How to start a cyber security company in Dubai, UAE

Cyber security is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. With technology now a firm fixture in our daily lives, our data has a price – and so do services with the skills and tools needed to protect that data.

Worldwide, the cyber security industry is estimated to be worth around USD 150bn, with expected growth of 11% taking it to USD 208bn by 2023.

The UAE continues to cement its place as a global tech hub, representing the majority, 35%, of the GCC market expected to be worth USD 85bn by 2024.

 And there are plenty of other great reasons to start your cyber security business here. Dubai already has an international reputation in the tech space, its location and time zone makes it ideal for global trade, and its low tax environment, supportive business culture and straightforward company incorporation make doing business easy.

How to start a cyber security company in Dubai

Before starting any business in Dubai, UAE, you should research the country’s free zones. In most cases, and almost certainly when starting a cyber security company, setting up in a free zone is the most affordable and straightforward option.

As well as offering universal benefits such as 100% customs tax exemptions and capital and profit repatriation, free zones allow entrepreneurs to maintain ownership of their business across a range of activities. Many also offer office and coworking space, reception cover and access to meeting and conference rooms, as well as the use of telephones, broadband and other office facilities.

Each free zone also offers a range of specific benefits, with some tailored to certain industries. As the owner of a cyber security business, you should look to find a free zone such as Dtec that caters to the tech sector.

Steps to start a cyber security company in Dubai

If you choose to set up in a free zone, the whole process consists of just three simple steps. Your assigned contact will take you through every step, managing every aspect of the process on your behalf.

Step 1: Business activities

You must first outline your business activities. This is a simple formality, but it is vital that you match yours to the official list of your chosen jurisdiction or free zone.

Dtec has hundreds of technology-related activities to choose from, including cyber security.

Step 2: Company name

Next, you’ll have to choose a company name. It’s best to do this upfront as you’ll need to register it before you can trade in the UAE. You’ll need to abide by a few naming conventions. These include:

• Only full names allowed, no abbreviations.
• Cannot include any potentially offensive or blasphemous words.
• Must be available to register.

Step 3: License application

Now you can apply for your trade license. Your free zone contact or company setup agent will handle this process for you.

As well as advising on the process, your agent can make sure your application is correct and prevent any undue hassle further down the line.

When making your application, you are usually required to provide some basic documentation such as a passport copy and business plan.

What is the cost of setting up a cyber security company in Dubai, UAE?

It is not easy to indicate the exact costs of starting a cyber security company in Dubai. There are many factors at play.

Whatever the size and setup of your operation, doing business in a free zone can be a great way to keep startup costs low. Dtec offer package prices, inclusive of visa applications and the use of office facilities.

The flexi desk package, for example, includes a service license, the use of a workspace in a common area and eligibility for two visas. This package starts at AED 18,000 per year.

Dtec also offers a license with fixed desks and eligibility for three visas for AED 24,200 per year, plus furnished private offices, inclusive of two visas per desk, for AED 47,820 per year.

Starting your business at Dtec

If you’re looking to start a cyber security company in Dubai, UAE, there’s no better base than Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec).

Apply with us, and we’ll handle every step of the process for you – helping to outline activities, register your company name, applying for your license and visas, and supporting you once you’re up and running.

A technology-focused free zone, Dtec offers a supportive environment for companies like yours, as well as a range of workspace packages at a scale and price to suit all budgets, including:

Flexi desks: Company setup with workspace in any of our common areas.

Fixed desks: Company setup with your own fixed workstation in a shared area with lockable storage.

Private offices: Company setup with your own furnished or unfurnished office between 12-50sqm.

As well as a great coworking space, Dtec is home to a vast network of mentors, advisers, and educators, with many receptive to collaboration, pitches, and investment opportunities. The 10,000 sqm facility offers an integrated ecosystem for hundreds of startups, SMEs and technology entrepreneurs from around the world.

Here you’ll find organic opportunities to engage and collaborate, along with a range of formal events, including Partner Labs, the Corporate Partner Network, an annual pitch competition, and several acceleration programs.

Got a great idea you want to see realised? Everything you need can be found in Dtec.

Our coworking space encourages collaboration, our accelerator programs and funding arm give a young business set up in the UAE a head start, and our networking events ensure you get your name out there and stay on top of industry trends. We take care of everything, leaving you to take care of your business.