Real Estate — Brokerage & Development Setup | GulfBC
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Real Estate
Brokerage & Development
Company Setup

Whether you're launching a brokerage, setting up a property management firm, or navigating the complex path to a developer license — GulfBC guides you through every regulatory step in Dubai and Iran with precision and full legal compliance.

RERA Licensed Process
DLD & DREI Compliance
Iran Real Estate Law
End-to-End Setup
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Brokerage (RERA Broker License)
Full RERA broker company registration, DREI training coordination, and DLD submission — Dubai's most in-demand real estate license.
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Developer License
One of Dubai's most tightly regulated licenses. GulfBC navigates the full RERA developer registration, escrow, and compliance framework.
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Property Management
Third-party property management requires a DED license + AED 5M bank guarantee. We handle every approval from day one.
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Iran — Brokerage & Construction
Union-issued brokerage license and full construction permits — GulfBC's local Iran team handles both paths from Tehran to Kish.
Real Estate — Brokerage & Development Setup | GulfBC
RERA Broker License

Real Estate Brokerage Company — Dubai

Every individual and firm buying, selling, renting, or listing property in Dubai must be licensed by RERA. Operating without a valid RERA license is a criminal offence under UAE law — fines, blacklisting, and criminal prosecution apply.

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Two Layers of Licensing
In Dubai, both the company AND each individual broker must hold separate RERA registrations. The company requires a DED trade license + RERA firm registration. Every agent must pass the DREI training course and the RERA exam (minimum 75%) before receiving their individual Broker ID card. GulfBC coordinates both simultaneously to minimise setup time.
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Company Registration
Establish your brokerage entity — DED trade license, trade name reservation, Ejari-registered office, and MOA drafting.
DET trade license — Real Estate Brokerage activity · AED 12,950
Office space with Ejari (mandatory for RERA registration)
Memorandum of Association, notarised
Company RERA firm registration with DLD
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DREI Training & RERA Exam
All brokers must complete the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers at the Dubai Real Estate Institute and pass the RERA exam.
DREI certified training course — AED 3,000–5,000 per person
RERA broker exam — minimum passing score: 75%
UAE residency visa required before exam registration
Minimum age: 21 years · High school diploma minimum
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RERA Broker ID Card
Upon passing the exam and completing company registration, each broker receives their individual RERA Broker ID — mandatory for all property advertising and transactions.
Individual ID card — issued by DLD / RERA
All property ads must display RERA permit number
Three-broker rule: no property listed with more than 3 brokers
Annual renewal + mandatory ongoing training (2025 update)
Registration Steps

Step-by-Step: RERA Brokerage Setup

From trade name to first legal transaction — GulfBC completes this in parallel tracks, cutting the typical timeline to 3–5 weeks.

1
Trade Name Reservation
Reserve your brokerage company name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The name must not contain terms implying government authority or real estate superlatives without approval.
⏱ Day 1–2
2
UAE Residency Visa (if not already resident)
All brokers must hold a valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID before applying for RERA licensing. GulfBC arranges the investor visa, entry permit, medical, and Emirates ID simultaneously with company formation.
⏱ Week 1–2
3
DET Trade License — Real Estate Brokerage
Apply to the Department of Economy and Tourism for the trade license covering real estate brokerage activity. Requires Ejari-registered office space. License fee: AED 12,950. GulfBC submits and tracks the full DET application.
⏱ Week 1–2 · AED 12,950
4
DREI Training & RERA Exam
All brokers must complete the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course at the Dubai Real Estate Institute, then pass the RERA exam with a minimum score of 75%. GulfBC coordinates course registration and exam scheduling for all brokers simultaneously.
⏱ 1–2 weeks · AED 3,000–5,000/person
5
RERA Firm Registration with DLD
Register your brokerage company with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency through the Dubai Land Department. Submit trade license, office Ejari, passport copies, and company MOA. This step formally authorises the company to conduct real estate transactions.
⏱ Week 2–3
6
Individual RERA Broker ID Cards
Upon company registration and exam clearance, each broker receives their individual RERA Broker ID card from DLD. All property advertisements must include this ID and a valid RERA advertising permit number — enforced actively, with AED 12M+ in penalties collected from violations in 2024 alone.
✓ Fully operational · 3–5 weeks total
Documents Required

Documents for RERA Brokerage

GulfBC prepares, translates, and submits all documentation to DLD and DET on your behalf.

