Dubai Opens First International Hub in London

In a landmark move aimed at bridging legal and administrative access for international investors, Dubai Courts has launched its first overseas judicial services hub in London. Operated under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers and housed within the newly inaugurated Dubai Hub London, the centre consolidates key services from multiple Dubai government entities, significantly streamlining the process for UK-based businesses and individuals seeking to establish or expand operations in the Emirate.

 

This international expansion marks the first instance of Dubai Courts operating beyond the UAE, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which envisions doubling the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and bolstering its status as a global investment capital.

 

A Global Legal Gateway: Services and Scope

Situated in one of the world’s leading financial capitals, Dubai Hub London serves as a one-stop destination for legal, economic, property, and residency-related services. It offers integrated support from:

 

• Dubai Courts: Attestation of contracts and powers of attorney, legal translation, document preparation, declaration registration, signature verification, and remote access to hearings.

• Dubai Land Department (DLD): Property valuation, data modification, and issuance of maps.

• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET): Trade name reservations, commercial licence issuance, renewals, and amendments.

• General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): Residency, visa, and identity-related administrative support.

 

Legal services also include personal status procedures, case registration, submission of applications, notary public services, and attestation of church contracts and non-Muslim wills — all previously requiring in-person presence in Dubai.

 

Strategic Location, Strategic Timing

London’s selection for the hub is both symbolic and strategic. As a global financial centre with strong business ties to the UAE, the UK capital offers immediate access to a broad investor base. The initiative reinforces UAE–UK economic relations while providing a seamless bridge for European entrepreneurs and institutional investors to enter Dubai’s dynamic market.

 

“The launch of Dubai Hub London reflects our leadership’s vision to position Dubai as a global business capital,” said Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers. “This is a major step toward making Dubai more accessible to international investors and underscores our commitment to facilitating business abroad.”

 

Supervised by Dubai Chambers and operated by Al Burj Holding as a licensed government service outsourcing centre, the hub is structured not as a diplomatic mission but as a certified intermediary that facilitates official interactions between UK-based clients and Dubai government departments.

 

Policy Alignment and Economic Implications

The move dovetails with wider economic reforms and investor-friendly measures under D33, Dubai’s long-term strategy to elevate its global business stature. As part of this plan, Dubai is targeting enhanced service delivery, reduced procedural complexity, and improved ease of doing business — goals that Dubai Hub London is designed to embody.

 

Dubai’s economic appeal continues to rise: According to the Financial Times' fDi Markets, the emirate retained its top global ranking for foreign direct investment attraction for the fourth consecutive year in 2024.

 

Moreover, the hub provides tailored support for real estate investments through partnerships with major Dubai-based developers, positioning itself as a practical access point for UK investors exploring Dubai’s flourishing property market.

 

A Model for Future Expansion

Dubai Hub London is only the beginning. Dubai Chambers has hinted at future international hubs, potentially replicating the London model in other global financial centres to support further outward investor engagement. More government departments are expected to be integrated into the hub’s offerings in subsequent phases.

 

As international investment flows become increasingly competitive, this strategic expansion by Dubai Courts and associated government bodies underscores the Emirate’s proactive approach to regulatory diplomacy and legal accessibility.

 

Conclusion

By exporting a slice of its legal and administrative framework abroad, Dubai has redefined how jurisdictions can engage with investors globally. Dubai Hub London not only facilitates seamless business interaction between the UK and the UAE but also sends a clear signal to the international community: Dubai is ready to meet investors wherever they are.

 

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