Dubai

The Free Zone Authority in Dubai is the government organization that handles registration formalities and issues business licenses to non-resident companies or foreign-owned businesses for company formation in Dubai free zones. Business setup in Dubai free zone brings a sea of opportunities for networking, collaborating and extensive growth in the business. The appealing tax regime and many incentives offered by the free zone authorities make Dubai the most preferred nation by an investor for company formation.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Free Zone

Free zones are the most favorable locations for business setup equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, duty and tax exemptions, world-class business amenities, flexible government policies, and unmatched facilities.

List of Free Zones in Dubai

Dubai has more than 20 free zones offering a wide range of activities for company formation:

1. Dubai Academic City Click for details
2. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) Click for details
3. Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech) Click for details
4. Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ) Click for details
5. Dubai Design District Click for details
6. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park Click for details
7. Dubai Healthcare City Click for details
8. Dubai Industrial City (DIC) Click for details
9. Dubai International Academic City Click for details
10. Dubai International Financial Centre Click for details
11. Dubai Internet City (DIC) Click for details
12. Dubai Knowledge Village Click for details
13. Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone Click for details
14. Dubai South Free Zone Click for details
15. Dubai Logistics City Click for details
16. Dubai Media City Click for details
17. Dubai Maritime City Click for details
18. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre or Jumeirah Lakes Towers Free Zone Click for details
19. Dubai Outsource Zone Click for details
20. Dubai Silicon Oasis Click for details
21. Dubai Studio City Click for details
22. Dubai Techno Park Click for details
23. Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Click for details
24. International Media Production Zone Click for details
25. Jebel Ali Free Zone Click for details
26. Economic Zones World Click for details
27. Dubai Flower Centre Click for details
28. Meydan Free Zone Click for details
29. International Humanitarian City Click for details

Dubai Academic City (DAC) is a free zone established in the year 2006 by TECOM Investments and covers an area of almost 129 million square feet. Its aim is to make Dubai an education hub, an initiative the Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is also a part of. DKV has got a large network connection with multi-national universities worldwide. Down the line, after the initiation of DAC, DKV and DAC joined their hands to boost and bring a positive slope in the educational sector.

Dubai Academic City (DAC) not only encourages or promotes educational institutions but also acts as a platform for other businesses for their setup. DAC is keenly interested in inviting foreign investors to set up their businesses in the campus and help the center and the nation grow. Let’s have a look at the business options that they provide for foreign investors.

1. Land

Being an institutional hub and a home to a lot of international institutions, the free zone does have shopping malls, retail outlets, and apartments in its arena. The center has an open option for investors who want to establish their businesses.

2. Business Spaces

Carrying out different businesses involves different types of space wherein it fits. Dubai Academic Center provides specific business spaces based accordingly the type and size of employees. These include a hot desk, executive desk, and commercial spaces.

A hot desk is generally provided to budding startups, and office space is shared among various clients operating different businesses. Executive desks are provided to businesses that have few employees. Furnished desks and chairs are provided within an area coverage of almost 100 square feet.

Moving further, they also provide commercial spaces that are mostly open spaces and are designed in such a way that the business activities can be carried out with ease. Such spaces are a bit costly as compared to the above-mentioned space categories and they also hold facilities like projectors, etc.

3. Retail and Kiosk Spaces

Dubai Academic City (DAC) has convenient retail stores and kiosk spaces inside the DIAC campus for the ease of students.

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) a place for 1600 companies from all around the globe carrying out their operations in the UAE. Established in the year 1996, DAFZA is a strategic plan of the UAE government towards an investment-driven economy. Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the fastest growing free zones in Dubai. There are various business industries present in DAFZA, like aviation, freight & logistics, IT & telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food & beverage, jewelry, and cosmetics. Dubai Airport Free Zone is located next to Dubai International Airport, which provides numerous amenities to the industries established in DAFZA. International investors reap great benefit from the dynamic growth of this Dubai Free Zone, through the free trade zone’s excellent tax and investment incentives.

