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Dubai Free Zone Companies

Dubai Free Zone companies are businesses registered within one of Dubai’s specially designated economic zones like DMCC, JAFZA or DIFC, that offer 100 percent foreign ownership, zero corporate and income taxes, full repatriation of profits and capital and streamlined licensing.

Each zone caters to specific industries (trading, tech, finance, media, healthcare, logistics, etc.), provides dedicated infrastructure (offices, warehouses, labs) and visa quotas, and connects you directly to global markets via world‑class ports and airports.

By choosing a Dubai Free Zone, you gain access to sector‑focused communities and turnkey setup services that make launching and scaling your business faster and more cost‑effective.

Dubai Free Zone Companies List

Free Zone Highlights
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) UAE’s first ISO‑certified zone hosting manufacturers and global traders under DP World.
Dubai South Home to Al Maktoum Airport, Expo 2020 site, and eight specialized sub-districts.
Dubai Science Park (DSP) Middle East’s premier hub for life sciences with dedicated labs and offices.
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International Humanitarian City (IHC) World’s largest humanitarian hub providing warehousing for NGOs and UN agencies.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) Cost‑efficient, multi‑sector zone 20 minutes from Dubai Airport and Downtown.
Dubai CommerCity MEASA’s first digital commerce zone offering warehousing and last‑mile solutions.
Dubai Maritime City DP World’s marine hub with shipyards, repair docks, and specialized districts.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Top regional financial hub operating under common-law regulations.
Dubai Internet City (DIC) Innovation cluster for global tech firms within the TECOM portfolio.
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) High-tech zone adjacent to DXB with dual‑license options.
Dubai Outsource City (DOC) All‑in‑one ecosystem for shared services, BPO and call centers.
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) World’s largest education free zone hosting global universities.
Dubai Media City (DMC) Media and communications zone with studios, agencies and lifestyle amenities.
Dubai Industrial City (DIC) Manufacturing and logistics hub powering the UAE’s industrial growth.
Meydan Free Zone Digital hub offering residential options alongside office and retail spaces.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Leading commodities exchange for gold, tea, metals and more in JLT.
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Premier events venue with integrated offices for trade and exhibitions.
Dubai Design District (d3) Creative enclave for fashion, art and design brands under TECOM.
Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ) Specialized in used-car export with direct port and air links.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) Tech‑focused zone with R&D labs, offices and manufacturing facilities.
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Dubai Production City (DPC) Media production hub for printing, publishing and packaging industries.
Dubai Studio City (DSC) Regional film and broadcast center with the largest sound stages.
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) Professional training and HR consultancy zone within TECOM.
Expo City Dubai Sustainable zone at Expo 2020 grounds with offices and event spaces.
Energy and Environment Park (Enpark) Green zone dedicated to renewable energy and environmental research.
Dubai Textile City (DTC) Industrial free zone for textile manufacturers and showrooms.
Dubai Wholesale City Integrated wholesale market for diverse sectors next to Al Maktoum Airport.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Healthcare cluster with medical, education and retail facilities.
Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) Dedicated floriculture hub near the airport with showrooms and cold storage.
Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) Automotive free zone with testing, warehousing and showrooms.
Gold & Diamond Park (DGDP) Premier jewellery hub with state-of-the-art retail and e‑commerce licenses.
Dubai Logistics City (DLC) First purpose-built logistics platform adjacent to Jebel Ali Port.

This table presents a side‑by‑side comparison of Dubai’s major Free Zones across seven key dimensions:

  • Free Zone: The official name of each zone.

  • Year Established: How long it’s been operating—older zones tend to have more mature infrastructure, while newer ones may offer promotional rates.

  • Industry Focus: The core sectors each zone targets (e.g. commodities, finance, tech, media, logistics, life sciences).

  • Regulatory Authority: The governing body that issues licenses and enforces rules (e.g. DMCC Authority, DFSA, DP World, TECOM Group).

  • License Fee Range (AED): The approximate cost bracket for a standard trading or service license.

  • Visa Quota: The typical number of residence visas available per license—critical if you plan to bring in staff.

  • Office Options: The types of workspace on offer (flexi‑desks, serviced offices, labs, warehouses, studios, etc.).

Free Zone Year Established Industry Focus Regulatory Authority License Fees (AED) Visa Quota Office Options
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) 1985 Logistics, Manufacturing, Trade JAFZA Authority (DP World) Varies by package Varies by package Desks, Offices, Warehouses
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) 2002 Commodities, Trade DMCC Authority Varies by package Varies by package Flexi‑Desk, Offices, Warehouses
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) 2004 Financial Services, Banking, Insurance Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) Varies by package Varies by package Flexi‑Desk, Traditional Offices
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) 2002 Technology, E‑Commerce Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority Varies by package Varies by package Flexi‑Desk, Offices, Labs
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) 1996 Aviation, Logistics, Trade DAFZA Authority Varies by package Varies by package Flexi‑Desk, Offices, Warehouses
Dubai Internet City (DIC) 1999 Information Technology TECOM Group Varies by package Varies by package Offices, Co‑working Spaces
Dubai Media City (DMC) 2000 Media, Communications TECOM Group Varies by package Varies by package Studios, Offices
Dubai Outsource City (DOC) 2006 BPO, Shared Services TECOM Group Varies by package Varies by package Offices, Support Centres
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) 2007 Education, Academia TECOM Group Varies by package Varies by package Campus Offices, Classrooms
Dubai Science Park (DSP) 2015 Life Sciences, Healthcare, Energy Dubai Holding Varies by package Varies by package Labs, Offices, Warehouses
International Humanitarian City (IHC) 2003 Humanitarian Aid, Logistics Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives Varies by package Varies by package Warehouses, Offices