Registering a company name in the UAE is often the very first step entrepreneurs take when setting up a business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate. But despite how simple the process may appear, thousands of business owners face delays, rejection notices and unexpected legal complications because of small, avoidable mistakes.
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If you want your business to launch smoothly, choosing and register a company name in the UAE correctly is essential. Your company name reflects your brand, affects your legal documentation and influences your ability to expand across borders. To ensure that nothing slows down your formation process, you need to understand the rules set by the Department of Economic Development in each emirate, free zone authorities and the Ministry of Economy.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, we support international and regional entrepreneurs with seamless name approval and full UAE business formation solutions. With offices in Dubai, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Bangladesh, our team ensures your chosen trade name is fully compliant, legally protected and approved without delays.
Below is a complete and human-friendly guide on how to register a company name in the UAE and the most common mistakes you must avoid.
Understanding UAE Company Name Rules
The UAE takes business naming laws seriously to protect public order, prevent misleading representations and maintain clear commercial identity. Every emirate such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah has its own authorities, but core rules stay the same.
1. No offensive or inappropriate words
Any name that could be considered insulting, disrespectful or contrary to UAE cultural values will not be approved.
2. No religious references
Names containing words related to Allah, God, religious terms or sectarian expressions are not allowed.
3. No political or government-related words
You cannot use names that resemble government entities, global organisations or political groups.
4. Name must match business activity
If your business activity is consulting, trading or manufacturing, the name should align with the nature of work to reduce future compliance issues.
5. No copying existing trade names
Names identical or similar to existing registered names in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or other emirates will be rejected instantly.
6. Full name rules for personal names
If you plan to use your personal name, the first name must be included and it cannot be initials only.
Understanding these rules helps you avoid the first major barrier to company registration in the UAE.
Steps to Register a Company Name in the UAE
Registering a company name is a structured process, but requirements vary across mainland and free zones. Below is a clear, practical breakdown.
Step 1: Decide Whether You Are Registering in the Mainland or a UAE Free Zone
The UAE offers two major jurisdiction options.
1. Mainland
Your trade name is registered through the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the emirate where your business will operate.
Examples:
- Dubai DED
- Abu Dhabi DED
- Sharjah Economic Development Department
Mainland gives you flexibility to operate anywhere in the UAE.
2. Free Zone
Free zones like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), JAFZA, Sharjah Media City or Abu Dhabi Global Market have their own trade name approval departments.
Each free zone has its own rules and allowed name structures.
You must decide the jurisdiction first because the rules and fees differ.
Step 2: Conduct a Trade Name Availability Search
This step helps you avoid rejection.
In mainland jurisdictions like Dubai, you search through the DED portal.
In free zones, you check directly with the authority.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, we conduct comprehensive trade name searches across all seven emirates to ensure your preferred name is available without conflict.
Step 3: Follow Naming Guidelines Strictly
To increase your chances of approval, ensure your name:
- Matches your business activity
- Does not include prohibited words
- Follows the language rules
- Is spelled correctly
- Uses legal structure indicators such as LLC, FZE or FZC when required
These small details prevent rejection and save you days of costly delays.
Step 4: Submit the Trade Name Application
Once you have chosen a compliant name, you submit it for approval.
This can be done:
- Through DED portals
- Through free zone authority portals
- Through an authorised service provider like Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP
Submission includes your passport copy, proposed business activity and a few basic documents depending on the jurisdiction.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
UAE trade name fees vary depending on:
- Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah etc.)
- Free zone authority
- Use of specific words like “International”, “Middle East”, or “Group”
Fees generally range from moderate to premium depending on the nature of the name.
We always guide entrepreneurs on fee optimisation to reduce unnecessary expenses.
Step 6: Receive Trade Name Reservation Certificate
Once approved, you receive an official certificate.
This certificate is valid for a limited period, usually between 30 to 90 days depending on the emirate.
During this time, you must complete the rest of your business formation steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Company Name in the UAE
Even experienced entrepreneurs make costly mistakes during the naming process. Avoiding these errors will save you time, money and frustrations.
1. Choosing a Name That Violates Cultural or Legal Restrictions
Many foreign entrepreneurs unknowingly select names that are acceptable in their home countries but not compliant in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. This leads to immediate rejection.
2. Selecting a Name Already Registered
Ignoring name availability checks results in delays and multiple submissions.
3. Using Location Names Incorrectly
Using names like Dubai, UAE or Middle East may require special approval or higher fees.
4. Using Generic, Unclear or Misleading Words
Authorities reject names that do not clearly describe the business activity or mislead the public.
5. Failing to Include the Legal Structure
In free zones, names often require endings such as FZE or FZC. Forgetting this leads to rejections.
6. Submitting Incorrect Spellings
Even a small typo can cause delays or conflicts in trademark registration later.
7. Not Checking International Trademark Conflicts
When planning international expansion, your name must be clear legally across borders.
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP validates global trademark risks for clients planning multi-country expansion.
8. Delaying Further Steps After Name Approval
If you fail to proceed with license registration within the validity period, your chosen name may expire and become available to others.
9. Not Seeking Legal Support
Most problems happen because business owners do not get proper guidance from a qualified legal professional.
A law firm ensures compliance, accuracy and smooth registration.
Why a Correctly Registered Name Matters
Your UAE company name is more than just branding. It affects your:
- License issuance
- Bank account opening
- Visa applications
- Trademark rights
- Global recognition
- Business credibility
- Ability to operate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and all emirates
A single mistake at this stage can delay your business setup or create legal issues later.
How Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP Helps You Register a Company Name Seamlessly
As an international law firm with strong presence in Dubai and deep experience in the UAE corporate framework, we provide complete assistance for new company owners and expanding businesses.
Our services include:
1. Full Trade Name Search Across All Emirates
We verify your name across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.
2. Compliance Review Before Submission
We ensure your name meets every legal and cultural requirement.
3. Handling Documentation and Approvals
We submit and manage the entire process to avoid delays.
4. Free Zone and Mainland Consultation
We help you choose the right jurisdiction based on your goals.
5. Trademark and International Brand Protection
We ensure your name is legally safe for expansion into GCC, UK, Europe, Singapore and Bangladesh.
6. Complete Business Setup Guidance
From licensing to banking, we support you end-to-end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to register a company name in Dubai?
The fastest way to register a company name in Dubai is to use a professional firm that submits the application directly to DED or a free zone and ensures full compliance. This eliminates delays from errors and incorrect documentation.
How long does trade name approval take to register a company name?
In most cases, name approval can be completed within a few hours to 1 business day, depending on the emirate and workload to register a company name.
Is my trade name automatically protected after approval?
No. Trade name reservation is not the same as trademark registration. To protect your name long-term, you must register a trademark. We handle this entire process for clients.
Can I register a company name in English and Arabic?
Yes, you can register a company name in both languages. Authorities translate names for consistency, but professionally submitted bilingual names reduce misunderstandings.
Can I use words like International, Global or Group in my company name?
Yes, but some of these terms require additional fees or justification. We advise clients to avoid wasting money on unnecessary premium words to register a company name.
Ready to Register Your Company Name in the UAE?
If you want a smooth, fast and legally compliant name registration in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate, Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP is here to guide you at every step. Our global team combines legal precision with deep UAE market expertise to ensure you avoid mistakes and move forward with confidence.
Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP today to register a company name in the UAE and begin your UAE business setup with absolute clarity and professional support.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE