Popular UAE Free Zones Guide
Overview of the most popular free zones in Dubai and the UAE: costs, allowed activities, pros and cons of each zone.
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The UAE has approximately 45 free zones. Choosing the right one directly impacts your costs, eligible business activities, and banking options.
Top Free Zones in Dubai
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
- Ranking: Best Free Zone in the World (7 years in a row)
- Ideal for: Trading, crypto, commodities, technology, consulting
- Cost: From AED 15,000/year (license + flexi-desk)
- Highlights: 2,000+ activity types, located at Jumeirah Lakes Towers, strong banking relationships
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
- Ideal for: Finance, banking, insurance, fintech, legal services
- Cost: From USD 35,000/year
- Highlights: Common Law jurisdiction with own courts, mandatory licensed activity, world-class regulatory environment
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
- Ideal for: IT companies, SaaS, digital marketing, e-commerce
- Cost: From AED 14,000/year
- Highlights: Tech-focused community; adjacent to Dubai Media City and Dubai Outsource City
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)
- Ideal for: Trading, consulting, services, e-commerce
- Cost: From AED 12,500/year (virtual office)
- Highlights: Flexible KYC process; multiple shareholders with no UAE resident requirement; popular for remote entrepreneurs
Meydan Free Zone
- Ideal for: Trading, consulting, marketing, technology
- Cost: From AED 12,500/year
- Highlights: Very fast incorporation (1–2 days); affordable for startups and solopreneurs
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)
- Ideal for: Logistics, industrial, import/export, manufacturing
- Cost: From AED 20,000/year
- Highlights: Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port (world’s largest); warehousing and industrial plots available
Top Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
- Ideal for: Finance, crypto, fintech, asset management
- Cost: From AED 30,000/year
- Highlights: Common Law framework; competitor to DIFC; strong regulatory reputation
Masdar City Free Zone
- Ideal for: Clean technology, renewables, sustainability
- Cost: From AED 13,000/year
How to Choose the Right Free Zone
| Criteria | Question to Ask |
|---|---|
| Business activity | Are all your activity codes available? |
| Banking | Does this free zone have good bank relationships? |
| Office type | Do you need a physical office or will flexi-desk work? |
| Budget | What’s your acceptable annual fee? |
| Visas | How many employee visas do you need? |
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