List of Free Zones in UAE: Free Trade Zone in UAE
Entrepreneurs all over the world look up to Dubai as an attractive destination for businesses due to its pro-business environment. The government of Dubai is committed to support and nurture businesses, which eventually attracts entrepreneurs. List of free zones in UAE are another primary reason to have your business setup here.
What Are The Free zones in UAE?
Also known as free trade zones, the list of free zones in UAE are economic areas where you can trade goods and services at preferential tax and customs rates. They were set-up to offer benefits like 100% foreign company ownership and, thus, boost international business in the region. Free zones in UAE list provide a lot of benefits and facilities to the businesses.
Privacy-conscious entrepreneurs find the free zones in UAE quite reliable due to no open directory of company ownership. Also, the public is never exposed to company information, such as details of shareholders.
UAE has more than 50 free zones. Out of those, we have mentioned the list of free zones in UAE and nearby locations. If you are wondering which free zone to choose in the Dubai area only, then we have listed the top 10 for you to check out.
Wondering how many free zones in Dubai are available? With more than 30 free zones, we have listed out the 10 best free zones in dubai
Free Zones in UAE List
|
Free Zones in Dubai List |
CEO/ Founders |
| Dubai Airport Freezone Authority | Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni. |
| Dubai Design District | Mohammad Saeed Al-Shehhi |
| Dubai Healthcare City | Dr Amer Al Zarooni |
| Dubai Internet City | Ammar Al Malik |
| Dubai International Financial Centre | Arif Amiri |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) | Al Zarooni |
| International Media Production Zone | Nabeel Tarif Bata |
| Dubai World Central (Dubai South) | Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum – |
| Dubai Studio City | Majed al Suwaidi |
| Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) | Abdalla Al Ali |
| List of Free zones in Abu Dhabi | |
| Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone (ADGMFZ) | Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh |
| abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) Free Zone | H.E. Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi |
| Abu dhabi free zone | Bryan Thompson |
| TwoFour54 | Maryam Al Mheiri |
| Masdar City Free Zone | Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi |
| Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) | Khaled Salmeen |
|
List of Free Zones Fujairah |
|
| Fujairah Free Zone | Sharief Habib Al Awadhi |
| Creative city fujairah | Amgad Badar Shurrab |
|
Free Zones Ras al khaimah |
|
| Ras al khaimah economic zone | Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi |
|
Free Zones in Sharjah |
|
| Sharjah media City | Dr. khalid omar al midfa |
| Saifzone | Khaled Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qasimi |
| Other List of Free Zones in UAE | |
| Ajman Free Zone | Fatma Mohammad |
| Jafza | Mohammed Al Muallem |
| Umm al quwain free trade zone authority | Sheikh Khalid bin Rashid al Mualla |
List ofFree Zones in UAE (Dubai)
1. Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA)
Being one of the most advanced and prestigious free zones in Dubai, Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) provides an excellent base for doing business in the Middle East. It is located next to the Dubai International Airport, which helps in the fast processing of paperwork and rapid clearance. It offers total ownership, world-class infrastructure, full repatriation of earnings, business-friendly environment and tax exemptions.
This free zone dubai airport will help you to determine your business formation type and acquire the service or trade license. After the establishment of your company, it will offer leasing options in fully serviced industrial units and offices. The businesses and their employees are provided pathways to visa application and acquisition by DAFZA.
Founder: Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni.
Address: PO Box 491 Dubai UAE
Email: sales@dafz.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
2. Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District (d3) will surpass your expectations of a typical creative neighborhood by its creative ecosystem. It stands as a leading destination of art, culture, and design. Being built as part of the Dubai Plan 2021, it offers digital connectivity for creating an innovation-led economy, making it one of the top free zones in Dubai.
The creatives can live, work and hustle here. Local talent can work alongside international fashion, design and art houses while aspiring designers can learn their trade. If you have a creative mind, then Dubai Design District is the place where you should be for fulfilling your dreams!
