How TAG Helps Businesses Be Part of the UAE’s 2031 Two Million Companies Vision

The United Arab Emirates has set its sights on an ambitious milestone: growing the number of registered companies from 1.2 million today to over two million by 2031. This target represents a 67% increase and underscores the government’s long-term commitment to cementing the UAE’s status as a global hub for trade, investment, and innovation.

For entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and international investors , particularly from the UK, this announcement signals unprecedented opportunity. At TAG Consultancy, we see this vision not just as a numeric goal, but as a roadmap for businesses to align with. Our role is to ensure companies entering or scaling within the UAE market are set up for both compliance and sustainable growth.

SMEs at the Heart of the UAE’s Future

SMEs already make up around 94% of UAE companies and contribute over 60% to the non-oil economy, a reminder that the government’s 2031 target will rise or fall on the strength of this segment.

For entrepreneurs, this translates into both opportunity and responsibility:

• Opportunity: New reforms continue to simplify licensing, enable full foreign ownership in many sectors, and expand access to financing.
• Responsibility: The regulatory bar is rising. Compliance with corporate tax, VAT, economic substance rules, and transparent governance are no longer optional extras, they are preconditions for growth and investor trust.

This is where TAG Consultancy supports SMEs. We help businesses:

• Choose the right setup path (Mainland or Free Zone) aligned with their long-term strategy.
• Stay compliant with evolving tax and reporting frameworks from day one.
• Implement governance practices that reduce risk and build resilience in a more competitive market.

In short, we don’t just set up companies; we equip SMEs with the compliance foundation they need to scale sustainably in the UAE’s new business environment.

A Global Gateway for Business

The UAE’s commitment to economic diversification means growth will extend across high-potential sectors such as:

• Technology and AI
• Renewable energy and green industries
• Advanced manufacturing
• Food processing and agritech
• Financial services, including fintech and funds

Recent reforms, including full foreign ownership rights in many industries, streamlined licensing procedures, and new residency pathways, make the UAE one of the most attractive destinations for international expansion.

At TAG Consultancy, we have extensive experience supporting UK companies and global investors as they navigate these opportunities. Whether entering a Free Zone, setting up on the Mainland, or structuring a specialised financial vehicle, we guide clients through each step with efficiency and precision.

Building Sustainable Companies, Not Just More Companies

While the government’s target is ambitious, experts point out that the real challenge lies in ensuring businesses are built on solid foundations. A surge in registrations is only meaningful if those companies are viable, scalable, and compliant.

That is why compliance, financial transparency, and governance matter more than ever. At TAG Consultancy, we specialise in helping businesses:

• Establish robust company structures aligned with their strategic goals.
• Maintain accurate accounting and financial reporting for investor confidence.
• Stay fully compliant with evolving tax and regulatory frameworks.
• Adopt governance practices that strengthen long-term sustainability.

In short, we help companies go beyond simply setting up, we help them build for success.

Why Now Is the Right Time for International Expansion

With a target date of 2031, the UAE’s growth agenda is already underway. For UK businesses, this is the moment to act. Those who move early can establish themselves within the ecosystem, access talent, and capture first-mover advantages across emerging sectors.

Consider, for example, a UK fintech startup looking to scale internationally. By incorporating in Dubai with our support, it can leverage the UAE’s progressive regulatory environment, benefit from regional capital flows, and tap into new markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The UAE government’s message is clear: the doors are open. The question is whether businesses are ready to step through them.

TAG Consultancy’s Role in the UAE’s 2031 Journey

At TAG Consultancy, our differentiators set us apart:

• End-to-end support: From incorporation and licensing to compliance and ongoing advisory.
• Local expertise with global perspective: Deep knowledge of UAE frameworks combined with experience in guiding UK and international clients.
• Agile and responsive service: A smaller, expert team that prioritises client needs and delivers tailored solutions.

We don’t just help businesses get started, we stand with them throughout their growth journey. Our role is to ensure every client entering the UAE contributes meaningfully to the government’s vision of a diversified, dynamic economy.

Be Part of the UAE’s Future

By 2031, the UAE aims to host more than two million registered companies. This vision is bold, achievable, and designed to ensure the nation’s long-term competitiveness on the global stage. For businesses, it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow in one of the world’s most forward-looking markets.

At TAG Consultancy, our Company Setup services help entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international investors take their place in that future. Whether you’re expanding from the UK, scaling an existing business, or entering the region for the first time, our expertise ensures your company is built to last. If you want to be part of the 2 million, find out more about our company setup services and book in a free 30-minute consultation to see what your company can achieve in the UAE.

The UAE’s future is waiting for you. Let TAG Consultancy help you be part of it.