Management consulting is in high demand across the UAE. Companies in Dubai are increasingly turning to external advisors to improve performance, cut costs, and adapt to changing regulations. That demand is rising not just among private firms, but also from government bodies running large-scale projects and reform programmes.
In 2023, consulting revenues in the UAE reached $1.1 billion—driven in large part by growth in management and strategy consulting. For experienced professionals, Dubai offers a well-developed market with clear entry points, strong earning potential, and a straightforward setup process.
This article explains how to start a management consultancy in Dubai. It covers the key steps to getting licensed, the benefits of setting up here, and why the business case for entering this market is stronger than ever.
Management consultancy in Dubai: Market overview
Demand for management consulting in Dubai is being driven by structural change across key sectors. Government entities are under pressure to deliver large-scale projects tied to Vision 2030, while private companies are responding to new tax regimes, digital targets, and changing compliance requirements. As a result, firms are turning to external consultants to improve systems, cut costs, and manage risk.
Most of the demand at the moment is in strategy, operations, and digital implementation. There’s also steady interest in performance audits, workforce planning, and regulatory advisory, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and real estate. Technology is a key driver, with AI, data analytics and cloud integration being active areas of investment rather than future plans.
Both international and regional firms are expanding their consulting capacity in Dubai, with mid-sized and specialist players seeing strong growth. This creates a clear value proposition for experienced consultants with specialist skills.
How to get a management consultancy license in Dubai
Choose your business activity and jurisdiction
Setting up a management consultancy in Dubai is a well-trodden path, and the process is straightforward if you understand each step.
Start by selecting your business activity and where you want to base the company. Management consultancy is a recognised activity across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions. Free zones like DMCC, IFZA and Meydan are popular for consultancies serving clients outside the UAE, while mainland licenses, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), are more suitable for firms with local, on-the-ground clients.
Choose your company name and legal structure
Once you’ve decided where to set up, you’ll need to choose a company name and confirm the legal structure. Most consultants opt for a sole establishment or a limited liability company (LLC), depending on whether they plan to operate alone or with partners. There are restrictions on naming—initials are generally not allowed, and the name must reflect the activity without including offensive or religious terms.
Submit your application and supporting documents
Next, you submit your application. This includes passport copies, proof of address, ID photos and, in some cases, a brief business plan. The authority—whether it’s a free zone or the DED—will review the documents and issue initial approval. Some activities may require external approvals, but in most cases, the process is handled directly.
Receive your license and apply for visas
Once the application is approved, the license is issued and you can apply for employee visas. Most free zones offer visa packages, while a mainland license allows you to sponsor staff based on your office size. After this, you’re free to begin operations.
Open a business bank account
The final step is opening a business bank account. Requirements vary depending on the bank, but you’ll need your trade license, incorporation documents, and a tenancy agreement if applicable. Some banks may also ask for a business plan or meeting in person before approval.
Benefits of starting a management consultancy in Dubai
High demand across sectors
Demand for consulting in the GCC rose by 11% in 2024, with the UAE accounting for a growing share. Public sector projects, new tax regimes and digital overhaul plans have pushed organisations to bring in external expertise. Consultants are supporting projects linked to Expo legacy, Dubai 2040 and the shift to corporate tax—particularly in finance, logistics and healthcare, where firms are under pressure to adapt quickly.
Full foreign ownership & tax advantages
Free zones in Dubai offer 100% foreign ownership and a clear tax structure. There’s no personal income tax and corporate tax only applies above AED 375,000 in profit. For small and mid-sized consultancies, this makes the UAE one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions to operate from, especially compared to Europe or North America.
Gateway to global markets
Over 70% of Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Dubai and many use it as a launch point for regional expansion. Consultants based in the city often support cross-border activity into Saudi Arabia, Qatar and wider Africa. The client base is international and projects often stretch across jurisdictions, especially in sectors like finance, energy and infrastructure.
Free zone flexibility
Each free zone offers its own setup model. IFZA, for example, issues management consultancy licenses starting from AED 12,500, often with no office requirement. DMCC gives access to a regulated, finance-focused environment. Many free zones also offer digital portals for license management, bundled visa services and fast document turnaround.
Streamlined setup & minimal red tape
Company setup in Dubai is more efficient than in many comparable markets. Many free zones can issue a license within three to five working days, and most don’t require physical presence to apply. With a valid license, you can then apply for visas, open accounts and begin billing clients within a week. That speed is one of the reasons so many independent professionals choose to base themselves here.
How profitable are management consultancy businesses?
Management consultancy has relatively low running costs and strong earning potential, especially for professionals with the right experience or a unique niche. A typical solo consultant in Dubai can charge between AED 500 and AED 2,000 an hour, depending on the scope of work and the client. For project-based work, day rates often start at AED 3,000 and can rise much higher for government or specialist contracts.
Margins stay high because overheads are low. Many consultants operate without a physical office, use flexible visa packages from free zones and outsource admin, finance or marketing support as needed.
Specialisation plays a big role in earnings. Consultants working in tax, compliance, digital strategy or organisational restructuring tend to command higher fees, especially when serving regulated sectors like finance, healthcare or logistics. Government clients often pay above the market average for advisory support tied to public reform or procurement.
There’s also steady demand for consultants who can support cross-border activity, particularly around Saudi Vision 2030, UAE federal reforms and expansion into new markets. Firms that understand both the regional context and international standards tend to secure repeat work.
About Worldwide Formations
Since 2008, Worldwide Formations has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and professionals set up and grow their businesses in the UAE. The company is a registered agent in all major free zones and offers complete setup support across free zone, mainland and offshore structures.
Clients come from over 90 countries and span a wide range of industries. Whether you’re a solo consultant or building a team, the Worldwide Formations team will guide you through the process from start to finish—licensing, visas, banking, and everything in between.
To learn more or start your business setup in Dubai, visit the Worldwide Formations homepage.