Advantages of Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone

DAFZA provides many business advantages for the companies established under it. Here are some of the advantages you get for company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone:

Dubai a spectacular city of innovation and technology which has free zones for the development of every sector of the city. DuBiotech is a Dubai Free zone which was established with the aim of developing biotechnology and research. The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) was launched in the year 2005 by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, making it a world attraction for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. This is the first free zone which is built and dedicated to the research and development of life science methods. DuBiotech invites and encourages companies and investors from all around the globe to form their biotech and other related companies in this free zone and contribute their work.

Types of Business Licensing Options in DuBiotech

DuBiotech or Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park provide different clusters for companies to penetrate in, such as:

Dubai Cars and Automotive City were established in April 2000 with an aim to re-export used cars to the Asian and African markets. Also known as DUCAMZ, it is located in Ras Al Khor and has an easy access to the regional airport and seaport, including Dubai International Airport and the Jebel Ali Port as well as modern highways which link the Middle East countries. The total size of this free zone is 8 million sq. ft, making DUCAMZ free zone the largest free zone of its kind. They offer comprehensive infrastructure to meet the high demands in the automotive industry, providing competent highway connectivity and boosting all mod cons necessary to relocate cars within and outside the region.

The vehicles sold by DUCAMZ are divided into 2 categories:

1 - Left-hand drive vehicles to be exported to the local markets and fall under the regulations of the UAE

2 - Right-hand drive vehicles dedicated to African countries mostly

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in DUCAMZ

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No restriction on the number of imported cars
• Economical freight charges
• Availability of skilled workforce
• No personal income and corporate tax for 50 years
• No currency restrictions
• Hassle-free clearance from Police (traffic department), Customs, Port and Bank
• Excellent support services from Dubai Ports Authority and other service institutions such as Shipping, Insurance, Banking, Automobile Workshops and Restaurants

Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA), formerly known as Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), was launched in the year 2000 to establish Dubai as a worldwide hub for knowledge-based industries such as media, IT, fashion, movie & production, science & technology, etc. The DCCA regulates 7 industries of a total of 9 free zones. It has more than 4,500 companies currently operating and around 70,000 people working in the free zones. It is responsible for developing and implementing regulations which are in line with the global standards so that the companies can operate effectively in the free zones. The free zone is divided into 4 clusters:

The media cluster

• The education cluster
• The information and communication cluster
• The sciences cluster

There are 9 free zones in DCCA. They are:

• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Knowledge Park (formerly, Dubai Knowledge Village)
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Design District
• Dubai Outsource City (formerly, Dubai Outsource Zone)
• Dubai Production City (formerly, Dubai International Media Production Zone)
• Dubai International Academic City
• Dubai Science Park (formerly, Energy & Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech))

Benefits of Setting Up a business in DCCA

• 100% foreign ownership
• A 50-year exemption from personal income and corporate taxes
• Exemption from customs duty
• Full repatriation of capital and profits
• Convenient proximity to Dubai’s world-class airport, seaports, and major motorways
• Easy access to high-end residential accommodation
• Customized real-estate options to suit your organizational needs

Located in the heart of the city, Dubai Design District was launched in the year 2013 by the UAE’s Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The vision behind launching the Dubai Design District free zone was to build a tailor-made design hub that would foster emerging local talent and provide a home for creative thinkers. It is a global design and fashion hub and taps into the huge potential of the luxury fashion and interior design industry.

Types of Licenses Available in Dubai Design District Free Zone

There are 2 types of licenses available in Dubai District Free Zone:

The cost structure to set up a business in D3 is as follows:

Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) is the new hub for the growth of the floriculture industry in Dubai. It is located near Dubai International Airport and is established to meet the needs of the developing floriculture centre in the country. The flower centre’s first phase was finished in the year 2004 at a cost of $50 million. The construction is not yet completed and will continue in two more phases. At present, the Dubai Flower Centre has 19 tenants coming from 11 countries and is expected to serve two billion consumers once fully operational. Thus, Dubai Flower Center Free Zone apart from increasing the country’s revenue and offering jobs to the locals also allows people from other countries to take part in the industry.

