INDUSTRY

Consulting & Professional Services

Free zones suited for management consultants, legal advisors, accountants, and specialist firms.

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.

3–5 working days

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.

3–5 working days

Commodities Trading, Crypto, Professional Services, Global Trade

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

26,000+ member companies, a JLT address and specialist centres for commodities, crypto, gaming and AI. Typical first year AED 35,000–50,000.

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

Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Sharjah's creative and media hub with licences from AED 5,750, 2,000+ activities and no zone audit requirement for licence renewal.

3–5 working days

Consulting, E-commerce, Creative Services, Professional Advisory

DUQE Free Zone

Free zone aboard the QE2 at Mina Rashid with published packages from AED 12,500 (AED 14,250 with one visa) and remote incorporation.

1–3 business days (estimate)

Financial Services, Fintech, Legal, Consulting, Wealth Management

Dubai International Financial Centre

The region's financial centre with 10,000+ companies, common law courts and an innovation licence for tech startups from USD 1,500 a year.

USD 1,500/yr (innovation)

3–5 days initial approval

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.

2–5 working days

Events, Trade, Professional Services, Technology, Virtual Assets

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone

Sheikh Zayed Road free zone with 1,800+ businesses, 1,200+ activities and virtual asset packages alongside VARA. Pricing on request.

From ~AED 12,000 (quoted)

1–2 weeks (estimate)

Technology, Software, IT Consulting, Digital Marketing, Telecoms

Dubai Internet City

TECOM's digital economy district with around 4,000 businesses and 31,000 professionals in software, IT and telecoms. Licence from AED 15,000 a year.

About 12 working days

Media, Advertising, PR, Broadcasting, Film Production

Dubai Media City

TECOM's media district for advertising, PR, publishing, events and gaming. Licence from AED 15,000 a year; GoFreelance from AED 7,500.

About 12 working days

Design, Fashion, Art, Architecture, Luxury Brands

Dubai Design District

TECOM's creative district for design, fashion and luxury, home to 1,000+ businesses including LEGO and TAG Heuer. Licence from AED 15,000 a year.

About 12 working days

HR, Training, Education, Coaching, Executive Development

Dubai Knowledge Park

TECOM's district for HR, recruitment, executive search and training. Licence from AED 15,000 a year plus registration and workspace.

About 12 working days