Dubai BPS – Corporate Compliance News: Dubai Economy & Tourism Issues Shared Office Location Arrangement Guide
Overview
Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) has issued a Shared Office Location Guide, introducing formal guidance on the use of shared office premises within the emirate.
This development is designed to provide greater clarity on the regulatory and operational framework governing shared office locations, helping businesses better understand the applicable requirements relating to licensing, compliance, and permitted office arrangements. The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued commitment to enhancing ease of doing business, promoting regulatory transparency, and supporting evolving business models.
Why this matters?
A shared office location arrangement may offer a significant strategic advantage for businesses seeking greater flexibility and operational efficiency. It may be particularly relevant for those:
- Establishing a Family Holding Company
- Managing a Family Office structure
- Creating Special Purpose Entities (SPEs)
- Establishing Investment Holding Companies
- Managing multiple companies under common ownership
- Expanding a corporate group structure
- Operating several businesses as an entrepreneur or investor
- Operating a Free Zone company seeking to conduct business
Subject to applicable requirements, a shared office location arrangement enables eligible businesses under common ownership to operate multiple licences, branch licences, and permits from the same office location.
This can help investors and business groups to:
- Streamline operations.
- Optimise costs.
- Simplify administration.
- Maintain the legal separation of each entity.
Eligibility requirements
To utilise a shared office location arrangement, of all the below mentioned following conditions must be fulfilled:
- Common ownership
At least one owner or partner must be listed on every participating licence operating from the shared location. - Minimum office space
Each participating licence must be allocated a minimum of 100 square feet (9.3 square metres). - Tenancy compliance
The premises must comply with all applicable tenancy requirements.
The shared office location arrangement remains valid only for as long as all eligibility requirements continue to be satisfied. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in the arrangement being nullified.
Deloitte’s view
The introduction of this guide is a notable step for investors, family groups, and corporate structures looking to consolidate their operational footprint in Dubai while preserving separate legal entities. It offers a practical framework for businesses seeking a more efficient and cost-effective office arrangement without compromising compliance obligations.
