What documents does an Egyptian national need to start a building materials trading business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Egypt, attested documents via Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your building materials trading venture.

How long does it take for an Egyptian citizen to set up a building materials trading company in Meydan?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

How much does it cost to set up a Building Materials Trading business in Meydan Free Zone?

The total setup cost for a Building Materials Trading business in Meydan starts from approximately AED 9,950 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 4,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Building Materials Trading company in Meydan Free Zone?

Yes, Meydan allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What are the tax implications for a Building Materials Trading business in Meydan Free Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in Meydan may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What business activities can I include on my Meydan licence?

Your Meydan licence can include building materials trading as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my Meydan Building Materials Trading licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from Meydan, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Free ZoneCommercial

Building Materials Trading in Meydan

Starting From

AED 9,950

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Building Materials Trading

The UAE continues to attract Egyptian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and Meydan is one of the most popular jurisdictions for building materials trading operations. Large Arab expatriate community (~400,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Meydan Free Zone gives your Building Materials Trading business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. The Building Materials Trading activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up building materials trading businesses in Meydan Free Zone since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why Meydan for Building Materials Trading?

Choosing Meydan for your building materials trading business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers competitive pricing, which is particularly valuable for building materials trading operations. Additionally, prestigious meydan address ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 4,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Fast setup process further enhances the appeal of Meydan for building materials trading professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your building materials trading business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Meydan remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established commercial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Egyptian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Egyptian business community.

Competitive pricing

Prestigious Meydan address

Fast setup process

100% foreign ownership

Growing free zone community

Visa Requirements for Egyptian Nationals

For Egyptian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your building materials trading business in Meydan.

Banking for Egyptian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your building materials trading company in Meydan: Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. Long-standing UAE-Egypt relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Egyptian business structures.

Document Attestation for Egyptian Nationals

Document attestation for Egyptian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Egypt, (2) Attestation by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to building materials trading businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Egypt passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Signed application form from Meydan authority

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	9,950
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Flexi Desk	4,000
Shared Office	8,000
Private Office	20,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 17,950

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your building materials trading business plan and the best Meydan licence options for Egyptian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Egypt through Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the building materials trading licence application to Meydan. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Meydan trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Egyptian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Egyptian entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your building materials trading business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Meydan allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Egyptian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Building Materials Trading in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750