Gulf Trading Hubs See Record New Company Registrations
Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported record new trading company registrations as businesses seek Middle East operational bases and tax efficiency.
By Sarah Brennan
Nex-Wire · 14 May 2026
⏱ 1 min read· 117 words
Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported a combined 12,400 new trading company registrations in the past twelve months, a record high driven by European companies seeking geographic diversification and tax-efficient operational structures. The UAE offers zero corporate tax on qualifying income, world-class logistics infrastructure, and strategic geographic positioning between Europe and Asia. Jebel Ali Free Zone alone welcomed over 2,800 new trading companies. For established trading companies, the UAE structure offers significant advantages as European regulations tighten and firms seek compliant structures for Gulf and Asia expansion.
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Sarah Brennan
Nex-Wire · Business
Sarah Brennan at Nex-Wire delivers expert analysis and breaking coverage across global markets, trade intelligence, and business strategy — combining deep industry expertise with rigorous reporting standards to provide actionable intelligence for business leaders worldwide.
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