Accessing services for mainland companies
This page provides information about the key steps involved in accessing services such as water, electricity and telecommunications for a business on the mainland.
Utility services
Getting water and electricity
You can get water and electricity services after applying to the entity concerned; depending on the emirate your business is in.
Useful links:
-
Etihad Water and Electricity (for the emirates of Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain)
- Abu Dhabi Distribution Company
- Al Ain Distribution Company (for Al Ain city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi)
- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
- Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority
Telecommunications
Etisalat and du are the telecommunications' service providers in the UAE. Both companies offer a variety of products, services and solutions to suit your business size and requirements.
Although, on the mainland, Etisalat provides services to most areas. You need to apply to the company that provides service to the area you are operating in.
To apply for telecom service, you need to submit:
- sponsor's passport copy
- his UAE visa copy
- his Emirates ID copy
- trade licence copy
- rent agreement copy
- other documents as might be required.
Useful links:
- Etisalat for businesses
- Du for businesses
- Umm Al Quwain Chamber
- Department of Economic Development - Umm Al Quwain
Fujairah
Arbitration services
Arbitration is becoming an optimal method for parties to resolve their commercial disputes in the UAE. Check the key arbitration institutions in the UAE and the services they render.
Government commercial directories
Search businesses’ contact details and activities via the following links:
- National Economic Register - The Official Portal of the UAE Government
- Dubai commercial directory - Dubai Chamber
- Abu Dhabi online commercial directory - Abu Dhabi Chamber
- Sharjah business directory - Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Business networks- Ajman Chamber of Commerce
Legal advice and counselling
Business startups and established companies may access legal counselling and business advice from the government via the following links:
- MAAK- Economic and legal consulting services for investors and startups in Abu Dhabi
- Business advisory and legal services - Abu Dhabi Chamber
- Legal services to business community - Dubai Chamber
- Ask Rashid - Dubai Economy.
Postal and courier services
Emirates Post offers postal (including post box) and courier services. It also offers non-postal services including utility bill payment and marketing solutions.
Read about mail services and how to apply for PO box for your company.
Business support services
The Department of Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, business councils in the respective emirate offer several support services to businesses which include:
- Issuing NOC letters/'To whom it may concern' letters
- Secretarial, photocopy and printing services
- Transportation
- Labour accommodation
- Training in subject matter
- Business incubators
- Credit rating services
Related links from the Ministry of Economy
You can find the facilities and services offered by these entities; listed below by emirate:
Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Business Centre
- Abu Dhabi Chamber
- Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council
- Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones
Dubai
Sharjah
- Department of Economic Development
- Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Sharjah Businesswomen Council
Ras Al Khaimah
Ajman
- Department of Economic Development
- Ajman Chamber
- Ajman Businesswomen Council
Umm Al Quwain
- Umm Al Quwain Chamber
- Department of Economic Development - Umm Al Quwain
Fujairah
