Thinking about starting a business in Dubai? Free zones make it faster, easier, and more affordable. Each zone is built for a specific purpose, for example, trade, tech, media, or shipping. This provides you with the right support for your industry.
With benefits like zero taxes, simple setup, and world-class facilities, Dubai’s free zones attract entrepreneurs from all over the world. This guide compiles the complete list of free zones in Dubai to help you find the ideal location for your business.
What is a Free Zone in Dubai, UAE?
A free zone is a designated area within a country that offers additional benefits to support business growth. Free zones attract foreign investors by offering tax breaks, 100% foreign ownership, and easier rules for setting up a company. They are usually designed for certain industries, so companies in similar fields can work close to each other and share resources.
Free zones also make trading and importing goods simpler. They have their own regulations, separate from the rest of the city, which often means less paperwork and faster approvals. For many entrepreneurs, this makes them the perfect choice to start a business, expand into new markets, and connect with international clients.
Benefits of Starting a Business in Dubai Free Zones
- 100% Foreign Ownership: You don’t need a local partner; you can fully own your company.
- Zero Taxes: Most free zones offer no personal or corporate income tax.
- Easy Setup Process: Company registration is faster and requires less paperwork.
- Full Profit Repatriation: You can send all your profits back to your home country without limits.
- Customs Duty Exemptions: Import and export goods without paying customs duties.
- Industry-Specific Support: Each free zone is designed to meet the needs of certain sectors like media, tech, trade, or logistics.
- World-Class Facilities: Offices, warehouses, and workspaces are built with modern infrastructure.
- Networking Opportunities: Being close to similar businesses helps you build partnerships and grow faster.
- Strategic Location: Dubai’s location connects you easily to markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
List of Free Zones in Dubai
1. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Jebel Ali Free Zone is one of Dubai’s biggest business hubs, built mainly for trade, logistics, and manufacturing. Its location near Jebel Ali Port makes it perfect for import and export companies.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Trade, logistics, manufacturing |
| Industry Focus | Shipping, import/export, industrial goods |
| Location | Next to Jebel Ali Port, Dubai |
| Year Established | 1985 |
| Key Benefit | Direct access to the largest port in the Middle East |
2. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
DMCC is a leading free zone for global trade in commodities like gold, diamonds, tea, and coffee. It also attracts startups and service companies with its modern business infrastructure.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Commodity trading and business services |
| Industry Focus | Precious metals, gems, energy, food & beverages |
| Location | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai |
| Year Established | 2002 |
| Key Benefit | Award-winning free zone with global trade connections |
3. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Located right next to the international airport of Dubai, DAFZA is ideal for companies needing fast access to air freight and international markets.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Air logistics and trade |
| Industry Focus | Electronics, aerospace, luxury goods, pharma |
| Location | Adjacent to Internatinal Dubai Airport |
| Year Established | 1996 |
| Key Benefit | Immediate access to global markets via air freight |
4. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Dubai Silicon Oasis is designed for tech-focused companies, offering a mix of commercial, residential, and educational facilities in one integrated community.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Technology development and innovation |
| Industry Focus | IT, electronics, software, engineering |
| Location | Dubai–Al Ain Road, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2004 |
| Key Benefit | Full community with offices, housing, and tech labs |
5. Dubai Media City (DMC)
DMC is the hub for media and creative industries, offering a vibrant environment for content creators, broadcasters, and marketing agencies.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Media and creative industry support |
| Industry Focus | Broadcasting, advertising, digital content |
| Location | Al Sufouh, near Palm Jumeirah, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2000 |
| Key Benefit | Networking opportunities with top global media brands |
6. Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai Internet City is the main hub for ICT companies in the region, hosting global tech giants and innovative startups.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Information technology and communication hub |
| Industry Focus | Software, hardware, e-commerce, telecom |
| Location | Al Sufouh, near Palm Jumeirah, Dubai |
| Year Established | 1999 |
| Key Benefit | Home to top global tech companies like Microsoft and Google |
7. Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
DHCC focuses on medical services, wellness, and healthcare education, making it a one-stop hub for the health sector.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Healthcare and medical education |
| Industry Focus | Hospitals, clinics, research, wellness centers |
| Location | Oud Metha, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2002 |
| Key Benefit | Access to top healthcare providers and research facilities |
8. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
DIFC is a financial hub that connects businesses to regional and global markets with its own independent legal system.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Financial services and banking |
| Industry Focus | Banking, insurance, investment, fintech |
| Location | Near Downtown Dubai |
| Year Established | 2004 |
| Key Benefit | Independent regulatory framework for finance |
9. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
DKP is dedicated to human resource development, education, and training services.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Education and training hub |
| Industry Focus | Universities, training institutes, HR services |
| Location | Al Sufouh, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2003 |
| Key Benefit | Only free zone in the region dedicated to learning and HR development |
10. Dubai Maritime City (DMC)
Dubai Maritime City is a purpose-built zone for the marine and shipping industry, offering ship repair, yacht services, and maritime education.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Maritime industry support |
| Industry Focus | Shipbuilding, repair, marine services |
| Location | Between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks |
| Year Established | 2007 |
| Key Benefit | Centralized facilities for the entire maritime sector |
11. Dubai South Free Zone (Dubai World Central – DWC)
