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Frequenty Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Sentinel Dubai and what services do you offer?
Sentinel Dubai is a premium business center providing flexible workspace solutions and comprehensive business support services. We help companies establish and grow in Dubai by offering ready-to-use office spaces and professional services including business setup, licensing, administrative support, and day-to-day office management. Our one-stop approach allows you to focus on your business while we handle your workspace and administrative needs.
Our offices are located at a prestigious address in central Dubai – Level 25 of the H Hotel Office Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. This prime location sits opposite the Dubai World Trade Centre and near the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). We're less than 5 minutes from the World Trade Centre Metro station and approximately 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, offering exceptional accessibility for you and your clients.

We serve businesses of all types and sizes:

    • Freelancers & Remote Professionals: Affordable co-working memberships and virtual office packages providing a professional address and meeting facilities.
    • Startups & Small Businesses: Flexible desk space or small private offices that scale with your growth, complemented by short-term leases and business setup guidance.
    • SMEs: Fully serviced offices with all amenities included, allowing immediate productivity with utilities, reception, and admin support managed for you.
    • International Companies & Branch Offices: Establish a Dubai presence quickly with turnkey offices accommodating teams from a single representative to 100+ members. We handle legal setup, visas, and local compliance for seamless UAE market entry.

Our solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, ensuring you only pay for what you need with easy upgrade options as your requirements evolve.

Flexible Office Space Solutions

We offer diverse flexible office solutions to match different working styles and team sizes:

  • Co-working Spaces: Shared workspaces in a collaborative environment with hot desks (first-come, first-served) or reserved desks in open-plan areas.
  • Serviced Private Offices: Fully furnished, ready-to-move-in offices ranging from individual spaces to team suites, complete with office services (cleaning, utilities, reception).
  • Meeting Rooms: Professional conference facilities equipped with AV equipment, high-speed internet, and presentation tools, available on demand.
  • Virtual Offices: Business address packages for professionals who don’t need daily physical space, providing our prestigious address, telephone answering services, and occasional workspace access.

Many clients customize their experience by combining services (e.g., a virtual office with occasional co-working days) to create their ideal setup.

Yes, all our workspaces are fully serviced with modern amenities:

  • Fully Furnished Spaces: Complete with desks, chairs, and storage solutions.
  • Business-Grade Technology: Secure high-speed Wi-Fi, wired internet in private offices, and IT support.
  • Utilities & Maintenance: All electricity, water, air conditioning, and regular cleaning included.
  • Professional Reception: Front-desk team greeting visitors, handling mail, and answering calls in your company name.
  • Meeting Facilities: Access to meeting rooms and conference spaces (often with included hours for private office clients).
  • Secure Access: 24/7 access for private office tenants with round-the-clock security, CCTV, and access control.
  • Business Conveniences: Complimentary refreshments, print/scan facilities, and concierge services.

Our offices are truly turnkey – simply walk in with your laptop and start working without concerns about setup or maintenance.

Yes, our co-working area is a productive shared workspace designed for networking and flexibility. Members choose between hot-desk options (any available seat) or dedicated desk plans (a fixed workspace that's exclusively yours). All co-working memberships include high-speed Wi-Fi, access to shared facilities (printer, pantry), and reception support.

Co-working members benefit from our business community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers, with regular networking events to facilitate connections. Standard access is during business hours on weekdays, with extended- hour plans available. It's perfect for professionals seeking a flexible, affordable workspace with a professional environment and address.
Absolutely. We maintain several meeting rooms and conference spaces that all clients can book as needed. These rooms feature projectors/screens, conference phones, whiteboards, and comfortable seating for productive meetings. Booking is straightforward via our reception or online system, with hourly or daily reservation options.

Even non-tenants can book our meeting rooms for a fee, making them accessible to the broader business community. Simply let us know your requirements (date, time, attendees, equipment needs) and we'll arrange the setup. Refreshment service is available upon request.

Yes, our Virtual Office packages provide a prestigious business presence without a full-time physical office. These packages typically include:

  • Prime Business Address: Use our Sheikh Zayed Road address on business cards, licenses, and marketing materials.
  • Mail Management: Reception staff receives and processes your mail with notification services and forwarding options.
  • Dedicated Phone Line: A local Dubai number with professional receptionists answering in your company name.
  • Workspace Access: Limited hours of meeting room or co-working desk usage each month.
  • Business Support: Administrative assistance and concierge services for various business needs.

Starting from just AED 450 per month, these cost-effective plans are ideal for businesses establishing a Dubai presence without the expense of a physical office.

We offer flexible terms and transparent pricing to accommodate various business needs:

  • Co-working Memberships: Available month-to-month with options from day passes to unlimited monthly access. No long-term commitments required.
  • Private Serviced Offices: Flexible monthly contracts with no multi-year commitment, though longer terms are available at preferential rates. All-inclusive packages start around AED 2,000 per person monthly, covering rent, furniture, utilities, internet, and basic services.
  • Virtual Offices: Monthly or annual subscriptions starting around AED 450 monthly for basic services, with upgrade options as needed.
  • Meeting Rooms: Pay-as-you-go pricing from approximately AED 110 hourly, with half and full-day packages available.