Founder: Mohammad Saeed Al-Shehhi
Address: Dubai Design District, PO Box 333 300
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Contact: +971 4 433 3000
Google Map link: Click Here
3. Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone is a destination of health and wellness. It facilitates corporations as well as individuals for enjoying the vibes of the central healthcare districts, advancing their healthcare services and engaging with the community. It’s the best free zone in Dubai for healthcare professionals!
It has about 160 clinical partners which include diagnostic laboratories, outpatient medical centers, and hospitals. Its 150 plus specialties have licensed professionals from almost 90 nations. DHCC offers 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, customs duty exemption as well as 50-year exemption from corporate and personal income taxes.
Founder: Dr. Amer Al Zarooni CEO
Address: Dubai Healthcare City, P.O. Box 66566, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Email: info@dhcc.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
4. Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City (DIC) provides a knowledge economy ecosystem designed to support the business development of ICT (information and communications technology) firms. It is the biggest ICT infrastructure in the Middle East. DIC has developed an ecosystem for technology organizations by carrying forward the vision of transitioning Dubai into a knowledge-based economy. It is home to the most recognized and prestigious global ICT companies such as Microsoft, HP, Dell, IBM, Logica, Schlumberger, Siemens, Cisco, Sony Ericsson, and Canon. This makes it one of the top free zones in UAE (Dubai) to work with!
DIC offers various cost-effective solutions through a facility called Firststeps@dic which will enable to work alongside existing and future enterprises operating within DIC, scout for collaborative ventures or new business, conduct feasibility studies and evaluate future potential. It provides 100 % foreign ownership, a 50-year exemption on income, corporate and personal taxes, metro ethernet environment, the dynamic international community as well as digital voice and high-speed data services.
Director: Ammar Al Malik
Address: Dubai Internet City, PO Box 73000, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Email: NA
Google Map link: Click Here
5. Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the different free zones in Dubai as it looks upon the operational management, administration, and strategic development of the financial companies in Dubai. It has a global reputation for maintaining international standards along with business and employment creation. The legal, regulatory, and physical infrastructure of DIFC fulfills all the requirements of the financial and professional services community. Its program of financial risk management, competitive benchmarking and resource alignment ensure the financial sustainability of the companies established in its center. If you’re looking out for great finances help, then this is the best free zone in UAE that is result-oriented.
DIFC offers 100% foreign ownership, a 50-year tax exemption on profits and income, freedom to repatriate profits and capital and access to a wide network of double taxation treaties.
CEO: Arif Amiri
Address: Dubai International Financial Centre, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: +971 4 362 2222
Google Map link: Click Here
6. Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) is completely owned by the Government of Dubai and it provides both working for a living integrated community. The companies operating within the tech park of Silicon Oasis are offered a free trade zone in Dubai related incentives. For its high-tech ecosystem, it has six key elements such as universities and an incubation center, a high-tech infrastructure, business services, startups, and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises as well as venture capital funds.
The lifestyle and residential facilities of the DSO community include hospitals, shopping complexes, tennis courts, universities, schools, community centers, and swimming pools. It has been landscaped with children’s play areas, green parks and interconnected courtyards along with a fully completed road network and 24-hour security. This free zone in UAE has a work-life balance sorted for its businesses!
CEO: Al Zarooni
Address: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: inquiries@dso.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
7. International Media Production Zone
International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) caters exclusively to companies in publishing, packaging and graphic arts industries. It provides an environment of growth by forming a unique free zone in Dubai that incorporates community service, residential, industrial and commercial projects.
IMPZ has been created to fulfill Dubai’s vision of developing itself into a global media hub. For fostering and supporting the growth of media production, it provides sophisticated technology, community infrastructure, and a pro-business environment.
