Search the business registry

    United Arab Emirates business registry search

    Source-cited registry guidance — access and document fees vary by source.

    Search Company Records in United Arab Emirates

    Free basic search · no sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamContent reviewed June 2026Primary source: DED / Free Zone Authorities

    How do I search the business registry in United Arab Emirates?

    Use DED / Free Zone Authorities as a starting source for United Arab Emirates, then check its scope for the business form you need. Types can include LLC (Limited Liability Company). A trading name may need a separate source or document; it does not automatically identify a legal entity. Official access requirements vary.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      DED / Free Zone Authorities records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      United Arab Emirates recognises LLC (Limited Liability Company). Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open DED / Free Zone AuthoritiesAll United Arab Emirates records

    United Arab Emirates: choosing and checking the right record

    Choose the correct source
    Identify the licensing authority, emirate and whether the business is mainland or in a free zone. Use the corresponding official licence or register search rather than assuming one portal covers every UAE entity.
    Confirm the entity
    Record the licence or registration number together with its issuing authority. Compare the legal name and licensed activity; a brand and the licensed contracting entity may differ.

    Check current access and document options on the official DED / Free Zone Authorities site. For search limitations and missing-result guidance, see the United Arab Emirates registry guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the United Arab Emirates business registry cover?

    DED / Free Zone Authorities records LLC (Limited Liability Company). Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the United Arab Emirates business registry by trading name?

    Some sources index trading names; others require the legal name or a separate business-name search. Ask for the contracting entity's legal name and identifier when the relationship is unclear.

    Is a business registry search free in United Arab Emirates?

    LemReveal's basic lookup is free where supported. Official searches, records and documents have their own access conditions; check DED / Free Zone Authorities's current terms.

    What if a United Arab Emirates business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    What is the difference between mainland and free zone?

    Mainland companies (registered with DED) can trade freely within the UAE and need a local sponsor/partner (51% ownership rule relaxed in 2021 for most sectors). Free zone companies have 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified setup, but traditionally can only trade within the free zone or internationally.

    People also ask about search the business registry in United Arab Emirates

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the United Arab Emirates company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the DED / Free Zone Authorities are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official United Arab Emirates business registry?

    The DED / Free Zone Authorities is the official public register of companies incorporated in United Arab Emirates. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.dubaided.gov.ae.

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