Free comparison
Dubai or Riyadh? Comparator
Compare Dubai and Riyadh on tax, time to start, market access and hiring, side by side, with the source of each verified line, and see which option fits your plan now.
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- The source of each verified line
- Your answers reach us only if you ask for your copy
Who is using this comparison?
Frequently Asked Questions
We take every line from its source, show the date the source page carries where it has one, and give the line one of three labels: Official when we read it on an official page, TRW estimate, or TRW view. Anything not yet verified on an official page is not shown as a fact: we name what it is about and say it is not yet verified, or refer you to our team.
Then we match your answers against the Entry Route Finder's own rules: if you need an invoice from a Saudi entity, will direct a team in the Kingdom day to day, or are a multinational group with a large team or government clients, the result leans to a Saudi entity. If the Kingdom's share is 25% or more, you have government clients or a team there, or you do not yet know whether your clients need a Saudi invoice, both options stay open with a measured Saudi step; otherwise Dubai fits your plan now.
Withholding on your invoices = your billing × the rate for the payment type in ZATCA's table, before any treaty relief. Example: SAR 2,000,000 of technical and consulting services × 5% = SAR 100,000.
We show no government fee figures for either country until our review of them is complete.
Built by The Right Way team on official sources
The Right Way's consultants built this tool on official and government regulations and guides, and we update it whenever they change. The figures are indicative, and government fees vary with your activity.
We relied on regulations and guides issued by:
- UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
- UAE Federal Tax Authority
- UAE Ministry of Finance
- Dubai Statistics Center (dubai.ae)
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)
- Ministry of Investment (MISA)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
- Real Estate General Authority (REGA)
- Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority
- Saudi Vision 2030
- Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
- World Bank
- General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)
An independent tool by The Right Way, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity in Saudi Arabia or the UAE; naming these bodies does not imply their endorsement.
This tool is free and for guidance only. Its results are estimates based on general benchmark figures that may not apply to your case; they are not certified advice or a binding commitment from The Right Way, and should not be relied upon on their own.
To confirm the option that fits your plan and the exact cost for your activity in Saudi Arabia, see the Company Formation packages and their published prices. UAE rows are quoted from official UAE pages, with the page's own date where it gives one, and a few are market estimates labelled as such; your case there needs an adviser licensed in the UAE.
To the extent permitted by law, The Right Way is not responsible for any decision you make based on them, and use of this tool is subject to our Terms of Use.
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