CEO: Nabeel Tarif Bata
Address: Centrium Tower 4 Entrance Rd, Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Email: NA
Google Map link: Click Here
8. Dubai World Central (Dubai South)
Dubai World Central (DWC) is the largest list of free zones in UAE (Dubai). It is strategically located near Jebel Ali Sea Port and conveys a huge number of activities in businesses such as logistics, residential, aviation and exhibition.
The headquarters of DWC is close to Commercial District, Exhibition District, Logistics District, Residential District, Business Park Aviation, Humanitarian District, Golf District, Aviation District and Al Maktoum International Airport. As a result, it serves as a strategic platform for the growth and expansion of aviation, logistics and light industries. If you belong or your clients belong to these industries, then this will be the best free zone in UAE for you.
Chairman: Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Address: P.O. Box 282228, Dubai South, UAE
Email: info@dubaisouth.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
9. Dubai Studio City
Looking for a free zone in Dubai for film shootings? Check out Dubai Studio City (DSC) as it makes possible to shoot a film from its very beginning to the end in one single location. It provides cutting-edge services and facilities and to companies across the sectors of entertainment, film production, TV, broadcasting and music. It offers outstanding recording studios, production offices, production services, water tanks, sets, backlots and the largest Sound Stages out of all different free zones in UAE.
DSC offers 100% business ownership, a 50-year exemption from corporate, income and personal taxes, lower operating costs and no customer’s duty. It is striving to become a service provider on the levels of Hollywood. The community area of DSC has schools, residential buildings, leisure centers, training institutes and hotels.
Managing Director: Majed Al Suwaidi
Address: Dubai Studio City, Motor City, P.O.Box: 53777, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Email: info@uaefreezones.com
Google Map link: Click Here
10. Dubai Multi Commodities Centers
Being designed for trade, Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC), this free zone in Dubai has everything for building, setting up and growing your business. The Financial Times magazine has crowned as the ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ 3 times. It is home to excellent transport, world-class services, innovative infrastructure, and vibrant community.
DMCC is a global center to more than 13,000 businesses from energy, agro and financial service. It provides 100% foreign ownership, assistance with UAE government-related services and sponsorship of employees.
IT Director: Abdalla Al Ali
Address: Dubai Multi Commodity Centre, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Email: info@uaefreezones.com
Google Map link: Click Here
This list of free zones in UAE will be helpful for you if you are looking to start a new venture in Dubai. The free zones of Dubai have led to excellent opportunities for job seekers too. For the ones interested in such opportunities, they should do research to know about free zone employment visas and free zone vacancies in Dubai. One should also have a sound knowledge about the free zone visa Dubai rules before applying for a visa.
Also Read : Top 30+ Startups in Dubai
If you’re looking for alternatives nearby Dubai area, then here are some listed Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
List of Free Zones in UAE (Abu Dhabi)
1. Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) provides access to the growth opportunities emanating from South Asia (MEASA) region, Africa, UAE, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the wider Middle East. The Registration bureau, courts, and the financial services regulator are the 3 independent authorities of ADGM.
By fostering competition and collaboration, it provides a favorable business and environment. It sustains an effective financial ecosystem and drives a culture of innovation. It is one of the top free zones in UAE and Abu Dhabi area.
Chairman: Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh
Address: ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, PO Box 111999, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Email: info@adgm.com
Google Map link: Click Here
2. Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC)
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) facilitates the diversification of the national economy as well as enables development and trade. It ensures efficient operation across the commercial seaports of Abu Dhabi.
ADPC supports logistics, tourism, leisure activities, fishing, and local industries. The New Mussafah Channel is also operated by ADPC. This free zone in Dubai and the UAE area is the reason behind Abu Dhabi’s broad-based economic future.
Chairman – H.E. Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi
Address: Mina St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Email: customerservice@adports.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
3. Abu Dhabi Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Free Zone takes advantage of Free Zone incentives available at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport for helping foreign companies to grow their businesses. It provides easy and quick registration and licensing, tax incentives and premium services.