01
Passport Copy
Valid passport for all shareholders, directors, and each individual broker. Minimum 6-month validity.
02
UAE Residency Visa & Emirates ID
Mandatory for all brokers before RERA exam registration. Non-residents must obtain investor visa first.
03
Good Conduct Certificate
Police clearance certificate confirming no criminal record — required for each broker applying for RERA ID.
04
Attested Educational Certificate
Minimum high school diploma, attested by relevant authorities. RERA sets minimum educational standards for all brokers.
05
DREI Training Certificate
Certificate of completion of the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course at the Dubai Real Estate Institute.
06
DET Trade License
Issued after successful company registration. Required for RERA firm registration with the Dubai Land Department.
07
Office Ejari
Registered tenancy contract for the brokerage office. Mandatory — RERA will not register a firm without a verified commercial address.
08
Memorandum of Association
Notarised MOA defining company structure, ownership, and shareholders — required for both DET and DLD submissions.
Developer License

Real Estate Developer License — Dubai

Dubai's developer registration is one of the most regulated and capital-intensive business licenses in the UAE. Since a wave of reforms following the 2008 crisis, and tightened further through 2023–2025, RERA applies rigorous financial and operational scrutiny to all new developer applicants.

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Important: Developer Licensing Has Become Significantly Stricter
Since 2022–2023, RERA has tightened developer registration considerably. Approvals are no longer routine — RERA now demands proof of land ownership or a valid land purchase agreement, substantial paid-up capital, a RERA-approved escrow bank account, and milestone-linked construction reporting via the DLD digital portal. In 2025, monitoring was increased by an estimated 35% and penalties for non-compliance — including licence suspension and project cancellation — are actively enforced. GulfBC advises all clients to approach developer registration with comprehensive preparation.
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Pre-Registration Requirements
Before RERA will consider a developer application, several foundational requirements must already be in place.
Land ownership title deed OR signed land purchase agreement
DET trade license — Real Estate Development activity
Paid-up share capital meeting RERA's minimum threshold
Qualified technical team (engineers, project managers)
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Escrow Account — Law No. 8 of 2007
Mandatory under Dubai law. All off-plan buyer funds must go into a RERA-approved escrow account at a licensed bank — ringfenced per project.
Separate escrow account per project — no cross-project use of funds
Funds released only upon verified construction milestones
Independent inspector verifies milestone completion
RERA audits accounts — can freeze withdrawals or cancel project
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Oqood & Ongoing Compliance
Every off-plan project must be registered with Oqood (DLD's off-plan registry) before any unit can be legally sold. Digital reporting is mandatory.
Oqood registration before any marketing or sales begin
Detailed delivery timeline, architectural plans, and payment plan submitted
Mandatory progress reports via DLD digital portal
All listings verified and registered — no unauthorized advertising
Registration Process

Developer Registration — Step by Step

Developer registration in Dubai involves multiple government authorities and typically takes 2–4 months when documents and capital are fully prepared. GulfBC manages every submission.

1
Company Formation — DET Trade License
Register your development company with the Department of Economy and Tourism under the Real Estate Development activity. Choose an appropriate legal structure — typically an LLC for smaller developers or a Public/Private Joint Stock Company for large-scale projects.
⏱ Week 1–2
2
Land Ownership or Purchase Agreement
RERA requires that the developer either hold the title deed for the development plot, or have a valid, notarised land purchase agreement registered with the DLD. This is a hard requirement — no developer license is granted without verified land rights.
⏱ Pre-requisite⚠️ Non-negotiable
3
RERA Developer Registration
Apply to RERA through the Dubai Land Department. Submit: DET trade license, land title/agreement, paid-up capital evidence, technical team details, project description, and proposed delivery timeline. RERA scrutinises the application — additional information requests and site assessments are common.
⏱ 4–8 weeks
4
Escrow Account Opening
Open a dedicated project escrow account with a RERA-approved bank. The account must be formally linked to the specific project via DLD's system. Buyer payments flow directly into this account. GulfBC coordinates with approved banks to streamline account opening alongside developer registration.
⏱ 2–3 weeks
5
Project Registration — Oqood
Register the project with DLD's Oqood system. Submit approved architectural plans, realistic delivery date, payment plan structure, and unit breakdown. Without Oqood registration, no unit may legally be sold or marketed. Oqood registration also triggers the developer's mandatory digital compliance obligations.
⏱ 1–3 weeks
6
Sales Launch & Ongoing Reporting
Once Oqood is confirmed and escrow is active, sales can begin legally. All advertising requires RERA approval — permits include QR codes linking to verified listing data. Developers must submit regular construction progress reports via the DLD portal. RERA can inspect accounts and sites at any time.
✓ Operational · 2–4 months total
Documents Required