Business Activities Allowed in DFC

Any activity related to perishable items like floriculture, horticulture, fruits & vegetables, etc. is allowed in DFC. The free zone also allows:

• Trading
• Logistics
• Retail

Types of Business Entities in DFC

1. Free zone Establishment
2. Free zone company
3. Branch of a foreign company

Types of Licenses Issued in DFC

There are two types of licenses issued in DFC:

• Trading License
• Service License

Founded in 2011, the flagship attraction and treasure trove of some of the finest jewels in the world, Gold and Diamond Park is another free zone in Dubai city. Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Gold and Diamond Park has become an attractive spot for the residents and also for foreign tourists visiting the city. Gold and Diamond Park has a collection of the most spectacular jewelry, precious stones, gemstones, gold, silver, platinum, and many other high-end accessories & ornaments. The Gold and Diamond Park is built with an aim of providing a bundle of all the precious jewels in the world under a single roof and making it hassle-free for customers to trade in gold and diamonds. The jewelry the park consists of is worth billions of dollars.

Gold and Diamond Park Dubai caters to and fosters:

Established in 2002 by the UAE Prime Minister and Dubai’s Ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) lies in the heart of the city and is one of the numerous specialized ‘cities-within-a-city’ in Dubai meant for healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Located beside Rashid Hospital in Bur Dubai, DHCC is at a stone’s throw distance from the serene environs of the Creek Side Park and Dubai Creek and is reachable through Sheikh Zayed Road from Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

DHCC is dedicated to excellence in healthcare and patient care across multiple specialties and is constantly adding new services and expertise under its wing to establish itself as the pioneer in global healthcare. The entire gamut of medical services is delivered at Dubai Healthcare City by eminent healthcare professionals who follow international quality standards to provide the best medical help to the patients.

Types of Business Licenses Available in DHCC

The cost for licensing and registration varies for ‘new company set up’ and ‘branch setup’. There are 3 types of business licenses available in DHCC:

1. Service License
2. Industrial License
3. Trading License

Dubai Industrial City (DIC), also known as Dubai Industrial Park, located near the Jebel Ali International Airport, was founded in 2004 and completed in the year 2015. DIC is stretched over a sprawling area of 560 million sq. ft., which now accommodates more than 200 companies, food & beverage zone, base-metal & transportation zone, warehouses, and an extensive conservation zone along with logistics, education, and other facilities. DIC is an ideal hub for investors who are targeting global markets. Dubai Industrial City (DIC) is a member of TECOM Investments and is the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Advantages of Setting Up a Business in DIC

An entire Dubai free zone which is built only for the development and growth of the industrial sector in Dubai speaks volumes of the government’s focus on industrial development in the emirate. This Dubai free zone contributes to the betterment of the companies involved in the manufacturing of goods. Companies in Dubai Industrial City enjoy the following benefits:

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No personal income tax or corporate tax
• Duty-free imports of machinery, equipment and raw material for the production
• Tariff-free access to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and MENA markets for manufacturers adding 40% value locally, as a result of UAE’s Free Trade Agreement
• Great potential for the industrial sector
• Top-notch and advanced IT infrastructure
• DIC has the world’s largest IP telephonic network
• A well-structured environment and availability of various business clusters, including some of the biggest companies
• A dynamic international community and a great opportunity for business networking and connections
• Simple company formation and availability of all basic amenities under a single roof
• Availability of skilled labor and multi-lingual experienced employees
• 24*7 security and visa facility

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) free zone is dedicated to higher education and the pursuit of intellectual growth. DIAC was launched in April 2007 to cater to the needs of the region’s growing and diverse academic community. It serves over 24,000 students from all around the world by being home to numerous national and international colleges. They have nearly 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs that are offered to these students.

Types of Entities Allowed in DIAC

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
• Branch Office  of a Local or Foreign Company

Activities Permitted in DIAC

• Higher education
• Online University
• Educational services
• Non-academic services
• Freelancing
• Branch school
• Boarding school and general activities

Established in September 2004, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s fastest growing international financial center, that caters to the financial needs of the region. This federal financial free zone aims to develop to the same stature as New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and primarily serves the global financial centers between Western Europe and East Asia due to the time-zone advantage. Since its establishment, DIFC has attracted top-notch firms across the globe, owing to its efficiency, operational transparency and core value of integrity. DIFC is home to a world-class stock exchange, the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), which was opened in September 2005.

