⛳Rules for Deciding a Company Name
Learn the rules for deciding a company name in the UAE, including regulatory guidelines and cultural considerations. Ensure your business name stands out legally and culturally.
📝 Rules for Deciding a Company Name in the UAE
Overview
Choosing the right company name is a crucial first step in starting a business in the UAE. The name must comply with legal and cultural standards defined by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone authorities. This guide outlines the official rules, restrictions, and tips to help you select a compliant and brandable company name.
📌 What You'll Learn
✅ General Naming Rules
Must reflect business activity (e.g., consulting, trading, technologies)
Minimum 3 letters in the name (not including legal suffixes)
No duplicate names registered within the same jurisdiction
Can be in English or Arabic (or both)
Legal suffixes must match the entity type, such as:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company) - FZ LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company) - Branch of Foreign Company
🚫 Prohibited Elements
Religious references
Avoid words like Allah, mosque, prophet, etc.
Country names or political terms
Including UAE or any other nation
Offensive or inappropriate words
Anything deemed insulting, vulgar, or culturally insensitive
Names of existing companies
Unless proof of ownership or franchise is provided
Acronyms (in some Free Zones)
Names like "XYZ" may be rejected without expansion
⚠️ Adding your own name (e.g., John Trading LLC) is typically allowed.
🏛️ Authority-Specific Requirements
Mainland (DED):
Must reserve the name before proceeding with license
Approval usually takes 1–2 working days
DED charges a fee for name reservation (AED 620+ depending on emirate)
Free Zones:
Some offer automated name checks
Allow more flexibility (e.g., tech, startup names)
Still must comply with UAE-wide naming standards
💡 Tips for a Successful Name Reservation
✅ Check name availability in advance
✅ Have 2–3 backup names prepared
✅ Avoid all-caps or numbers-only names
✅ Include a keyword from your business activity
✅ Use tools like [Sharkup’s Name Check] or consult your setup advisor
Need help selecting and reserving a company name in the UAE? 👉 Visit Sharkup.com for expert naming support, availability checks, and quick DED/Free Zone reservations.
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