How Many Free Zones in Dubai?

Starting a company in a Dubai free zone is ideal for budding entrepreneurs. Depending on your business type, budget, and goals, you can choose the best free zone for your business. This blog aims to explain what free zones are, provide a list of free zones in Dubai, highlight the benefits of operating there, and outline the cost involved in setting up a business in a free zone in Dubai.

Thanks to its strong economy, the UAE is now a top destination for businesses and investments. Dubai, especially, is a big draw. Startup friendly laws and government initiatives stand as an attraction for foreign entrepreneurs in the UAE. Among these, obtaining a free zone license stands out as one of the more affordable ways to set up a company in Dubai.

Curious about how many free zones there are in Dubai? This guide will provide a list of free zones in Dubai. But first, let us start by understanding what a free zone in Dubai means.

What is a free zone in Dubai?

Free zone areas in Dubai, also known as free-trade zones (FTZs), are designated economic areas with their own rules and regulations, operated and managed by the relevant authorities. Free zone company formation In Dubai provides numerous benefits such as tax concessions, preferential customs duty rates, and much more.

These zones are distinguished by their highly efficient infrastructure and unique services, facilitating smooth workflows, saving businesses considerable time and effort.

How many free zones in Dubai?

The list of free zones in Dubai goes beyond 30. These free zones cater to various industries like infrastructure, media, education, construction, retail, etc. Designed to cater to specific industry sectors, each free zone provides business licenses exclusively to companies operating within its designated categories.

In this article, we’ll delve into the comprehensive list of free zones in Dubai.

Dubai free trade zone benefits:

Businesses setup in Dubai free zones enjoy various benefits, including:

1. 100% foreign ownership of business
2. Full repatriation of profits and capital
3. Fast and simple business setup process
4. Range of business activities to choose from
5. Thriving and developed business communities
6. No corporate tax
7. Strategic location for trade
8. State-of-the-art infrastructure
9. Gateway to global markets
10. Exemption from customs duty

List of free zones in Dubai:

Below given is the list of free zones in Dubai with highlights of each:

1. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA):

Jebel Ali Free Zone is an economic zone situated in the Jebel Ali area, at the far west of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, near Abu Dhabi.

Highlights:

• UAE’s pioneering free zone.
• Awarded ISO certification.
• Home to a diverse array of companies, manufacturers, traders, and exporters from across the globe.
• DP (Dubai Ports) World’s leading free zone.

2. Dubai South:

Formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai South is a smart and rapidly developing district in the western part of Dubai, covering 145 square kilometres.

Highlights:

• Home to Al Maktoum International Airport.
• Hosts major events such as Expo 2020 and the Dubai Airshow.
• Opportunities available in technology, events, restaurants, and emerging industries.
• Comprises of eight distinct sub-areas.

3. Dubai Science Park (DSP):

Dubai science Park is the first free zone in the Middle East dedicated to the science sector. It is located in Al Barsha South and offers easy access from Umm Suqeim, Sheikh Zayed, and Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed roads.

Highlights:

• Facilitates interaction among government institutions, investors, and experts.
• Employs over 3,000 scientific professionals and provides high-quality office spaces and laboratories.
• Part of TECOM Group.

4. International Humanitarian City (IHC):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is the International Humanitarian City (IHC), serving as a hub for humanitarian emergency preparedness and response in Dubai, UAE.

Highlights:

• The World’s largest humanitarian hub and sole non-profit, independent free zone authority.
• Welcomes relief agencies, charity organizations, humanitarian companies, and groups.
• Offers warehouses and storage for UN agencies.

5. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA):

The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) stands as one of the most significant investment hubs in the city. Strategically positioned, it is only 20 minutes away from both Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai.

Highlights:

• One of Dubai’s most economic free zones.
• Enables businesses across trading, consultancy, media, and technology sectors.
• Supports virtual operations.

6. Dubai Commercity:

Dubai Commercity is the first and leading free zone in the MEASA (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia) region dedicated to digital commerce.

Highlights:

• Divided into three main clusters: business, logistics, and social.
• Offers services such as business setup support, warehousing, last-mile delivery, e-commerce technology services etc.

7. Dubai Maritime City (DMC):

Dubai Maritime City is a specialized maritime free zone dedicated to businesses in the maritime sector with convenient access to sea routes, airports, and road networks.

Highlights:

• Member of the DP World group of companies.
• Facilities include dedicated spaces like shipyards, dry docks, and repair services.
• Organized into six districts, each focusing on specific maritime operations.

8. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC):

Up next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai International Financial Centre, the top global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

Highlights:

• Managed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
• Operates based on English common law principles.

9. Dubai Internet City (DIC):

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a government-established business park and free economic zone in Dubai, which is located approximately 25 kilometres south of downtown Dubai city on Sheikh Zayed Road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Highlights:

• Serves as a vibrant hub for innovation and technology.
• Hosts regional offices for major global technology companies.
• Part of the TECOM Group.

10. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA):

Founded in 1996, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) is a top-tier free zone located in central Dubai, adjacent to Dubai International Airport.

Highlights:

• One of the world’s most innovative and advanced free zones in the UAE.
• Offers dual license.
• Received the ISO 20000:2005 certification.

11. Dubai Outsource City (DOC):

Dubai Outsource City is the free zone in Dubai dedicated to shared service and outsourcing businesses.

Highlights:

• Offers integrated infrastructure for outsourcing services.
• Includes integrated support centers, call centers, data centers, and warehouses.
• Part of the TECOM Group.

12. Dubai International Academic City (DIAC):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai International Academic City, the largest free zone for higher education globally.

Highlights:

• Hosts prominent universities from Australia, the UK, India, and other global regions in Dubai.
• Part of TECOM Group.

13. Dubai Media City (DMC):

Dubai Media City is a special freezone that specializes in media and communications across various forms and genres.

Highlights:

• Hosts large local and international media companies.
• Includes restaurants, hotels, health and sports centers, and other recreational facilities.
• Part of the TECOM Group.

14. Dubai Industrial City (DIC):

Dubai Industrial city is a manufacturing and logistics hub supporting the UAE’s expanding industrial sector.

Highlights:

• Base for multinational giants like Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Strong electrical and water network supporting in industrial activities.
• Part of TECOM Group. 

15. Meydan Free Zone:

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Meydan Free Zone, the one recognized globally as one of the largest and most advanced Digital Free Zones.

Highlights:

• Welcomes various businesses, from commercial and consulting firms to investment and administrative entities.
• Offers upscale residential options.

16. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC):

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is a commodities exchange and free-trade zone situated in the Jumeirah Lake Towers district of Dubai, UAE.

Highlights:

• Hosts companies involved in trading gold, diamonds, precious metals, base metals, tea, food grains, and other commodities.
• Accommodates hundreds of major multinationals, startups, and small businesses.

17. Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):

Dubai World Trade Centre, situated in the city’s Central Business District, is the UAE’s premier event venue and the largest exhibition and event center in the region.

Highlights:

• Includes luxurious offices and accommodates event management, professional, commercial, and trade businesses.
• Facilitates access to regional and international markets.

18. Dubai Design District (d3):

Located close to Mohammed bin Rashid City and adjacent to Dubai’s Business Bay, Dubai Design District (d3) is a free zone in Dubai dedicated to the design, fashion, and cultural sectors.

Highlights:

• Home to prominent global, regional, and local brands in the art, design, and fashion industries.
• Part of TECOM Group.

19. Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone, the first and only free zone in the UAE specializing in the re-export of used cars.

Highlights:

• Offers efficient highway connections and convenient access to air and sea transportation options.
• Supported by excellent services from Dubai Ports Authority and other institutions including shipping, insurance, banking, automobile workshops, and restaurants.

20. Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA):

Established by the Dubai government in 2003, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority is a free-trade zone spanning 7.2 square kilometers, situated in the Nadd Hessa community in Dubai.

Highlights:

• Fosters industries focused on modern technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and business services.
• Provides fully serviced offices, versatile warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other contemporary logistical needs.

21. Dubai Production City (DPC):

Situated in Me’aisem 1, Dubai Production City is a free zone and freehold area tailored for media production companies in Dubai.

Highlights:

• Boasts a world-class ecosystem for media production, printing, publishing, and packaging industries.
• Offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, a business-friendly environment, and integrated retail and residential developments.

22. Dubai Studio City (DSC):

Dubai Studio City, established in 2005, is a regional hub for broadcasting, filmmaking, media production, and entertainment industries

Highlights:

• Regional hub renowned for film and television production with the largest sound stages in the Middle East.
• Offers flexible and strategically located commercial spaces.
• Part of TECOM group East that have supported major cinema projects.

23. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai Knowledge Park, a developmental free zone, situated on Al Sufouh Road, Dubai.

Highlights:

• Hosts human resource management, recruitment, consultancy, executive search, vocational training, and professional development companies. 
• Hosts large universities and big companies.
• Part of TECOM Group.

24. Expo City Dubai:

Expo City Dubai, located at the site of the renowned Expo 2020 international exhibition, is one of Dubai’s newest and most promising free zones, empowering businesses to operate efficiently, innovatively, and sustainably.

Highlights:

• Offers high-end offices, event venues, green spaces, cultural options, hotels, dining, and residences in a tech-driven, sustainable environment.
• Various licence and visa options.

25. Energy and Environment Park (Enpark):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Energy and Environment Park, the one dedicated to energy and environment sectors.

Highlights:

• Features commercial and residential areas, research centers, educational institutions, and recreational facilities, all integrated into a sustainable community.
• Part of TECOM Investments.

