The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven states. Dubai, the largest of these states, has become an important hub for corporate headquarters for the entire region. This is thanks to Dubai's strategic location, high business profile and dynamic economy. This makes it one of the most popular destinations for mainland companies in the UAE: companies from other states who want to setup a business in Dubai. Mainland company formation in Dubai is the process of registering a company in a country outside of its own. The term "mainland" refers to the country where your company is formed, not where it is based.