Dubai’s growth has never been accidental. Behind every residential launch and commercial district is a steady flow of entrepreneurs choosing to build their businesses here for the long term.
In this episode of Behind the Bricks, Luke Remington and Simon Baker, Managing Directors at haus & haus, sit down with Lorenzo Jooris, Group CEO of Creative Zone, to explore how setting up a business in Dubai has evolved and why the emirate continues to attract global founders.
Lorenzo arrived in Dubai in 2005, initially passing through while working in media across the Middle East and Africa. What began as an opportunity quickly became a long term commitment. After establishing his first company, he went on to found Creative Zone in 2010, helping entrepreneurs navigate the process of company formation and expansion across the UAE.
A central theme of the conversation is how dramatically the business setup landscape has changed. 15 years ago, setting up a business meant paper heavy processes, in person approvals and wet signatures. Today, much of the system is digitalised and integrated, allowing founders to move faster and with greater clarity. That efficiency has positioned Dubai as one of the most streamlined jurisdictions globally for entrepreneurs.
The discussion also reflects on how key policy shifts have accelerated growth. The expansion of long term residency options, including the Golden Visa, alongside the rise of remote working, has reshaped how international founders view the city. Dubai is no longer simply a launchpad. For many, it is a permanent base for both business and family life.
Throughout the episode, one message is clear. Business formation and real estate demand move together. Every new licence supports office occupancy, residential transactions and broader community expansion. For anyone looking to understand where Dubai’s next wave of property growth is coming from, this episode offers valuable insight into how entrepreneurship continues to underpin long term value.