The additional benefits by Abu Dhabi free zone include online customer service, 24 hours access to facility, fast and efficient cargo clearance services, land with easy access to the airport apron, on-site customs inspection, and one-stop-shop administration services. This is one of the most sought after free zones in UAE and Abu Dubai.
CEO: Bryan Thompson
Address: P.O. Box 94449 Abu Dhabi, UAE
Email: +971 2 505 3403 / 3425
Google Map link: Click Here
4. TwoFour54
TwoFour54 aims to stimulate professional and creative partnerships by creating a supportive and collaborative campus community. It provides business support services for media forms, office space, talent development initiatives and production facilities.
About 450 companies of the creative industries are encompassed by this free zone of Dubai and UAE region. These companies include International brands like Cartoon Network Studios, CNN and Sky News Arabia.
CEO: Maryam Al Mheiri
Address: Sheikh Zayed Street, Opposite Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: info@twofour54.com
Google Map link: Click Here
5. Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City’s free zone is initiating a ‘green print’ so that cities could dramatically reduce waste, energy, and waste. It uses energy from rooftop solar technology. It provides 100% foreign ownership, exemption on personal and individual taxes, zero currency restrictions, intellectual property protection and ability to move profits and capital outside UAE without any restrictions.
The business categories permitted by the Masdar City free zone are community services, marketing and events, energy Industry, business Centre and data centers, property development services, oil and gas services, healthcare services, human resources development, cleantech & ICT as well as renewable energy.
Address: Masdar City, Post Box 54115, Near Presidential Flight / Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: JoinFZ@masdarcityfreezone.com
Google Map link: Click Here
6. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) provides business solutions that are ideal for trade, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. Being linked to Khalifa Port, KIZAD is one of the most advanced deep-sea ports in the world. The industrial zone value and strategic joint port proposition help in the transportation and manufacturing sectors effectively.
It offers customized business facilities spread across its domestic tariff areas and free zone for businesses and startups under it. This is one of the best free zones in UAE and Abu Dhabi for manufacturing and logistics companies.
CEO: Khaled Salmeen
Address: P.O. Box 54477, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Email: customerservice@kizad.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
List of Free zones in UAE (Fujairah)
1. Fujairah Free Zone
Fujairah Free Zone offers excellent opportunities for large companies and startups. It is close to the Port of Fujairah and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, which gives businesses access to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.
It provides multi-access to global and neighbouring markets, full investment security, cost-effective and efficient investment facilitation as well as investor-oriented facilities.
Address: PO Box 1133, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Email: freezone@emirates.net.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
2. Creative City Fujairah
Creative City offers professional assistance along with customized business and service packages for its clients. It provides 100% ownership, flexible business packages, international lease and complete support services. This free zone offers benefits to the entertainment and media industries, which are similar to those offered by the best free zones of UAE undertaking businesses of entertainment and media sectors.
Fujairah Creative City offers licenses for Information Technology Services, Music and Entertainment, Broadcasting, Publishing, Consultancy, Marketing and Media Services as well as Management of broadcasting.
Founders: Amgad Badar Shurrab
Address: Creative Tower, P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah
Email: info@ccfz.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
List of Free Zones in UAE (Ras Al Khaimah)
1. Ras Al Khaimah economic zone
With its strategic location, the Ras al Khaimah economic zone (RAKEZ) connects investors to the markets of Europe, South and Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. This free zone of Dubai and UAE would help a startup or a business to gain investments from potential investors of the mentioned regions.
It offers 100% ownership & profit repatriation, cost-effective Flexi facilities, industrial land and cost-effective warehouses.
CEO: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Address: PO Box 10055, Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Email: info@rakez.com
Google Map link: Click Here
List of Free zones in UAE (Sharjah)
1. Sharjah Media City
Being the latest free zone in Dubai and UAE, Sharjah Media City focuses on media-related licenses . The most common businesses in Sharjah Media City are investment consultancy, graphic design, e-commerce, media, marketing and trading.
