Introduction
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a free zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that is dedicated to technology and innovation. DSO is home to over 8,000 companies from a variety of industries, and is open to foreign investment in all industries.
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Industries in DSO that are open to foreign investment
All industries are open to foreign investment in DSO, but the following are some of the key industries that are particularly well-suited for foreign investment:
- Technology: DSO offers a number of benefits to technology companies, such as access to a skilled workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a supportive regulatory environment. Some specific industries within the technology sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- Software development
- Web development
- Mobile app development
- IT consulting
- Data analytics
- Artificial intelligence
- Blockchain
- Media and entertainment: DSO is also a great place to set up a media and entertainment business. The free zone offers a number of benefits to media and entertainment companies, such as access to a large and growing audience, a supportive regulatory environment, and a world-class infrastructure. Some specific industries within the media and entertainment sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- Film production
- Television production
- Music production
- Animation and VFX
- Gaming
- Digital marketing
- Education: DSO is a great place to set up an educational institution. The free zone offers a number of benefits to educational institutions, such as access to a large and growing student population, a supportive regulatory environment, and a world-class infrastructure. Some specific industries within the education sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- K-12 schools
- Universities and colleges
- Vocational training centers
- Language schools
- Online education
- Manufacturing: DSO is also a great place to set up a manufacturing business. The free zone offers a number of benefits to manufacturing companies, such as access to a skilled workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a low-cost business environment. Some specific industries within the manufacturing sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- Electronics manufacturing
- Medical device manufacturing
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Textile manufacturing
- Logistics: DSO is a great place to set up a logistics business. The free zone offers a number of benefits to logistics companies, such as access to a strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a low-cost business environment. Some specific industries within the logistics sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- Warehousing and fulfillment
- Freight forwarding
- Transportation and delivery
- Supply chain management
- Healthcare: DSO is also a great place to set up a healthcare business. The free zone offers a number of benefits to healthcare companies, such as access to a large and growing patient population, a supportive regulatory environment, and a world-class infrastructure. Some specific industries within the healthcare sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Medical device companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Health insurance companies
- Healthcare IT companies
- Tourism: DSO is a great place to set up a tourism business. The free zone offers a number of benefits to tourism companies, such as access to a large and growing tourist population, a supportive regulatory environment, and a world-class infrastructure. Some specific industries within the tourism sector that are open to foreign investment in DSO include:
- Hotels and resorts
- Tour operators
- Travel agencies
- Event management companies
- Hospitality companies
Benefits of foreign investment in DSO
There are a number of benefits to foreign investment in DSO, including:
- 100% foreign ownership: Businesses in DSO can be 100% foreign-owned.
- No income or corporate tax: Businesses in DSO are exempt from income and corporate tax.
- Low import and export duties: DSO has low import and export duties.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure: DSO has state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-speed internet, world-class office and industrial space, and a variety of amenities.
- Easy access to talent: DSO is home to a large pool of talented professionals.
How to set up a business in DSO with foreign investment
Setting up a business in DSO with foreign investment is a relatively straightforward process. To set up a business in DSO with foreign investment, you will need to:
- Choose a business activity and obtain a business license from the DSO Authority.
- Secure office or industrial space in DSO.
- Hire employees and obtain work visas for them (if applicable).
- Open a bank account in DSO.
- Register your business with the relevant government agencies.
In addition to the above steps, you will also need to comply with the following requirements for foreign investment in DSO:
- The foreign investor must have a minimum investment of AED 50,000.
- The foreign investor must submit a copy of their passport and visa to the DSO Authority.
- The foreign investor must submit a business plan to the DSO Authority.

Conclusion
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a great place to set up a business with foreign investment. DSO offers a number of benefits to foreign investors, including 100% foreign ownership, no income or corporate tax, low import and export duties, state-of-the-art infrastructure, easy access to talent, and a supportive ecosystem.
Recommendation: BizDaddy
BizDaddy is a leading business setup consultant that can help you set up a business in DSO with foreign investment. BizDaddy has a team of experienced professionals who can help you with every step of the process, from choosing the right business structure to submitting the required documentation.
BizDaddy offers a number of benefits to businesses, including:
- Expertise: BizDaddy has a deep understanding of the business setup process in DSO with foreign investment and can help you navigate it smoothly.
- Connections: BizDaddy has a network of connections in DSO with foreign investment, including government agencies, business service providers, and other businesses. This can help you get the support you need to get your business up and running quickly and efficiently.
- Convenience: BizDaddy offers a one-stop shop for business setup in DSO with foreign investment. This means that you can deal with everything through BizDaddy, from getting your business license to opening a bank account.
If you are serious about setting up a business in DSO with foreign investment, I highly recommend contacting BizDaddy. BizDaddy can help you make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Additional tips for foreign investors setting up a business in DSO
In addition to the benefits and recommendations mentioned above, here are a few other things that foreign investors should keep in mind when setting up a business in DSO:
- Do your research: Before you make any decisions, it is important to do your research and understand the business environment in DSO. This includes understanding the regulatory requirements, the competitive landscape, and the potential market opportunities.
- Network with other foreign investors: Networking with other foreign investors in DSO can be a great way to get advice and support. There are a number of networking events and organizations in DSO that you can attend.
- Get help from a professional: If you are not familiar with the business setup process in DSO with foreign investment, it is a good idea to get help from a professional. A business setup consultant can help you navigate the process and avoid any mistakes.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success when setting up a business in Dubai Silicon Oasis with foreign investment.