The UAE is one of the leading business hubs attracting global investors and entrepreneurs over the years. Its constantly evolving economy and major advancements provide the business community with opportunities to grow and thrive. For those interested in starting a business, exploring the list of free zones in the UAE can offer valuable insights and options.
The country has three major jurisdictions where you can form your company – Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore . You can choose the most suitable location based on the nature of your business, budget and other activities you wish to conduct.
In the following blog, we will explore the list of 46 free zones in the UAE what is a free zone . Free zones are also commonly known as free trade zones. These jurisdictions are essentially economic zones where goods and services can be traded, usually at favourable tax and customs rates.
There are 46 Free Zones in the UAE, which include the following:
List of Free Zones in Dubai
There is a list of 28 free zones in Dubai, which include the following:
Free Zones
Highlights
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
One of the most economical free zones for business setup Offers e-commerce license No requirement for a physical office Provision for virtual office Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Named world’s number 1 free zone by Financial Times’ fDi Magazine One of two free zones that allows crypto-commodities trading Offers dual license Allows upto six activities under the same group Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Rated as one of the top economic zones Offers dual license Offers a variety of facilities ranging from flexi-desk to warehousing Offers e-commerce license Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)
World’s most Ideal for import, export and car maintenance Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)
Largest free zone dedicated to the used cars industry Various facility options ranging from office spaces to showrooms Dubai Design District (D3)
Region’s first and largest design district dedicated to art, design and fashion industry Part of TECOM group Issues freelancer permits Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)
Hub for the floriculture industry The world’s best cool chain management Gold and Diamond Park (DGDP)
Largest free zone dedicated to gold and diamonds business Offers e-commerce license Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
Region’s largest integrated healthcare free zone Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
One of the largest industrial hubs in Dubai. Part of TECOM group Home to global MNCs such as Facebook and LinkedIn Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
Largest higher education free zone in the world. Issues freelancer permits Part of TECOM group Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Fastest growing international financial centre Unlike other jurisdictions, this follows the English law instead of Sharia law Well known for its stock trade Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Largest IT hub in the Middle East and North Africa Offers e-commerce license Part of TECOM group Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
World’s only free zone dedicated to learning excellence and human resource management Offers freelancer license Part of TECOM group Dubai Logistics City (DLC)
World’s first multi-modal integrated logistics platform Offers education license Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)
First location to be established to solely cater to the maritime industry in the UAE Consists of six districts, each of which focuses on a specific maritime operation Dubai Media City (DMC)
MENA’s largest integrated media hub Part of TECOM group Offers a range of facilities across various locations Dubai Outsource City (DOC)
First free zone in the world dedicated to the outsourcing industry Part of TECOM group Dubai Science Park (DSP)
First free zone established to specifically cater to companies in different science sectors Part of TECOM group Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
Home to Dubai’s first smart city, Silicon Park. Offers an array of facilities Dubai Studio City (DSC)
A global hub for production, broadcast and entertainment Offers freelancer permit Part of TECOM group Dubai Techno Park (DTP)
Home to some of the most high-profile companies in the technology sector Member of Economic Zones World Dubai Textile City (DTC)
One of the largest and most convenient textile centre in the region Established as a joint venture between TEXMAS, Dubai Port, and Customs Authorities Energy and Environmental Park (Enpark)
Designed and dedicated to environmental technology and clean energy Part of TECOM group International Humanitarian City (IHC)
Global humanitarian and aid hub Independent free zone authority created by the Government of Dubai Offers various facilities ranging from office space to warehouses Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)
Oldest free zone in the UAE Named the flagship free zone of Dubai Ports (DP) World Offers e-commerce license Holds ISO certification Dubai Production City (DPC)
Region’s leading media production hub. Offers freelancer permit Part of TECOM group Dubai Wholesale City
Region’s first fully integrated wholesaler trade hub Part of TECOM group
List of Abu Dhabi Free Zones
Free Zones
Highlights
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Award-winning international financial centre Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
One of the most economical free zones in Abu Dhabi Has one of the highest quality warehouses in the UAE Allows entrepreneurs to have up to 5 similar business activities twofour54
Media and entertainment hub Offers freelancer license Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)
One of the most technologically advanced free zones Contains 5 clusters to cater to different industries ZonesCorp
Largest operator for purpose-built industrial zones in the UAE Masdar City Free Zone
A sustainable economic and urban development free zone Recognised as the best free zone for renewable energy by Financial Times fDi Magazine in 2016
List of Sharjah Free Zones
Free Zone s
Highlights
Sharjah Media City (Shams)
One of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE Not restricted to only media-related activities. Offers freelancer permits Can register business without attested documents Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)
Has one of the largest customer bases in the world Home to some of the most prestigious companies based in the UAE Offers high quality facilities at the lowest costs Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)
2nd largest industrial free zone in the UAE Variety of facilities ranging from executive offices to customisable plots of industrial land Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)
First printing and publishing free zone in the world Can conduct up to 5 activities under 1 license without any additional fee Offers dual license Not restricted to just printing and publishing Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Offers a variety of facilities ranging from office space to laboratory zones Offers dual license
List of Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones
Free Zone s
Highlights
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
One of the largest free zones in the UAE Offers customisable warehouses and plots of industrial lands for development Offers e-commerce license Located in close proximity to ports and RAK airport RAK Maritime City (RAKMC)
One of the Middle East’s most progressive hubs
List of Fujairah Free Zones
Free Zone s
Highlights
Fujairah Free Zone (FFZA)
Only access to the Indian Ocean Has the biggest oil storage space in GCC Issues e-commerce license Creative City Free Zone Authority
Provision for virtual office Can obtain up to 20 visas under 1 license Can be formed without the requirement of visa for the investor and staff
List of Ajman Free Zones
Free Zon es
Highlights
Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)
Offers e-commerce license Offers an array of packages for investors to choose from Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
One of the oldest free zones in UAE Offers a variety of facilities, from flexi-desks to warehouses Offers freelancer permit
List of Umm Al Quwain Free Zones
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)
Allows up to 3 activities from different categories under 1 license Allows up to 10 from same category under one license Issues micro-business license and freelancer permits
There is no doubt that free zone company set up comes with an array of benefits that you can take advantage of. The UAE has introduced various initiatives to ensure that entrepreneurs can seamlessly navigate through the world of business.
Shuraa is one of the leading business setup companies in the UAE. For over 20 years, we have been helping entrepreneurs form and maintain their businesses in the country. We assure you that the entire process of your company setup will run smoothly. Our expert consultants will guide you through the entire process — from registering your business and helping you understand free zone license cost , all the way to the process of obtaining approvals from relevant authorities.
Contact our expert consultants to learn more about free zone company formation in Dubai . Call us on +97144081900 or send a WhatsApp message on +971507775554 . Additionally, you can also drop in an email at [email protected]
