The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) has introduced a major policy shift through its Multiple Share Class Framework policy, giving companies in the DWTC Free Zone far more control over how they structure ownership. This milestone launch brings greater flexibility to capital structuring and corporate governance, enabling companies to scale, attract investment, and drive innovation. It also strengthens Dubai’s position as a global business hub and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to elevate the emirate’s position into the world’s top three urban economies.

This update is more than a regulatory announcement. It reshapes how founders, investors, and established companies can build governance structures that match their long-term vision.

What’s New Under the Dubai World Trade Centre Freezone Share Class Framework?

Until now, DWTC Free Zone companies largely operated with a single class of ordinary shares. The new framework allows companies to create a broader, more strategic structure, including:

• Preference Shares
• Founder Shares
• Restricted Shares
• Class A/B/C/D Shares with tiered rights

These classes can be tailored within the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) to define:

• Dividend priorities
• Voting strength
• Transfer and exit conditions
• Conversion or redemption rules
• Minority shareholder protections

In simpler terms: companies now have the flexibility to design ownership in a way that supports growth, control and clarity.

Why This Matters for Businesses

This change arrives at a time when companies in Dubai are scaling faster, raising capital earlier and attracting a more diverse mix of investors. Here’s how the new framework helps:

1. Founders Keep Better Control

Many early-stage founders fear giving up too much power too soon. With differentiated share classes, they can raise capital while protecting decision-making authority.

2. Investors Get More Clarity

Different investors come with different expectations. The new rules allow companies to offer customised rights, reducing friction during fundraising.

3. A Win for Family Businesses

For long standing family-run enterprises, tiered share classes offer a smoother path for succession planning and long-term stability. Complementing this, the DWTCA framework embeds safeguards that protect shareholder interests and promote transparency.

4. Stronger Employee Incentive Options

Restricted or non-voting shares allow companies to offer equity-based compensation without affecting governance ideal for attracting top talent.

Overall, the DWTC Free Zone now offers a more mature, internationally aligned corporate structure.

Looking to set up or expand your company in DWTC Free Zone?

Zentral can guide you through company setup, share structuring, and licensing helping you take full advantage of the new Multiple Share Class Framework.

Part of a Larger Transformation at DWTC Free Zone

This framework follows the Free Zone’s recent jurisdictional expansion to One Za'abeel, an iconic development blending advanced infrastructure with world-class commercial space. Combined with benefits like full foreign ownership, simple licensing, and 0% corporate tax, the Free Zone is quickly becoming one of Dubai’s most strategically positioned business hubs.   The updated share class policy strengthens that positioning by giving companies tools typically seen in leading global jurisdictions.

How Zentral Supports Businesses Under the New Framework

As a company that specialises in DWTC Free Zone setup and structuring, Zentral’s role is to help businesses understand and apply these changes effectively.

Share Class Strategy for Your Business Model

Whether your priority is control, funding, valuation, or succession, we help you choose the right structure.

Revising or Drafting Your MOA for Compliance

Our team ensures your MOA reflects the updated framework and aligns with DWTCA’s standards.

Clear Explanations of Governance & Voting Rights

No legal jargon, just straightforward guidance so you can make informed decisions.

End-to-End Support for Setup or Restructuring

From documentation to approvals, we handle the entire process while you focus on operations.

The introduction of multiple share classes marks one of the most founder-friendly and investor-friendly updates within the DWTC Free Zone in recent years. It gives businesses the flexibility to design ownership structures that are smarter, future-ready and better aligned with global standards.

As this framework rolls out, Zentral remains committed to guiding companies through the transition with clarity, compliance and confidence.

Get in touch with Zentral’s team to understand how the new framework can benefit your business structure, governance, and growth plans.