Dubai South is built around the Al Maktoum International Airport, making it a prime spot for aviation, logistics, and trade businesses.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Aviation, logistics, and trade |
| Industry Focus | Air cargo, e-commerce, freight forwarding |
| Location | Near Al Maktoum International Airport |
| Year Established | 2006 |
| Key Benefit | Direct access to one of the world’s largest airports |
12. Dubai Science Park (DSP)
DSP is dedicated to science-based industries, offering research and development facilities for health, energy, and environmental companies.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Science and innovation hub |
| Industry Focus | Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, environment |
| Location | Al Barsha South, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2005 |
| Key Benefit | Specialized infrastructure for scientific research |
13. Dubai Studio City (DSC)
DSC serves the film, TV, and music production industries, with studios, sound stages, and editing suites.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Media production and entertainment |
| Industry Focus | Film, TV, radio, music production |
| Location | Dubailand, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2005 |
| Key Benefit | World-class production facilities and creative spaces |
14. International Humanitarian City (IHC)
IHC supports humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts by hosting global relief agencies and NGOs.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Humanitarian aid and relief operations |
| Industry Focus | NGO support, disaster relief logistics |
| Location | Dubai Industrial City area |
| Year Established | 2003 |
| Key Benefit | Largest humanitarian hub in the world |
15. Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
DIAC is the region’s largest education hub, home to international universities and higher education institutes.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Higher education and academic development |
| Industry Focus | Universities, colleges, academic research |
| Location | Academic City, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2007 |
| Key Benefit | Access to diverse global universities in one location |
16. Meydan Free Zone (MFZ)
Meydan Free Zone offers a cost-effective and flexible setup for businesses, with a prime location close to Downtown Dubai.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | General business and trading |
| Industry Focus | E-commerce, consultancy, professional services |
| Location | Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2009 |
| Key Benefit | Affordable licensing options with central city access |
17. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park (DGDP)
DGDP is a specialized free zone for the gold, jewelry, and precious stones industry.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Jewelry manufacturing and trading |
| Industry Focus | Gold, diamonds, precious stones |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2001 |
| Key Benefit | On-site workshops, retail outlets, and secure trading facilities |
18. Dubai Textile City (DTC)
Dubai Textile City is built to support the textile trade and garment manufacturing industry.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Textile and garment trade |
| Industry Focus | Fabrics, garments, fashion accessories |
| Location | Al Warsan, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2000 |
| Key Benefit | Centralized market for textile traders and manufacturers |
19. Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)
DFC is a dedicated hub for the flower and perishable goods industry, with specialized cold storage and logistics facilities.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Flower and perishable goods trade |
| Industry Focus | Cut flowers, plants, fresh produce |
| Location | Near the International airport of Dubai |
| Year Established | 2004 |
| Key Benefit | Rapid handling and distribution for fresh goods |
20. Dubai Carpet Free Zone (DCFZ)
DCFZ focuses on the trading and showcasing of handmade carpets from around the world.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Carpet trade and exhibitions |
| Industry Focus | Handmade carpets, rugs, traditional textiles |
| Location | Mina Rashid, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2000 |
| Key Benefit | Specialized market space for carpet traders and exporters |
21. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA is one of Dubai’s fastest-growing free zones, offering affordable licenses and a wide choice of business activities.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Cost-effective company setup |
| Industry Focus | Trading, services, consultancy, e-commerce |
| Location | Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2018 |
| Key Benefit | Flexible packages with low setup costs |
22. Dubai CommerCity (DCC)
DCC is the first e-commerce-focused free zone in the region, designed to support online businesses with logistics, offices, and warehousing.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | E-commerce hub |
| Industry Focus | Online retail, logistics, digital marketing |
| Location | Near International Dubai Airport |
| Year Established | 2020 |
| Key Benefit | Complete ecosystem for online trade |
23. Dubai Logistics City (DLC)
Part of Dubai South, DLC connects air, sea, and land transport, making it ideal for large-scale logistics operations.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Multimodal logistics platform |
| Industry Focus | Freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution |
| Location | Near Al Maktoum International Airport |
| Year Established | 2006 |
| Key Benefit | Seamless connection between airport and seaport |
24. Dubai Wholesale City (DWTC)
DWTC is built for wholesale trade and distribution, offering large spaces for storage, trade, and exhibitions.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Wholesale trading hub |
| Industry Focus | Food, electronics, construction materials |
| Location | Dubai South |
| Year Established | 2016 |
| Key Benefit | Centralized wholesale market for multiple sectors |
25. Dubai Aviation City
Dubai Aviation City is a specialized zone for aerospace and aviation industries, offering facilities for maintenance, training, and manufacturing.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Aviation and aerospace hub |
| Industry Focus | Aircraft maintenance, training, aviation tech |
| Location | Near Al Maktoum International Airport |
| Year Established | 2006 |
| Key Benefit | Purpose-built for global aviation operations |
26. Techno Park (National Industries Park – NIP)
Techno Park, now called National Industries Park, is an industrial free zone built for manufacturing and heavy industries.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Industrial and manufacturing hub |
| Industry Focus | Heavy machinery, construction materials, logistics |
| Location | Jebel Ali, Dubai |
| Year Established | 2002 |
| Key Benefit | Large plots of land for industrial operations |
27. Dubai Design District (D3)
Dubai Design District is the city’s creative hub, bringing together designers, artists, and luxury fashion brands in one space.
