How to check if a company is registered in United Arab Emirates
Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.
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How do I check if a company is registered in United Arab Emirates?
To check if a company is registered in United Arab Emirates, search its name or registration number on DED / Free Zone Authorities (https://www.dubaided.gov.ae). An "active" status plus a matching legal name confirms the entity is currently registered. All basic verification is free.
Step-by-step
- 1
Open the official DED / Free Zone Authorities
Go to https://www.dubaided.gov.ae. This is the primary government-operated source.
https://www.dubaided.gov.ae - 2
Search by name or number
Enter the trading name or the registration number. DED / Free Zone Authorities returns exact and near matches.
- 3
Check status and legal name
A registered company shows an "active"/"registered" status and a legal name that matches the entity you're checking.
- 4
Cross-check the registered address
Compare the registered office address on DED / Free Zone Authorities with the address the company advertises. Mismatches are the fastest signal something is off.
- 5
Download the official extract (optional)
Most registers let you download a formal extract or certificate. Use this for KYC, procurement, or contract files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a company is registered in United Arab Emirates?
Search the company's name or registration number on DED / Free Zone Authorities at https://www.dubaided.gov.ae. A matching entry with an "active" or equivalent status confirms the company is currently registered. The check is free and needs no account.
How can I check if a United Arab Emirates company is still active?
Read the status field on the company's DED / Free Zone Authorities record. "Active"/"registered" means it is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not. Also check the most recent filing date — a nominally active entity years behind on filings is a warning sign.
Is a United Arab Emirates company with a website automatically registered?
No. A website, email domain or invoice letterhead proves nothing. The only authoritative proof is a current entry in DED / Free Zone Authorities with a matching legal name and registration number.
What proves a United Arab Emirates company is legally registered?
An entry in DED / Free Zone Authorities with an "active" or equivalent status is the definitive proof. The registration number returned by DED / Free Zone Authorities is the authoritative identifier.
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 check if a company is registered 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.
How can I check if a United Arab Emirates company is legitimate?
Look the company up on the DED / Free Zone Authorities. If the entity returns an "active" (or equivalent local status) result, matches the registered address on its invoices, and its listed directors match who is signing your contract, it is a real registered entity. Anything reported as "dissolved", "struck off" or "in liquidation" should be treated with caution.
What information can I get about a United Arab Emirates company for free?
Free public data from the DED / Free Zone Authorities typically includes: legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, current status, business type, and current directors / officers. Historical filings and certified copies may carry a small fee.
Related guides and tools
More United Arab Emirates guides
- Search companies by name
Find any registered company from a partial name — free, no signup.
- Search the company register
What the official register holds, and how to search it free.
- Search the business registry
Match a trading name to the registered legal entity behind it.
- Find the right entity
Tell apart several entities registered under near-identical names.
United Arab Emirates data
- United Arab Emirates company search
Search every DED / Free Zone Authorities record.