The group is helping founders navigate setup, regulation, and growth as Dubai becomes a preferred hub for French businesses

Published: Tue 18 Nov 2025, 12:06 PM

• Partner Content

• Share:
• • Follow on Google
  • Follow on WhatsApp
  • Follow on Telegram

Dubai's appeal to global entrepreneurs is well established, but one community in particular is reshaping the business conversation in the city. French founders, professionals and investors are choosing the UAE as their base in growing numbers, with more than 40,000 French citizens now living in Dubai. It has become one of the strongest Francophone business networks outside Europe and a significant contributor to the city's economic activity.

This movement is not simply the result of lifestyle factors or tax considerations. It reflects a shift in how French entrepreneurs want to work. They are seeking environments where decisions are quick, administrative processes are transparent and ambition is met with support instead of resistance. Dubai offers exactly that. The city's business ecosystem is built for efficiency. Regulations are clear and consistent. Its connectivity gives entrepreneurs access to Europe, Africa and Asia without the friction that often slows international growth.

The profile of French entrepreneurs arriving in Dubai has expanded rapidly. What began with a smaller presence in hospitality and retail has grown into a wide spectrum of industries. These now include e-commerce, consulting, trading, real estate, creative fields, mobility, logistics and digital platforms. Many founders see the UAE as a strategic base from which they can operate across multiple markets.

They choose Dubai for practical reasons. Setting up a business is faster than in most European countries. Banking, although thorough, is manageable with proper guidance. Corporate tax rules are structured in a way that makes planning straightforward. There is a strong sense that the system is built to help businesses operate, not slow them down.

Even so, entering a new market comes with challenges. Free zones, mainland and offshore jurisdictions each have different licensing requirements. Visas depend on company structure and activity. Banking procedures involve detailed compliance steps. Corporate tax regulations require careful interpretation. For newcomers, navigating all of this alone can be overwhelming.

As the French community grew, so did the need for advisors who understood not only the rules but also the expectations behind them. This is where Clemenceau Group has become a key reference point. Founded by Nouria Mamèche in 2018, the firm specialises in supporting French-speaking entrepreneurs throughout the setup and operational process. It now supports more than 500 companies and offers guidance across formation, visas, banking, compliance and coordination with different authorities.

The group's strength lies in its understanding of both the administrative system and the cultural nuances that influence how business is done in the UAE. Nouria Mamèche and her team work in French, English and Arabic, which helps eliminate misunderstandings that often lead to delays. They focus on clarity, structure and continuity rather than simply completing paperwork.

Nouria Mamèche describes the experience many entrepreneurs have when they first arrive. Opening a company, she explains, is not the difficult part. The real challenge is understanding how to communicate with institutions, how to manage timelines and how to build trust within the local ecosystem. Her approach is built on guiding clients step by step, helping them avoid misinterpretations and ensuring that their integration into the UAE's business environment is stable and sustainable.

For new entrepreneurs, this support prevents costly mistakes. For established business owners expanding into Dubai, it accelerates their ability to operate confidently.

The French presence in Dubai is no longer new or temporary. It is developing into a rooted community with growing networks, professional groups and sector-driven collaborations. French entrepreneurs regularly engage with local stakeholders, government bodies and fellow founders, which has created a more structured business environment than in previous years.

Clemenceau Group has become part of that evolution. It serves as both an entry point for newcomers and a long-term partner for companies looking to scale within the UAE's competitive market.

French entrepreneurship in Dubai continues to grow, supported by clearer regulations, stronger community networks and a maturing advisory ecosystem. The UAE has become a natural extension of France's global business footprint, offering speed, access and stability.

For many French founders arriving now, Dubai is not simply an attractive destination. It is the place where their ideas can gain momentum, and where partners like Clemenceau Group help ensure that the foundation for their success is secure from the very beginning.

For more information, visit the website.

MENAFN18112025000049011007ID1110359510