With the digital era in full swing, virtual businesses are the future. In case you’re not familiar with the concept, a virtual business is one that performs most or all of its business operations via the Internet. 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has become a norm around the world. It accelerated the shift towards online services. This creates a strong market for any virtual business offering services like digital marketing, consulting, and event management.

In fact, experts estimate that by 2030, there will be roughly 800 million full-time remote employees across the U.S. and the E.U. The impact of virtual companies is apparent even across the UAE. One study showed us that around 90% of workers in the UAE desire flexible workspaces, with remote or hybrid work options. 

Before we dive into navigating a virtual business, here’s a quick look at the different types of businesses you can embark on: ecommerce businesses, affiliate marketing businesses, digital marketing businesses, service-based businesses, Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses, and online education businesses.

The UAE government has recognized the immense potential of a virtual business and has implemented supportive regulations to help establish and operate these businesses.

The UAE’s new e-commerce law

Established in 2023, concerning modern technology-based trade, the UAE’s new e-commerce law regulates the sale and purchase of goods, services, and data through online platforms, such as websites, social media, and apps. 

With the introduction of this law, virtual business activities are now on par with traditional methods of retail. The law covers a multitude of aspects, such as the relationships between digital businesses, the relationships between digital traders and their consumers, consumer rights, return of products, insurance coverage, global payment gateways, logistics services, and more. 

Essentially, this license helps clearly define what was previously a gray area in the world of virtual businesses. These provisions help both entrepreneurs and their customers feel at ease when conducting business activities online. It fosters a secure online business environment, promoting virtual business entrepreneurship. 

Free Zone Benefits

The UAE’s free zones are designated areas that offer a multitude of specific benefits for businesses. For example, SPC Free Zone offers a streamlined business setup in UAE, cutting through the red tape with ease. Connecting with SPC Free Zone also facilitates opportunities to network and tax benefits. 

By connecting with SPC Free Zone, you can set up your business from anywhere, be it online or offline. Licenses obtained through SPC Free Zone open doors for your business to go international and reach a global market. This benefit is unique to a business setup in UAE because of its strategic location. The UAE sits at a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a prime location for businesses looking to access these vast markets. 

Even better, SPC Free Zone offers instant business licensing. SPC Free Zone can set you up with a guaranteed bank account within the UAE in three working days and facilitate unlimited visas for partners, employees, and investors.

Diverse businesses to choose from

When you’re looking at creating a virtual business, don’t limit yourself. As we’ve mentioned above, there are several different types of businesses you can embark on. So, let’s explore the different types of virtual business options that can help you flourish in the UAE.

1. Ecommerce businesses sell physical products online. These can be original products, created and sold by the business itself, or products created by other companies. The types of products they sell can range from furniture and household goods to electronics and skincare.
   
   Ever since 2020, ecommerce businesses have witnessed a major surge. The market size is anticipated to reach a whopping US$10.56 billion by 2029, with a projected annual growth rate of 8.63%. SPC Free Zone’s partnerships with effective payment gateways and website hosting companies can propel an ecommerce business to success with ease.
   
2. Affiliate marketing businesses promote the products and services of other companies, such as large platforms like Amazon and eBay. It involves partnerships between brands and affiliates, and is experiencing a steady growth in the UAE right now. 

3. Digital marketing businesses are experts at helping other businesses market their products and services online. From SEO to social media marketing and advertising, they can offer a range of services. As consumer behavior shifts towards digital means for purchasing, digital marketing businesses are a requirement for any growing enterprise in the UAE.

4. Service-based businesses can sell any range of services online, from consulting to writing, editing, fitness training, and more. Consumers in the UAE are increasingly outsourcing tasks and seeking professional services for convenience and expertise. By capitalizing on our niche area of expertise, you can thrive as a virtual business that offers services across the world.

5. Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses are those that sell access to software applications online, typically asking users to pay a monthly subscription fee for access. Businesses like Canva employ this strategy.
   
6. Online education businesses focus on selling online courses, either to students or to adults for professional development. Subjects are largely diverse. With its large youth population, the UAE faces a significant demand for education and skill development. An online education business provides learners with flexibility and accessibility needed to accommodate busy schedules and geographically dispersed learners.

For a budding virtual business, connecting with SPC Free Zone enables you to operate both on the mainland and within the free zone with a dual business license, widening your business scope. The need for third-party approvals to obtain your license is negated as well.

A virtual business setup through SPC Free Zone

SPC Free Zone eliminates the complexities often associated with starting a virtual business, offering business setup services that streamline your journey from launch to success. 

With SPC Free Zone’s fast-track process, you’ll receive an instant license, allowing you to begin operating your e-commerce business immediately. Ecommerce businesses can make the most of our partnerships with PayCaps and TotalPay for secure and reliable multi-currency payment gateways.

We understand financial planning is crucial, so we provide an online cost calculator to help you manage your budget and explore convenient installment options. We’ve also partnered with Tasjeel.ae to help you design a professional website and secure domain hosting, establishing a strong online presence for your brand. Cargoz simplifies logistics by offering efficient inventory management and product delivery solutions and our partnerships with leading last-mile delivery providers like Aramex, FedEx, and CSS eLogix, ensure your customers receive their purchases quickly and reliably.

With a host of solutions at your fingertips, the time to launch your killer startup idea is now.

Get in touch with SPC Free Zone to get started.