Documents for Developer Registration

01
Passport Copies — All Shareholders
Colour scans of all shareholders, directors, and authorised signatories. Minimum 6-month validity.
02
DET Trade License (Development Activity)
Active trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism covering real estate development activity.
03
Land Title Deed or Purchase Agreement
DLD-registered title deed for the development plot, or a notarised and registered land purchase agreement. Hard requirement — no waiver available.
04
Proof of Paid-Up Capital
Bank statements or audited accounts confirming minimum capital requirements are met. Amount varies by project scale and type.
05
Project Details & Architectural Plans
Approved architectural drawings, unit breakdown, expected delivery date, and payment plan structure for Oqood registration.
06
Escrow Bank Account Confirmation
Confirmation letter from a RERA-approved bank confirming the project escrow account has been opened and linked to the DLD system.
07
Technical Team Details
CVs and qualifications of key project personnel — engineers, project managers, and compliance officers.
08
MOA & Company Structure
Notarised Memorandum of Association and full corporate structure documentation, including shareholder register.
Property Management License

Third-Party Property Management — Dubai

Managing other people's properties commercially in Dubai — including leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and tenant management — requires a specific DED license and a significant bank guarantee. This is a high-barrier, high-trust category regulated directly under Local Order No. 2 of 2003.

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AED 5 Million Bank Guarantee Required
Any company managing third-party properties commercially must provide a bank guarantee of AED 5,000,000 to the Dubai Land Department before the license is issued. Additionally, any branch of an existing property management company must share the same trade name as the parent license. Branches must have a minimum of 20 administrative employees. These are non-negotiable statutory requirements under Dubai law.
✦ Commercial Property Management
Managing Third-Party Properties
Managing properties on behalf of other owners — collecting rent, coordinating maintenance, and handling tenant relations commercially.
DED trade license — Property Management activity
RERA staff registration — all managers must hold RERA registration cards
All lease contracts registered via Ejari
AED 5M bank guarantee mandatory before license issuance
Branch offices: minimum 20 admin employees + matching trade name
Smart Rental Index (Jan 2025) now governs all rent increase calculations
Own Property Management
Managing Your Own Properties
Managing properties you own personally or through your company — no bank guarantee required, but more limited in scope.
DED license: Private Property Leasing and Management Services
Copy of property ownership deed required
No AED 5M bank guarantee — significantly simpler
Allowed to manage only your own property and second-degree relatives' properties
Cannot manage third-party clients' properties commercially
Scope is limited — not suitable for a property management business
Registration Steps

Setting Up a Property Management Company

GulfBC guides you through every step — from trade license to bank guarantee procurement and RERA staff registration.

1
DET Trade License — Property Management
Register the company and obtain the DET trade license covering leasing and managing third-party properties. Requires a commercial office with Ejari registration.
⏱ Week 1–2
2
Bank Guarantee — AED 5,000,000
Arrange the mandatory AED 5M bank guarantee from a UAE-licensed bank, issued in favour of the Dubai Land Department. This must be in place before the property management license is issued. GulfBC advises on bank selection and guarantee structure to minimise collateral requirements.
⏱ 2–4 weeks⚠️ AED 5M required
3
RERA Registration — Staff & Company
Register the company with RERA and ensure all property managers and relevant staff obtain individual RERA registration cards. Staff must meet RERA's qualification requirements before cards are issued.
⏱ Week 2–3
4
Ejari Setup & Operational Readiness
Set up Ejari access for registering all managed tenancy contracts. All lease agreements must be registered with RERA via Ejari. Establish internal workflows for rent collection, maintenance tracking, and Smart Rental Index compliance for any rent increase decisions.
✓ Operational · 6–10 weeks total
Real Estate Brokerage License

Real Estate Brokerage License — Iran

In Iran, operating as a real estate agent or establishing a brokerage office requires a business license issued by the Real Estate Brokers' Union (Real Estate Brokers' Union). Per the updated regulations of 2023, all applicants must complete a vocational training course before the union processes any application. The entire process — from application to license issuance — typically takes 1–2 months.

