Dubai is a global attraction for start-ups and businesses. The free zones, which are designated areas for business operations, provide foreign investors with 100% ownership and facilitate streamlined processes for setting up their ventures.
There are over 30 free zones in Dubai, each catering to different sectors. For businesses looking forward to starting a business in the zone, it is important to choose the suitable free zone that aligns with their business needs.
In our blog today, we explore the Freezones at Dubai and the industry they are best suited for.
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC):
DMCC is a premier and awarded Free Zone located in Dubai. Their ecosystem is ideal for business sectors in agricultural sector, precious metals, water and energy, AI and crypto, gaming, E-Commerce and much more. Explore the DMCC business setup guide to understand why it’s the go-to choice for commodities and tech ventures.
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC):
DIFC is a leading world class business and lifestyle destination. It is an ideal location for FinTech and start-ups. DIFC has its own legal framework based on English common law.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO):
DSO government owned technology park and freezone that focuses on business and sustainable living, dedicated to fostering Knowledge & Innovation. It is best suited for software development and IT consultancies, e-commerce and digital platforms, hardware, and electronics trading, blockchain, AI, and smart mobility start-ups, data centres and cloud service providers, Fintech, IoT, and robotics firms.
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA):
IFZA offers flexible licensing and low-cost company formation options. It is best suited for freelancers, E-commerce start-ups, consultants, tech support services, business advisory firms. Looking to launch your company in IFZA? Here’s a step-by-step guide to opening a company in IFZA with licensing and setup insights.
- Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):
DWTC is a epicentre for events and business in heart of the city. It is best suited for business engaged in professional services, IT & tech, media & events, e-commerce, consultancy, virtual assets
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA):
JAFZA is one of the oldest and largest freezone operating near Jabel Ali airport. This freezone is suitable for business engaged in logistics, Retail and E-commerce, Petrochemicals, Automotive and spare parts, FMCG, Healthcare distribution, manufacturing, machinery, and equipment.
- Meydan Free zone (MFZ):
MFZ is a fully digital, entrepreneur-friendly free zone located near Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City. It is suited for consultants, E-commerce ventures, freelancers, small enterprises and much more.
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA):
Located next to Dubai International Airport, it is suited for aerospace business, high end electronics traders, import or export of luxury goods, aviation logistics.
- Dubai Design District (D3):
D3 is a space where the world of design, art and fashion co-exist. It is a hub for commercial and creative opportunities and suitable for fashion brands, interior designers, digital art and NFTs, photography studios, creative consultancies and so on.
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC):
DHCC brings together core healthcare services. They are best suited for industries engaged in medical equipment suppliers, diagnostic labs, medical universities and training centres, and healthcare service providers.
- Dubai International Academic City (DIAC):
DIAC plays a key role in enabling, advancing, and promoting Dubai’s position on the regional and global education scale. It is tailor-made for international universities and branch campuses, vocational and technical training institutes, e-learning and EdTech companies, language training centres and R&D institutions and think tanks.
- Dubai Internet City (DIC):
DIC is the region’s leading tech hub with giants such as Microsoft, Oracle and IBM. The main theme in this freezone is IT, Software development, Digital marketing, AI and IOT.
- Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP):
DKP is home to professional development and vocational training companies across all segments. Unlike Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), which focuses on higher education and universities, DKP caters to vocational training, soft skills, corporate education, and consultancy services.
- Dubai Maritime City (DMC):
DMC, a sole specialized maritime cluster in the UAE and GCC, is a pit stop for all of the marine industry’s needs, ranging from ship repair and yacht manufacturing to providing technical expertise.
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
Dubai Media City has cemented its position as the region’s most credible media city. The community is best suited for media, digital and creative industries. Its creative community includes big names such as CNN, BBC and Sony.
- Dubai Production City (DPC):
DPC is known for its world-class ecosystem for media production, printing, publishing and packaging. It is suitable for commercial and industrial printing, publishing houses (books, magazines, newspapers), media production and post-production studios, packaging and labelling, event and exhibition organizers.
