend to carry out within your events management company. While the license permits you to engage in a number of activities ranging from hospitality to event promotion, you are still needed to describe the activities, and failure to do so may result in penalties.
- Choose The Company Shareholder Structure And ManagerDetermining the correct legal structure is an essential part of establishing a business. The most common are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations and cooperatives, each with its own approach to liability, risks, and taxes.
- Apply Online On Our Customer Portal Dubai Economy and Tourism Department (DET), formerly The Department of Economic Development (DED), handles the event management license in Dubai. First, you must submit a completed application form, all necessary documentation, and two colored passport-sized pictures. Then, use our customer portal to apply.
- Choose Your Visa Requirements You will need a visa for yourself, your business partners, or any employees. The maximum number of visas you can apply for is determined by the license type you hold and your company size.
- Apply for your Business Bank AccountA corporate bank account in the UAE is the most convenient and safe way to send and receive money in Dubai. Many UAE banks also provide multicurrency accounts, allowing you to send and accept payments from anywhere in the world. A UAE bank account is often required to obtain other types of credit.
GET YOUR ZERO-BALANCE BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Important things to keep in mind after obtaining an event management license in Dubai, UAE:
- In case of an event withdrawal, you are completely responsible for reimbursing ticket money.
- The sale and promotion of event tickets outside any of the Free Zones are subject to the guiding principle of proper authorities (DET – Formerly DED, DTCM, DM).
- The sale and promotion of event tickets in other geographies are subject to laws, rules, and regulations of the authorities of the respective Emirate.
- Tickets, posters, leaflets, or any form of information should mention any related general public information at all times.
Why Start An Event Management Business In Meydan Free Zone?
The GCC hospitality industry is continuing on its upward trajectory. The local events sector is eager and proactive in keeping up with this global and regional trend, and Dubai has grown at a rate of 25% per annum in recent years. If you are setting up an event management company in Dubai, look no further than Meydan Free Zone.
Meydan Free Zone is a thriving, centrally located economic district with one of the most prestigious business addresses in the region. Located in The Meydan Hotel, it is 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and has convenient access to Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road. You will also have access to a fully equipped Business Centre and monthly networking events as a member of the Meydan Free Zone family. Our Business Centre delivers a world-class professional setting and an atmosphere that encourages performance while still providing privacy.
We offer our businesses a host of innovative investment and lifestyle benefits in a secure, regulated environment that empowers productivity. And we can help you join them too. Our expert team can assist through every stage of your business setup in Dubai, from registering your company name to managing your license and visa applications.