It provides 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits gained and capital invested, 100% duty exemption for export and import of goods as well as 100% exemption from all commercial deductibles by the state government.
Address: Sharjah Media City (Shams), Al Messaned, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Email: info@shams.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
2. Saifzone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) provides an unlimited workforce to support businesses and makes the transition to a new workplace smoother. The simplicity of process and speed of service are the highlights of the SAIF ZONE. The licenses offered by SAIF ZONE are service, industrial, trade, general trading and commercial licenses.
It provides SAIF zone labour accommodation, 100% foreign ownership, an exemption for corporate and personal taxes, land on lease, temporary warehouses, offices and industrial park. No doubt, this free zone is ideal for those won’t have the options to choose free zones in UAE.
CEO: Khaled Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qasimi
Address: NA
Email: info@saif-zone.com
Google Map link: Click Here
Other List of free zones in UAE
1. Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone provides an excellent environment for investment capital for businesses and startups. It provides unlimited usage of Flexi desk, warehouses and sea port within its trade zone, fast registration as well as multiple installments plans.
It offers 100% foreign ownership, exemption from import and export duties, easy access to low-cost labour, exemption from personal income tax as well as competitive prices on facility usage, leasing and power.
CEO: Fatma Mohammad
Address: Ajman Free Zone, Shk.Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Email: info@afz.ae
Google Map link: Click Here
2. Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)
JAFZA was the world’s 1st free zone to win ISO certification. This free zone of Dubai contributes about 21% to Dubai’s GDP on an annual basis. The employment of more than 144,000 people in the UAE is sustained by Jafza.
It provides unlimited and exciting opportunities for industrial development. JAFZA offers seamless visa processing, warehouses, retail units, offices, staff accommodation.
CEO: Mohammed Al Muallem
Address: Ground Floor, Jafza Building No. 15, Jebel Ali Free Zone
Contact: +9714 445 3270
Google Map link: Click Here
3. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone ensures easy access to the rest of the world as it is situated close to the primary seaports of UAE. The Sharjah International Airport and Dubai International Airport are also within 1 hour’s drive from this free zone. It offers Customer-friendly approach, excellent growth opportunities, investor-friendly climate as well as ease and flexibility of doing business.
It provides 100% company ownership, 100% repatriation of profits and capital, 100% exemption on import and export taxes, fast registration process, warehouse and office.
Director: Sheikh Khalid Bin Rashid Al Mualla
Address: PO box 7072, umm al quwain, united arab emirates
Email: info@uaqftz.com
Google Map link: Click Here
FAQ’S: About Business Setups in Free Zones in UAE
1) Types of business you can do in Free Zones?
You can do all types of business, from hospitality, retails, Finacial, education, or media.
2) What is the process of business setups in Free Zones in UAE?
- Apply for the business licenses
- Choose Office space
- Choose a trading name
- Register your business
- Choose the type of legal entity
3) Any Capital investment for business setups?
The business investment requirement depending on business types.
4) Which type of business licenses?
- Media
- Education
- Industry
- E-commerce
- Freelancer
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse
- Commercial etc
5) Which kind of Business Activities can you do in Free Zones?
- TV production
- Animation
- Gaming
- Radio
- Flim Productions
- Advertisement
- Videography/Photography
- Software Development
- Educational
- Arts and Theaters etc.
6) Which types of Business in Free Zones?
- Events and Festivals
- Brand / Advertisement Agency
- Exhibitions
- Information Services
- Financial Services
- Education
- Hospitality etc.
7) What are the requirements for registration, approvals, and license?
- Completed application form.
- Copy of registration certificate or existing trade license.
- Passport copies of the company director/ shareholders/ managers.
- Two years of audited financial reports.
- NOC from current investors or sponsors.
- Registry identification code from manager/ director.