Why choose Dubai International Academic City?

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is TECOM Group's higher education district, with more than 27,000 students and academics and branch campuses of universities from the UK, Australia and India. It licenses universities, schools, training and education businesses.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership through an FZ-LLC or branch.
  • A dedicated education ecosystem and student community.
  • Purpose-built academic facilities.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

Dubai International Academic City costs in 2026

  • Registration: AED 3,500 one-time for an FZ-LLC.
  • Licence: AED 15,000 a year per activity segment; education segments allow only 1 to 2 activities.
  • Workspace: required. TECOM's D/Quarters co-working starts from AED 1,200 a month for a shared desk (1 visa), AED 2,500 for a dedicated desk (2 visas) and AED 5,000 for an office.
  • Share capital: AED 10,000 for an FZ-LLC by default (DIAC requires AED 50,000).

Education activities usually need sector approvals in addition to the licence. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in Dubai International Academic City

  1. Choose your entity: FZ-LLC, branch of an existing company, or a freelance permit where eligible.
  2. Choose your segment and activities: the licence fee is charged per activity segment.
  3. Get provisional approval: the Dubai Development Authority quotes about 10 working days.
  4. Register and receive your licence: about 2 more working days, once workspace is in place.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is Dubai International Academic City best for?

Universities, colleges, training institutes, education providers and edtech businesses that want to be part of an academic community.

Dubai International Academic City FAQs

Do I need a local partner?

No. An FZ-LLC can be 100% owned by individuals or companies.

How long does setup take?

About 12 working days on the Dubai Development Authority's service levels: around 10 for provisional approval and 2 for registration. Visas follow.

How many visas can I get?

It depends on your workspace. A D/Quarters shared desk supports 1 visa, a dedicated desk 2, and an office 2 or more.

What share capital does DIAC need?

AED 50,000, higher than the AED 10,000 default elsewhere in TECOM.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; where an authority does not publish prices we say so. We confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.