Why Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis?

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a government-owned integrated technology park spanning over 7.2 square kilometres. Managed by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) under Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ), DSO is unique among free zones in combining commercial offices, residential communities, universities, and R&D centres within a single self-contained ecosystem.

Key Benefits

DSO offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and the rare ability to combine professional and commercial activities under a single licence. The zone's DTEC startup incubator provides mentorship, funding connections, and co-working space for early-stage tech companies.

Packages & Pricing

Licence packages start from AED 12,000 for a service licence with 2 visas, making DSO one of the most competitively priced premium free zones in Dubai. Flexi-desk packages start from approximately AED 28,392 annually. Total first-year setup for a small tech startup typically ranges from AED 35,000 to AED 45,000.

Location & Infrastructure

Located on the Dubai–Al Ain Road, DSO provides easy access to Dubai International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, and Downtown Dubai. The zone features modern LEED-certified buildings, fibre broadband, smart city infrastructure, and over 80 restaurants, retail outlets, schools, and a hospital.

Who Is It Best For?

DSO is ideal for hardware companies, IoT startups, software developers, e-commerce operators, and R&D-focused businesses that want a tech-centric ecosystem with live-work convenience at competitive Dubai pricing.

Dubai Silicon Oasis costs in 2026

  • Service licence with 2 visa allocations: from AED 12,000. Flexi-desk or office space is a separate cost.
  • Flexi-desk: from approximately AED 28,000 a year.
  • Dedicated office: around AED 35,000 to AED 55,000 a year depending on size and building.
  • Visa processing: AED 3,500 to AED 5,500 per visa.
  • Realistic first year for a small tech company (licence + flexi-desk + 2 visas): AED 35,000 to AED 45,000.

For the full breakdown, read our Dubai Silicon Oasis setup guide. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in Dubai Silicon Oasis

  1. Choose your activity and package. Your activity decides the licence type, what you can legally do and how banks assess your account later.
  2. Reserve your trade name. Approval usually takes 1 to 2 working days.
  3. Submit documents. Passport copy, photo, a short business description and shareholder details.
  4. Receive your licence. DSO quotes 5 to 10 working days for clean applications. Allow 3 to 5 weeks from application to visa in hand.
  5. Process visas. Establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Dubai Silicon Oasis FAQs

How much does it cost to set up in Dubai Silicon Oasis?

Licences start from AED 12,000 with 2 visa allocations. A realistic first year for a small company with a flexi-desk and 2 visas is AED 35,000 to AED 45,000.

Is DSO only for tech companies?

No. DSO also licenses services, trading, e-commerce and industrial activities. If you will not use its tech infrastructure, a general-purpose zone may be better value.

What is DTEC?

The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus is a coworking and incubation space inside DSO for early-stage tech startups. Using it is optional.

How long does DSO setup take?

The licence takes 5 to 10 working days for clean applications. Allow 3 to 5 weeks in total from application to visa in hand.

Free zone fees change. Figures are general guidance; we confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.