Our agreements are straightforward with simple service contracts and refundable security deposits for private offices. We accept various payment methods with monthly billing, and our terms adjust as your needs change – there are no rigid long-term commitments.

Long-term contracts are not required. We offer exceptional flexibility with month-to- month options, making us ideal for businesses with evolving needs. Many clients start with monthly agreements, adjusting their plans as their business develops.  We accommodate very short-term needs (1-3 months) subject to availability, and offer project offices for temporary teams. For businesses planning extended stays, longer leases (12+ months) are available with preferential rates. Our flexible approach means no rigid commitments – simply discuss your expected timeline, and we'll propose the most appropriate solution.
Yes, absolutely. We understand business needs evolve, and we support scaling up or down with minimal hassle. If your team grows or contracts, simply notify us and we'll adjust your arrangement accordingly.  For example, co-working members who expand their team can upgrade to private offices, while private office clients can transition to smaller spaces or co-working if needs change. We typically adjust your agreement and pricing going forward without penalties for mid-contract changes. Many of our startups have grown from co-working to larger offices, while other companies have streamlined their space requirements – our flexibility ensures you never pay for more than you need.
Private office clients enjoy unrestricted 24/7 access with security cards/keys allowing entry anytime, including weekends and holidays. The building maintains round-the-clock security for safety.  Co-working members have standard access during business hours (typically 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday). Extended-hour packages and premium memberships are available for early morning, evening, or weekend access. If 24/7 access is essential for co-working users, we can recommend suitable options or suggest upgrading to a small private office for complete flexibility.
Yes, reasonable customization is welcome. While offices come fully furnished with modern amenities, we encourage you to make the space your own. Many clients add company logos, signage, personal décor items, or rearrange furniture to suit their preferences. Our team assists with minor adjustments like adding or removing furniture.  For significant modifications (wall colors, specialized layouts), we evaluate requests individually to ensure compliance with building guidelines. We also offer branding options such as company name displays at the entrance or office door. Our goal is providing a workspace that feels distinctly yours while eliminating management headaches. Simply discuss your vision with our team, and we'll accommodate where possible.
Getting started is simple! We strongly encourage scheduling a facility tour to experience our spaces firsthand. Book a tour via phone or through our website's contact form, and a team member will show you around, answer questions, and introduce you to available options.

After selecting your solution, our streamlined sign-up process involves a simple service agreement outlining terms and basic documentation requirements (identification, company license if applicable). Following paperwork completion and initial payment (first month's fee and security deposit for private offices), you can often begin working in your new space within 1-2 days.

We provide a comprehensive orientation upon move-in, introducing you to office equipment, Wi-Fi access, and service procedures. Our onboarding process is designed for seamless transition with zero downtime, supporting you from initial inquiry through your first day and beyond.

Business Setup and Support Services

Beyond office space, we offer comprehensive business support services:

  • Company Setup & Licensing: Complete guidance through business registration in mainland Dubai or free zones, securing necessary trade licenses.
  • PRO Services: Expert government liaison handling all official paperwork and procedures with various authorities.
  • Reception Services: Professional front desk team managing calls, mail, visitors, and daily office assistance.
  • Bookkeeping & Accounting: Financial record maintenance, invoice management, expense tracking, and payroll processing.
  • Administrative Support: General office administration including document handling, scheduling, courier arrangements, and travel bookings.

These services are available individually or as package components, creating a comprehensive business support ecosystem. You can select specific services based on your requirements, with our goal being to serve as your complete operational partner in Dubai.

Yes, our expertise includes comprehensive business setup and licensing support for both mainland and free zone establishments. We begin with a consultation to determine the optimal structure based on your activities and objectives.

Mainland Companies: For businesses licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, we manage all permissions required to trade locally throughout the UAE. This includes facilitating trusted Emirati sponsors or service agents where necessary, with clear and transparent agreements.

Free Zone Companies: We facilitate the formation of free zone companies with 100% foreign ownership in designated zones ideal for export-oriented or international businesses. We work directly with free zone authorities to complete the process quickly and smoothly.

Our end-to-end service handles all necessary documentation, including securing name approval, preparing incorporation papers, obtaining trade licenses, and meeting all legal requirements. With our established relationships and experience since 2007, we streamline the setup process to ensure the fastest possible registration with minimal complexity.

Following the initial setup, we continue to support you with license renewals, structural changes, and compliance updates as your business grows and evolves.

Setup timelines vary by license type and relevant authorities, but we optimize efficiency throughout the process:

  • Free Zone Company: Typically 1–3 weeks from document submission to license issuance, with some free zones offering fast-track options completing in just days.
  • Mainland Company: Generally 2–4 weeks for Dubai Economy (DET) licenses, with simpler professional licenses potentially under 2 weeks and complex setups possibly requiring additional time for multi-ministry approvals.

The process includes document preparation, government submissions, and sometimes security clearances. Our familiarity with requirements helps prevent delays, ensuring correct submissions the first time. To expedite the process, prompt provision of requested documents such as passport copies is highly beneficial.

