UAE Free Zones: Compare Costs, Timelines, and Industries

E-commerce, Consulting, Trading, Media, Technology

Meydan Free Zone

A prestigious Dubai free zone offering fast digital setup, affordable packages from AED 12,500, and over 2,500 business activities for startups and SMEs.

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General Trading, Consulting, E-commerce, Technology, Freelancing

International Free Zone Authority

Dubai's fastest-growing free zone with licence-only packages from AED 12,900, 800+ activities, and a free-visa-for-life promotion for new companies.

Trading, Manufacturing, E-commerce, Logistics, Warehousing

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

The UAE's most affordable free zone with licences from AED 6,010, warehouse facilities, and 50+ industry sectors for startups to large manufacturers.

Commodities Trading, Crypto, Professional Services, Global Trade

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

The world's leading free zone with 26,000+ member companies, premium JLT address, and specialised licences for commodities, crypto, and global trade.

Import/Export, Manufacturing, Logistics, Warehousing, Distribution

Jebel Ali Free Zone

The UAE's largest and oldest free zone with direct port access, world-class logistics infrastructure, and over 9,000 companies from 140+ countries.

Media, Content Creation, E-commerce, Consulting, Freelancing

Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Sharjah's creative and media hub with the UAE's lowest licence fees from AED 5,750, 2,000+ activities, and no annual audit requirement.

Aviation, Logistics, Pharma, IT, Global Trade

Dubai Airport Free Zone

A premium Dubai free zone connected to Dubai International Airport, serving 3,300+ companies in aviation, logistics, pharma, and global trade.

Consulting, E-commerce, Creative Services, Professional Advisory

DUQE Free Zone

Dubai's most unique free zone, housed aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship at Port Rashid, with competitive packages from AED 12,500.

Financial Services, Fintech, Legal, Consulting, Wealth Management

Dubai International Financial Centre

The Middle East's leading financial hub with its own common-law courts, 4,000+ companies, and specialised licences for fintech, finance, and legal services.

Publishing, Printing, Digital Content, Translation, Education

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

The world's first free zone dedicated to publishing and print media, with licences from AED 5,750 and support for creative and digital content businesses.

Startups, Freelancing, Small Trading, Consulting, E-commerce

Ajman Free Zone

One of the UAE's most budget-friendly free zones with licences from AED 6,000, flexible instalment plans, and quick setup for startups and SMEs.

Technology, R&D, Biotech, Clean Energy, Software Development

Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park

Sharjah's innovation-focused free zone with licences from AED 5,750, R&D incentives, and a university-connected ecosystem for tech and science startups.

Events, Trade, Professional Services, Technology, Virtual Assets

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone

A premium free zone on Sheikh Zayed Road with 2,000+ companies, diverse licence options for trade, events, tech, and virtual assets, plus a mainland operating permit.

Technology, Software, IT Consulting, Digital Marketing, Telecoms

Dubai Internet City

The MENA region's largest ICT hub with 1,600+ companies including Google, Microsoft, and Meta, offering tech-focused licences under TECOM Group.

Media, Advertising, PR, Broadcasting, Film Production

Dubai Media City

The Middle East's premier media hub with global brands like CNN, BBC, and Sony, offering licences for media, advertising, and content production.

Technology, Hardware, IoT, R&D, E-commerce, Software

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai's integrated tech park spanning 7.2 sq km, combining offices, residences, universities, and R&D facilities with licences from AED 12,000.

E-commerce, Digital Commerce, Fulfilment, Online Retail, Logistics

Dubai CommerCity

The MEASA region’s first dedicated e-commerce free zone with integrated logistics, smart warehousing, and fulfilment infrastructure near Dubai Airport.

Design, Fashion, Art, Architecture, Luxury Brands

Dubai Design District

Dubai’s creative hub for design, fashion, art, and luxury brands, part of TECOM Group with a vibrant community of creative businesses near Downtown.

Higher Education, EdTech, Academic Research, Training, E-learning

Dubai International Academic City

The world’s largest free zone for higher education, hosting 27+ international universities, 500+ academic programmes, and EdTech companies.

HR, Training, Education, Coaching, Executive Development

Dubai Knowledge Park

The world’s only free zone dedicated to HR and education, home to 500+ companies including universities, training centres, and consultancies.

Pharma, Biotech, Healthcare, Life Sciences, R&D

Dubai Science Park

The region’s first free zone for science, health, and pharma — with labs, R&D facilities, and 3,600+ professionals under TECOM Group.

Printing, Publishing, Packaging, Media Production, Content

Dubai Production City

Dubai’s dedicated free zone for print, media production, publishing, and packaging, spanning 43 million sq ft with residential and commercial facilities.