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All Property Transactions Must Be Registered with a Tracking Code
Under current Iranian law, all real estate transactions must be accompanied by a transaction tracking code, which can only be generated by licensed brokerage offices registered with the Union. Operating without a license means transactions cannot be legally registered — exposing buyers and sellers to serious legal risk. GulfBC's Iran team handles the full license application and union registration process on your behalf.
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Vocational Training Certificate
Since 2023 , completion of an accredited real estate training course is mandatory before applying to the union.
Technical and vocational certificate from Iran's Technical and Vocational Training Organisation
Courses cover property law, transaction procedures, and ethics
Duration: varies by city — typically 40–80 hours
Available online and in-person depending on province
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Union Registration
Application submitted to the Real Estate Brokers' Union of the relevant city via the national licensing portal or in person.
Online application via the national business licensing portal
Union inspection of the proposed office premises
Board of the union approves or rejects — written decision issued
License first issued for 1 year, then renewed for 5-year periods
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Office Requirements
The brokerage office must meet specific physical and legal standards before the union will approve the application.
Minimum 12 square metres of office space
Commercial or office-use zoning (residential not accepted)
Ownership document or lease with tracking code
Police clearance visit for premises approval
Registration Steps

Step-by-Step: Iran Brokerage License

GulfBC's local Iran team manages every step — from training enrollment to police clearance to final license issuance.

1
Vocational Training & Certificate (2023 Requirement)
Enroll in and complete the mandatory real estate vocational training program with the Technical and Vocational Training Organisation (Technical and Vocational Training Organisation). The certificate is mandatory as of the 2023 legal update — no application will be processed without it.
⏱ 2–4 weeks
2
Submit Application via national licensing Portal
Register your application on the national licensing national licensing portal (the national business licensing portal). Upload all required documents and receive a tracking code. The union's experts review the initial submission within approximately 10 days.
⏱ Day 1–10
3
Office Selection & Document Verification
Identify your office premises — must have commercial or administrative use zoning and minimum 12m². Submit lease or ownership document with a valid tracking code. The union may request clarification before proceeding.
⏱ Week 1–2
4
Police Clearance & Premises Inspection
The Naja (Police) Police Premises Unit visits the proposed premises to verify the location is suitable and that the applicant meets good-conduct requirements. This step is mandatory in all cities and is coordinated between the union and Police Premises Unit. Background and personal conduct verification is also conducted at this stage.
⏱ 1–3 weeks
5
Union Board Decision & License Issuance
The union's Board of Directors convenes and issues a formal written approval or refusal. Upon approval, the business license is issued — valid for one year initially, then renewed for five-year periods. The license must be displayed visibly in the office.
✓ Licensed · 4–8 weeks total
Documents Required

Documents for Iran Brokerage License

01
National ID Card & Birth Certificate
Original and copies of national ID and birth certificate. Foreign nationals require valid passport, work permit, and residency permit.
02
Vocational Training Certificate
Technical and Vocational Training certificate of completion from the mandatory real estate training course. Required under the 2023 regulations.
03
Military Service Card or Exemption
For male applicants: end-of-service military card or permanent exemption certificate. Students must provide enrollment confirmation.
04
Office Ownership or Lease Document
Title deed (to applicant's name) or lease agreement with transaction tracking code. Must confirm commercial or administrative-use zoning.
05
Personal Photographs
Standard identification photos as specified by the union — typically 2–4 photos with plain background.
06
Good Conduct Confirmation
Police clearance confirming no relevant criminal record. Arranged through the Police Premises Unit alongside the premises inspection.
07
Postal Code Confirmation
Official postal code verification from the Post Office for the office address — required for all business license applications in Iran.
08
Educational Certificate (minimum literacy)
Copy of educational diploma or certificate. Minimum requirement is literacy (reading and writing). Higher qualifications strengthen the application.
Construction & Development

Real Estate Construction & Development — Iran

Iran faces a structural housing deficit estimated at over 5 million units, and the government's National Housing Mobilisation Programme has placed construction at the centre of national policy. For investors — particularly Iranians based abroad — development in Iran offers access to low land and labour costs, abundant local materials, and a deeply undersupplied market.