We provide a detailed timeline tailored to your specific case and manage the background processes while you focus on business planning. Many clients are pleasantly surprised by our efficient turnaround times.

Following UAE reforms, many businesses no longer require local sponsors. The 2021 changes allow 100% foreign ownership across most sectors. If your business activity qualifies for full foreign ownership, you won't need an Emirati partner with company shares – you may simply appoint a UAE national as a Local Service Agent (for government liaison) if required, which we can arrange for a nominal fee. Some strategic sectors and specialized activities still legally require Emirati sponsorship. In these cases, we connect you with reliable local partners from our established network, creating transparent agreements that protect your interests while meeting legal requirements. These sponsors typically fulfill legal obligations without operational interference, receiving either fixed annual fees or agreed profit shares. Our process begins by determining if your business qualifies for 100% foreign ownership. We then proceed accordingly, arranging appropriate sponsorship only when legally necessary, always prioritizing your business control while ensuring full compliance.

Yes, PRO services are among our core offerings. Our dedicated government liaison team manages all official procedures and paperwork with various authorities:

  • Visa Processing: Complete handling of employment, investor, and dependent visa applications, including document preparation, submissions to immigration and labor departments, and securing all necessary permits and identifications.
  • License Management: All aspects of new applications, renewals, and modifications to trade licenses and registrations.
  • Specialized Approvals: Obtaining industry-specific permits, approvals, and certifications from relevant authorities.
  • Labor Compliance: Maintaining accurate records with the Ministry of Human Resources and Immigration, managing quotas, contracts, and visa status changes.
  • Document Services: Providing official Arabic translations and handling document submission and collection at government offices.

Our PRO team stays continuously updated on regulatory changes, sparing you the time and complexity of navigating government procedures. This service is particularly valuable in Dubai, where proper documentation is essential for avoiding penalties. Many international businesses rely on our PRO expertise to focus on operations while we manage bureaucratic requirements.

Yes, we provide comprehensive visa processing services:

  • Investor/Owner Visas: For business owners establishing new companies, we process investor visas granting UAE residency, coordinating all requirements including medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
  • Employment Visas: Complete management of work permits and residence visas for staff members, from initial entry permits through medical testing, identification, and final documentation, including labor department approvals.
  • Family Sponsorship: Assistance for those eligible to sponsor immediate family members, advising on requirements and handling document preparation and submission.
  • Renewals & Cancellations: Tracking expiry dates, managing renewal processes, and properly handling visa cancellations when staff depart.

Our visa service is truly end-to-end – eliminating guesswork and complexity for you and your team. International clients particularly value this support navigating UAE immigration requirements. With Sentinel managing your visas, you can be confident all residency matters are handled efficiently and in full compliance with current regulations.

Our comprehensive front-desk support enhances your daily operations:

  • Professional Reception: Trained staff greet visitors, announce arrivals, and direct guests to your office or meeting room.
  • Call Management: Dedicated phone lines with receptionists answering in your company name, forwarding calls or taking messages as needed.
  • Mail Processing: Secure handling of all incoming correspondence and packages, with notification systems and forwarding options.
  • Visitor Coordination: Professional guest management including visitor logging and building access arrangements.
  • Administrative Assistance: Support with printing/copying, equipment guidance, and concierge requests like transportation arrangements.

These services come standard with our office and virtual packages at no additional charge, providing professional “front-of-house” representation that eliminates the need for dedicated administrative staff while maintaining a polished company image.

Yes, we provide optional financial administrative services particularly valuable for growing businesses without in-house accounting staff:

  • Bookkeeping: Organized record-keeping of all business transactions, maintaining up-to-date financial ledgers ready for review or audit.
  • Financial Administration: Assistance with invoice generation, payment tracking, and expense management, plus payroll processing including salary calculations, pay slips, and WPS compliance.
  • Reporting: Regular financial statements including profit/loss reports, balance sheets, and expense tracking to monitor business health.
  • VAT Compliance: Support with VAT return preparation and filing deadline management.
  • Professional Coordination: Seamless interaction with external auditors or accounting firms when more specialized services are required.

These scalable services can be engaged regularly or periodically based on your needs. Many clients find our bookkeeping support more cost-effective than hiring dedicated financial staff, especially during early growth stages. We provide transparent fee structures based on transaction volume and service level.

Absolutely. Our commitment extends well beyond initial setup:

  • License Renewals: Proactive management of annual trade license renewals, handling document preparation, submission, and payments to maintain continuous business authorization.
  • Visa Monitoring: Tracking expiration dates and initiating renewal processes for all visas, coordinating required testing and documentation updates.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Keeping you informed of new filing requirements or regulatory changes, assisting with submissions to maintain full compliance.
  • Facility Agreements: Seamless handling of office lease renewals or modifications as your needs evolve.
  • Ongoing Consultation: Continued advisory support for expansion, new initiatives, or market opportunities, plus connections to our network of trusted service providers.

We view ourselves as long-term partners in your success. Many clients have relied on our ongoing administrative and compliance support for years, allowing them to concentrate on business growth while we handle the regulatory landscape. You can count on Sentinel Dubai as your continuous operational backbone throughout your Dubai business journey.