- Dubai Science Park (DSP):
DSP offers a holistic community dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, SMEs and MNEs in the sciences, energy, and environmental sectors. It is ideal for companies in biotech, pharma, health-tech, and scientific R&D that do not offer direct patient care while DHC is suited for clinical services, hospitals, wellness centres, and businesses requiring licensed medical professionals.
- Dubai World Central (DWC/Dubai South):
DWC is a master-planned free zone developed to serve as a global hub for logistics, aviation, and commerce. It houses business engaged in logistics and supply chain management, aviation and aerospace services, E-commerce and fulfilment centres, manufacturing, and assembly operations.
- International Humanitarian City (Dubai Humanitarian):
Dubai Humanitarian is the only non-profit, independent, humanitarian free-zone Authority hosting a community of UN organisations, non-profits, and non-governmental organisations, in addition to commercial companies providing goods and services to support humanitarian efforts.
- Dubai Commer City:
Dubai Commer City is the first and leading free zone dedicated exclusively to digital commerce in the Middle East Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. This freezone is best suitable for E-commerce, logistics, digital businesses.
- Dubai Outsource City:
Dubai Outsource City is a hub to outsourcing and shared service providers. It is best suited for call centres, data centres, back-office operations and similar sectors.
- Dubai Studio City:
Dubai Studio City provides all-in-one creative solutions to facilitate an easy, efficient, and innovative production process. It is suited for entrepreneurs, freelancers and start-ups in tech, design, and media.
- Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ):
DAZ envisioned as a comprehensive marketplace for the Auto Industry, catering to buyers, sellers, service providers, automobile companies and their authorised representatives. Its speciality is in serving as a one-stop hub for car dealerships, re-export businesses, and logistics companies within the automotive sector.
- National Industries Park (TechnoPark):
National Industries Park (NIP) is tailored for industrial assembly, heavy manufacturing, warehousing and logistics operations.
- Gold and Diamond Park:
Gold and Diamond Park present an advantageous proposition to jewellers and business people in search of premium commercial leasing opportunities.
- Dubai Expo City:
Dubai Expo City is the pinnacle of urban innovation. It is ideal for sectors focused on sustainability & clean energy, smart technologies & innovation, education & research, creative industries (design, media, arts), event management & cultural activities, future mobility & urban planning.
- Dubai Textile City:
Dubai Textile City, located in International City, is a dedicated free zone for the textile industry. It is best suited for textile manufacturing, textile trading & re-export, warehousing & logistics, showrooms & retail.
- Al Quoz Creative Zone:
Al Quoz Creative Zone is an integrated creative ecosystem that meets the requirements of creative talents and entrepreneurs who are investing in various areas of the creative economy. It caters to caters to businesses in the creative industries such as art and design studios, advertising and marketing agencies, film and media production, photography, fashion, luxury brands, as well as architecture and interior design.
- Dubai Industrial City:
Dubai Industrial City has nurtured a thriving ecosystem of globally renowned manufacturing giants that collectively Make Brilliance and elevate the ‘Made in UAE’ brand on a global scale. It caters to sectors like food and beverage, transport equipment, machinery, mineral products, base metals, chemicals, and logistics, offering comprehensive industrial infrastructure for manufacturing and supply chain operations.
- Dubai Blockchain Center (Within DSO & DIFC):
This Centre aims to bring together blockchain thought leaders, developers, investors, and educator. It focuses on promoting the adoption and impact of blockchain technology across various sectors, including finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and more, through education, training, and research initiatives.
Still deciding between a free zone or mainland setup? Read this comparison guide between Mainland vs Free Zone.
Whether you are a start-up, SME or multinational company, understanding the uniqueness of the freezone can help you select ideal location to maximize your business potential.
We, at BCL Globiz, do understand the intricacies and complexities of choosing the right freezone, and our experts will assist you with your queries. Connect with our experts at punith@bclglobiz.com.
Ensure you meet the criteria of a Qualifying Free Zone Person under UAE Tax Law to enjoy tax exemptions.
