Is it better to set up a business in Dubai mainland or free zone?

Deciding between Dubai mainland and free zone for your business often depends on your operational needs. Mainland allows you to trade directly with the UAE market, while free zones offer tax benefits and lower setup costs. I've worked in both settings and found that if you plan to target local customers, mainland is the way to go. However, for export-oriented businesses, free zones can be advantageous. Important: Evaluate your business model before deciding!