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GulfBC Advises on the Full Development Path — From Company Registration to Building Permit
Real estate development in Iran requires company registration, a developer operating license from the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development , municipal building permits, environmental clearance, and a construction supervisor license where applicable. GulfBC's Tehran-based team handles every authority — from the Roads Ministry to the municipality — on your behalf.
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Developer Operating License
The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (MRU) issues the formal developer operating license for real estate development companies.
Company registration with Companies Registration Office (CRO)
Application to MRU with project details and feasibility study
Technical team qualifications — licensed engineers required
Scale classification: small, medium, or large developer
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Municipal Building Permits
Every construction project requires permits from the relevant municipality — covering zoning, density, height, and usage approvals.
Land ownership document required
Architectural drawings by licensed architect
Zoning compliance check — residential, commercial, or mixed
Construction permit issued by municipality
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Environmental & Utility Approvals
Larger developments require environmental clearance and utility connection agreements before construction can begin.
Department of Environment clearance for projects above threshold
Water, electricity, and gas connection applications
Fire safety compliance — Fire Safety Department approval
Post-construction: completion certificate required
Development Path

Step-by-Step: Iran Construction Setup

Real estate development in Iran typically takes 3–6 months from company registration to first building permit. GulfBC's local team manages all government submissions in Persian.

1
Company Registration — CRO
Register the development entity with the Companies Registration Office under the Ministry of Justice. Most developers register as a Private Joint Stock Company or LLC. Articles of Association must specify real estate development as the company objective.
⏱ Week 1–2
2
MRU Developer License Application
Apply to the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development for the developer operating license. Submit company registration, technical team details (licensed engineers must be named), project feasibility, and scale classification. GulfBC prepares all Persian-language submissions and coordinates with the Ministry on your behalf.
⏱ 4–8 weeks
3
Land Acquisition & Title Verification
Verify the land title deed through the Iranian Deeds Registration Organisation. Confirm zoning, permitted usage, and density ratios with the local municipality before proceeding to architectural design. GulfBC advises on title due diligence to avoid common disputes.
⏱ 2–6 weeks
4
Architectural Design & Iranian Engineering Organisation Approval
Commission a licensed architect (registered with the Iranian Engineering Organisation) to prepare the project drawings. The design must comply with national building codes, permitted density, and local municipality regulations. Iranian Engineering Organisation stamps the drawings before submission to the municipality.
⏱ 4–12 weeks
5
Municipal Building Permit
Submit the approved architectural drawings, title deed, and MRU license to the municipality for the construction permit. The municipality verifies zoning compliance, setbacks, height restrictions, and parking ratios. Permit fees are calculated based on project size and value. This is typically the longest step in smaller cities.
⏱ 4–12 weeks
6
Construction & Completion Certificate (completion certificate)
Upon completion, apply for the completion certificate from the municipality. This is required before individual unit title deeds can be issued. Without completion certificate, units cannot legally be sold with title — a critical requirement that many informal developers overlook. GulfBC tracks completion certificate issuance and coordinates handover documentation.
✓ Project complete — completion certificate issued
Market Context

Why Develop in Iran Now?

Iran's housing market presents a structural opportunity unlike most markets — driven by deep undersupply, affordable land and labour, and a government actively seeking investment in residential construction.

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5M+ Unit Housing Deficit
Iran's housing shortage is estimated at over 5 million residential units, with urban demand concentrating in Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, and the Caspian coast. The government's National Housing Mobilisation Programme is actively channelling land allocation and subsidies to developers who meet quality standards.
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Cost Advantages
Construction costs in Iran are among the lowest in the region — subsidised energy, domestic steel and cement production, and a large skilled construction workforce keep project costs significantly below comparable Gulf markets. Land in secondary cities remains extremely affordable.
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Diaspora Investment
GulfBC primarily serves Iranians based in the UAE, Europe, and North America who wish to invest in or develop property back home. Our Tehran office handles all local submissions, contractor coordination, and title registration on behalf of clients who manage the project remotely.
Real Estate — Brokerage & Development Setup | GulfBC
Why GulfBC

Real Estate Expertise, Two Markets Deep

GulfBC has physical teams in both Dubai and Iran — professionals who live and work inside these regulatory systems every day, not consultants reading rulebooks from afar.

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3
Dubai License Types
Brokerage, development, and property management — full command of all three RERA-regulated license categories.
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2025
Fully Up to Date
Smart Rental Index, tightened escrow controls, new developer monitoring — we track every regulatory change as it happens.
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2
Iran Pathways
Brokerage license (Real Estate Brokers' Union) and full construction permits — local team handles all Persian-language submissions in Tehran.
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1
Dedicated Advisor
One point of contact — license, visa, bank account, and ongoing compliance. No hand-offs, no surprises.
Real Estate — Brokerage & Development Setup | GulfBC

Ready to Enter the
Real Estate Market?

Whether you're launching a brokerage in Dubai, navigating RERA's developer requirements, or setting up a licensed agency in Iran — GulfBC handles every step with precision and full legal compliance.

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GulfBC AdvisoryAspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai · info@gulfbc.com · +971 50 605 1236
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