KNOWLEDGE HUB

Dubai Association Centre is one of the unique initiatives taken by the government of Dubai to aid in the establishment of local, regional, and global non-profit, non-political and non-religious professional associations and trade bodies in the Emirate of Dubai. The Dubai government entities running the Dubai Association Centre are:

• Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Responsible for licensing
• Dubai World Trade Centre - Offering office rental packages and services at competitive rates at Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Rashid Tower
• Dubai Convention & Events Bureau (part of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) - Assisting associations with their meetings and events management

You can contact DAC on the following:

Email: info@dubaiassociationcentre.com
Tel: + 971 (0) 4 228 0000 / 800 CHAMBER
Web: www.dubaiassociationcentre.com

DAC has been set up to assist with the establishment of non-profit, non-political and non-religious professional associations and trade bodies in the Emirate of Dubai. DAC will assist your association with the following:

• Licensing and Registration
• Assistance with setting up an office (please refer to FAQ 4)
• Employee Visas (please refer to FAQ 8)
• Introduction to the DAC Association Management Company (please refer to FAQ 11)
• Help and advice on growing your business in the region (please refer to FAQ 11)

We are pleased to offer assistance in establishing an office within DAC, located in Dubai World Trade Centre's prestigious Sheikh Rashid Tower. For further information on the office service packages available, please contact:

For further information on the associated costs and service packages available at Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Rashid Tower, please contact:

Please click here for a comprehensive list of requirements.

Once all the required documents have been submitted to Dubai Chamber (please refer to FAQ 6), the estimated time for an association to become operational is 4-6 weeks. However, please note that this may take longer should any additional information be requested.

In order to make the process of establishing your association as smooth as possible, Dubai World Trade Centre will be able to assist with visa application processes for your association's staff. For further information on how we can assist, please contact:

Yes. Your DAC license will have to be renewed annually through Dubai Chamber.

Please contact info@dubaiassociationcentre.com for further assistance on your association's license renewal.

Yes. Your association will need to be audited annually. The audit report must be submitted to DAC 30 days after the end of your association's fiscal year.

As an association incorporated within the Dubai Association Centre, you can avail the services of DAC's Association Management Company - MCI Group. MCI is pleased to offer the below services based on your requirements:

• Strategic Planning and Operations
• Market and Business Development
• Integrated Member Services
• Financial Management
• Marketing and Communications
• Creative and IT Services
• Conference Management

MCI will also offer assistance in defining go-to-market strategies and deploying a feasibility study and business plan for associations to define the best way forward when expanding in the Middle East. For further information on any of the above services, please contact:

Ajay Bhojwani
Deputy Managing Director, MCI Middle East LLC
Tel: + 971 (0) 4 311 6300
Email: Ajay.Bhojwani@mci-group.com