| Detail | Information |
| Purpose | Creative industry support |
| Industry Focus | Fashion, interior design, visual arts |
| Location | Near Downtown Dubai and Business Bay |
| Year Established | 2013 |
| Key Benefit | Networking opportunities within the creative community |
Steps to Start a Business in UAE Free Zones
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Begin with a free consultation with IBG Consultancy to understand your business idea, target market, and budget. We makes the company formation process and approvals smoother for you.
Step 2: Choose the Right Free Zone
Select the free zone that matches your business activities, whether it’s focused on trading, media, technology, logistics, or other industries.
Step 3: Select Your Business Activities
Decide on the exact activities your company will carry out to ensure they’re covered under your license.
Step 4: Decide on the Legal Structure
Choose the legal form for your business, such as a Free Zone Company (FZCO), Free Zone Establishment (FZE), or a branch office.
Step 5: Reserve Your Company Name
Pick and reserve a business name that follows UAE naming rules and is unique to your brand.
Step 6: Prepare the Required Documents
Gather and complete all necessary paperwork, such as passport copies, application forms, and if required, a business plan.
Step 7: Apply for Your License
Submit the application to the free zone authority and wait for the license approval.
Step 8: Arrange Your Office Space
Depending on the free zone rules, choose from options like flexi-desks, shared offices, or private workspaces.
Step 9: Apply for Visas
Once your license is issued, you can apply for UAE residency visas for yourself, your staff, and dependents if needed.
Step 10: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Set up a business bank account with a UAE bank to manage company transactions and start operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a free trade zone and how does it work in the UAE?
A free trade zone is a special business area where companies can operate with benefits like full foreign ownership, no import or export duties, and simplified setup processes. Free trade zones in UAE are designed to attract investors by offering modern facilities and flexible business options.
2. How do I choose the right free zone in the UAE for my company?
The right choice depends on your industry, location preferences, and budget. Some zones provide industry-specific benefits, such as media, trading, logistics, or tech-focused facilities, while others are more general.
3. What is the difference between a zone in the UAE and a mainland area?
A zone in the UAE is a controlled business area with its own authority, regulations, and incentives. Unlike mainland, where you follow broader UAE government laws, free zones often offer specialized services for targeted industries.
4. What are economic zones and how do they benefit investors?
Economic zones are planned areas where the government promotes business activities through incentives like reduced setup costs, improved infrastructure, and tax advantages. Dubai’s free zones are prime examples of such areas.
5. How do I get a free zone license and what are the requirements?
A free zone license is issued by the chosen free zone authority and allows you to conduct specific business activities. Requirements often include passport copies, an application form, and payment of relevant fees.
6. Why are there so many free zones in UAE, especially Dubai?
Dubai has developed many free zones to cater to different industries, making it easier for companies in Dubai to find tailored business environments. Each free zone is designed to attract a specific type of investment.
7. Are trade licenses in free zones cheaper than on the mainland?
Trade licenses in free zones can often be more cost-effective, with packages that include office space, visas, and business services. Some even offer trade licenses starting from AED 5,750 for small entrepreneurs.
8. Do free zones offer tax exemption for businesses?
Yes, most free zones offer tax exemption on corporate and personal income, as well as no import or export duties. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, making them attractive for global investors.
9. Can I set up in Dubai World Trade Centre free zone for events and exhibitions?
Yes, the Dubai World Trade Centre free zone is popular for companies in the events, media, and exhibition industries. It is adjacent to Dubai International Airport and offers quick access to global markets.
10. How do free zones handle tax and customs duties?
Within free zones, companies usually do not pay customs duties on goods imported, stored, or exported. This makes zones offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and efficient logistics for international trade.