26. Dubai Textile City (DTC):

Dubai Textile City, situated in Ras al Khor district just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, is a dedicated free zone for the textile industry.

Highlights:

• A significant industrial zone Established as a joint venture between the Dubai Ports and Customs Authority and TEXMAS.
• Offers modern office spaces, showrooms, storage facilities, and selling spaces equipped with essential utilities and social amenities.

27. Dubai Wholesale City:

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai Wholesale City, region’s inaugural fully integrated wholesale trading hub. It is located adjacent to Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Highlights:

• Part of TECOM Group.
• Specializes in a diverse range of industries including food, building materials, textiles, wood, clothing, appliances, decor, machinery, furniture, electronics, cars and spare parts, and equipment.

28. Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC):

Dubai Healthcare City is a healthcare-focused free economic zone located in the Emirate of Dubai, UAE.

Highlights:

• Offers investors straightforward and adaptable procedures for establishing businesses in sectors such as medical, education, hospitality, retail, and well-being. 
• Regulated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA).

29. Dubai Flower Centre (DFC):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai Flower Centre (DFC), a hub of growth for the floriculture sector.

Highlights:

• Situated near Dubai International Airport.
• Provides commercial office spaces, business centers with options like executive desks and offices, as well as conference facilities.

30. Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ):

Next on the list of free zones in Dubai is Dubai Auto Zone, an exclusive freezone dedicated to auto industry.

Highlights:

• Positioned close to Dubai’s major ports and airports.
• Offers excellent facilities like warehouses, showrooms, offices, and a modern testing and inspection center.

31. Gold & Diamond Park (DGDP):

Gold & Diamond Park is the largest free zone exclusively dedicated to the gold and diamond industry.

Highlights:

• Luxuriously furnished office space.
• E-commerce license available.

32. Dubai Logistics City (DLC):

Dubai Logistics City is yet another free zone that comes on the list of free zones in Dubai. It is the World’s first platform which was built for the purpose and development of logistics.

Highlights:

• Situated near Jebel Ali Sea Port.
• Provides trading licenses, service licenses, logistics licenses, industrial licenses, and education licenses.

To choose the best option for your business from the above-given list of free zones in Dubai, please contact our experts at DUBIZ.

Cost of setting up business in Dubai free zone:

Cost of setting up a new business in Dubai depends on several factors, but free zones cost considerably less. The cost of setting up a business in the Dubai free zone will start from AED-5,699*.

For more information, please contact our experts at DUBIZ.

Launch your business in Dubai free zone with DUBIZ!

Need assistance with freezone company formation in Dubai? At DUBIZ, our experts manage every step of the process for you, ensuring all formalities are handled promptly and accurately. From selecting the best option from the list of free zones in Dubai for your business to Dubai free zone visa application and bank account opening, we have got you covered. Also, if you need any further information about free zones/list of free zones in Dubai, feel free to contact us. 

Contact DUBIZ today at +971 562986853 or WhatsApp us at +971 569973630. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.  

FAQs

1. What does free zone mean in Dubai?

Free zones, also known as free-trade zones (FTZs), are designated economic areas with their own rules and regulations, operated and managed by the relevant authorities. Businesses set up in these areas enjoy numerous benefits.

2. How many free zones are there in Dubai?

List of free zones in Dubai goes beyond 30, catering to various industries like infrastructure, media, education, construction, retail, etc.

Below given is the list of free zones in Dubai:

• Dubai Commercity
• Dubai South
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Dubai Science Park (DSP)
• International Humanitarian City (IHC)
• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
• Dubai Maritime City (DMC)
• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
• Dubai Internet City (DIC)
• Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
• Dubai Outsource City (DOC)
• Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
• Dubai Media City (DMC)
• Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
• Meydan Free Zone
• Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
• Dubai Design District (d3)
• Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
• Dubai Production City (DPC)
• Dubai Studio City (DSC)
• Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
• Expo City Dubai
• Energy and Environment Park (Enpark)
• Dubai Textile City (DTC)
• Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
• Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)
• Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)
• Gold & Diamond Park (DGDP)
• Dubai Logistics City (DLC)
• Dubai Wholesale City

To choose your ideal free zone from the given list of free zones in Dubai, it is advisable to seek expert guidance.

3. What is the cost of setting up Business in Dubai free zone?

The cost of setting up a business in the Dubai free zone will start from around AED5,699*.

4. What is a free zone visa Dubai?

A Dubai free zone visa is a special permit issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to individuals engaged in businesses operating within Dubai’s free zones. This visa allows holders to legally reside and work within the designated free zone areas of the Dubai.

5. How do I open a free zone company in Dubai?

To start a company in Dubai free zone, follow these simple steps:

• Choose suitable free zone from the list of free zones in Dubai.
• Determine your legal entity.