The challenge of coming up with the ideal name for your new Dubai business might be challenging. It’s crucial to remember that trade names for businesses in Dubai are granted by the Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), which has specific requirements that should be followed if you want the name to be approved, even though you might want to get creative to make sure your brand name stands out.
Because of this, business setup specialists in the UAE advise creating at least two or three trade name possibilities before reserving it and refraining from becoming overly wedded to any one name in particular.
If you are still considering possible names for your company, make sure they do not contravene any of the following DET regulations:
- Alphabets and numbers are allowed but you cannot use icons or special characters.
- The partner’s or owner’s first and last names may be included in the trade name, but not just the last name. Al-Ghamdi Properties, not Ahmed Al-Ghamdi Properties, as an illustration.
- A trade name cannot contain the names of Allah or any of his divine qualities. Additionally, names of already registered sects, areas, countries, regions, and organizations as well as well-known brands and business names are prohibited.
- Reserving a name that begins with the words “universal,” “middle east,” or “international” or by translating them into Arabic is prohibited.
- It’s crucial to remember that the trade name database is based on pronunciation, therefore you should check the database for names that sound similar in both English and Arabic to make sure no other businesses have registered with a name that sounds similar to yours.
- Keep in mind that the trade name will also include the principal activity of your company. Because of this, it’s crucial to make sure the trade name and the activity name are distinct.
- The trade name should be appropriate and free of offensive language, terms that offend modesty, and words that go against public decency.
- Except with the agreement of the country’s embassy, the name should not contain any references to nations, capitals, or governments.
Entrepreneurs were also informed on the DET website that once a trade name is registered, it is reserved for a period of six months. After then, if you do not obtain a commercial license issued under the reserved name, the trade name will be immediately terminated. Additionally, DET has the authority to revoke or modify the trade name if it is confusingly similar to another trade name already in use or if it does not adhere to the specified rules and restrictions.
When does one need to reserve the trade name?
One of the initial procedures you must accomplish during the business setup process, along with receiving an initial DET approval, is reserving a trade name. In Dubai, this procedure runs about Dh1,000.