Choosing a UAE free zone
Eleven zones, what each is built for, and the five questions that decide which fits.
Eleven UAE free zones, what each is actually built for, and the questions that decide which one fits. Written from each authority's own material, with every zone page linked so you can check the detail yourself.
Start with the activity, not the zone
Every free zone licenses a list of activities. The zone that suits a consultancy rarely suits a trading company that needs a warehouse, and a media business has different needs again. Write down what you will actually invoice for first, then ask which zones license it.
The five questions that decide it
- What will you invoice for? The activity list is the first filter, and the one most founders skip.
- How many visas do you need? Visa quota is usually tied to your package or your office, so a cheap licence with no quota can cost more than a larger one.
- Do you need premises? A desk, a flexi desk, an office or a warehouse changes both the cost and the zone that makes sense.
- Where are your customers? Selling to UAE mainland companies from a free zone works, but it has rules worth understanding before you commit.
- What happens at renewal? The first year is quoted loudly and the renewal quietly. Ask for both.
The zones, and what each is for
| Free zone | Built for |
|---|---|
| IFZA | Set up in Dubai Silicon Oasis with the free zone we work beside every day, then launch the website that brings the first customers. |
| Meydan Free Zone | A fully digital Dubai free zone for founders who want to be licensed quickly, with the brand and website ready at the same time. |
| DMCC | Set up in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, then launch the brand and website your buyers will judge you on. |
| DIFC | Set up inside the Dubai International Financial Centre, then publish a website your regulator and your clients can both read. |
| JAFZA | Set up in Jebel Ali Free Zone, beside the port, and publish the capability site industrial buyers expect. |
| Dubai South | Set up beside Al Maktoum International Airport, in the district built for logistics, e-commerce and aviation. |
| Dubai Media City | Set up in the region's media district, then build the site, showreel and brand that win the work. |
| Ajman Free Zone | One of the UAE's oldest free zones, a practical base for trading, light industry and services, with the brand and website to match. |
| RAKEZ | A practical northern emirate base for industry, trading and small companies, with the website and campaigns that bring customers. |
| Shams | Sharjah Media City, built for creative and media businesses, with the portfolio site and brand that get you commissioned. |
| Creative City | A media and consultancy free zone with a simple licence, and the website that turns it into work. |
What we do not publish
Prices. Zone fees change, packages differ by activity and visa count, and a figure copied from somewhere else is worse than no figure. We quote once we know your activity, your visa count and whether you need premises, and the quote is itemised.
How to use this
Shortlist two zones against the five questions, read both zone pages, then send us the shortlist. We will tell you which one we would choose for your activity and why, including when the answer is mainland rather than a free zone.