Financial Activities Allowed in DIFC

Businesses operating in Dubai International Financial Centre free zone are allowed to perform the following activities in the region:

Types of Licenses Available in DIFC

Established in the year 1999 in the heart of New Dubai, Dubai Internet City (DIC) free zone is the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) business park in the entire Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). DIC is the typical provider of a tactical and economic platform for ICT companies which are trying to find their share in the market, and with the introduction of “in5 system” in 2013 for tech start-ups in Dubai and new entrepreneurs, it has witnessed a great boom. Located 25 kilometers from Dubai, the free zone is strategically great for attracting dynamic IT international community to set up their operations in DIC.

Business Licenses in Dubai Internet City

DIC allows all types of businesses to be set up in the free zone, but these are the most prominent licenses:

A software license in DIC is for any activity related to developing, installing and/or modifying software products of the company or of a third party.

This license must be obtained for any activity related to developing, installing, modifying, and/or operating networks or providing relevant services designed for operating network-based applications or services for self or for third parties.

An e-commerce license is required for any activity related to individual services and products to third parties through electronic media such as an internet search engine, portal, website, social media etc. for the purpose of selling goods and services.

An IT service license encompasses any activity related to developing and/or providing standardized repeatable IT-based services, which may also include security solutions, localization, training, and corporate learning.

This license should be procured for any activity related to developing and/or distributing internet or multimedia content. Other activities may include distributing goods or services via the internet, such as by providing an online platform and acting as an intermediary between multiple companies or multiple individuals.

Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is the world’s only free zone in the city of Dubai which is completely into human resource management, professional learning, and educational intelligence. It was established in the year 2003 by TECOM group. This free zone aims to develop the talent pool in the region and make the UAE a knowledge-based economy. With over 450 business partners, DKV aims to establish itself as a trusted business partner and a center of excellence for business development.

Activities Permitted in DKV Free Zone

• Computer training
• Language training
• Fine arts training
• Tutoring services
• Technical and occupational skills
• Professional and management development training
• Child skills development training
• Human resource consultancy
• Content development
• Assessment and training
• Freelancing and association

Licenses Available in DKV Free Zone

• Freelance Permit
• Commercial License

Dubai Logistics City (DLC), also known as Dubai World Central, is the world’s first platform which was built for the purpose and development of logistics. DLC has been built to promote and provide better logistic and trade facilities in the UAE. Dubai Logistics is a government initiative which is the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis. DLC is built in the neighboring region of Jebel Ali Sea Port, covering an area of 140 sq. km. This Dubai free zone is the biggest and most ambitious project taken up by the government in order to increase the trading opportunities for the Emirate but also houses other business communities like restaurants, shops, leisure facilities, and other services with a beautiful geography. Logistics-driven companies have great scope and business growth in DLC as all the amenities and benefits here are focused only on the development of the logistics and trade sector of the UAE.

Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai Logistics City Free Zone

Being the world’s biggest platform for the logistics industry, DLC provides numerous benefits for companies that start a business in it. The top benefits of starting a business in DLC are:

• It is a personalized sector built to cater to the huge requirement of logistics
• The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, free transfer of capital, and exemption from income tax
• DLC is a built-apart corridor connecting DLC via Jebel Ali Port
• The landscape covers a sprawling area providing a home to over 7000 companies, including many of the 500 fortune club companies
• There is a pre-built warehouse facility, custom built units for freight forwarders, and a separate lane for heavy vehicle movement
• DLC is into a comprehensive tax arrangement for the UAE, African and North Asian countries
• It has a well-defined distribution channel catering to African, South-East European, Middle East, and SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) countries
• The visa regulations are liberal and the workforce is easily available, with visa services for labor, transportation, and other purposes

For centuries, Dubai has attracted the interest of seafarers and global traders because of its strategic placement between Europe and Asia and witnessed the subsequent emergence as a happening trading center in 1833 when a trading port was set up in the city. A part of the Dubai World Group of companies, Dubai Maritime City (DMC) holds the distinction of being the world's first strategically-built maritime centre that has been created not only to cater to the requirements of the maritime sector, but also to provide a world-class environment for the global maritime community and act as a platform for networking and integration of different maritime businesses and services, adding extra value to the entire maritime community. The main regulatory body of DMC, the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) was created in 2007 to develop, monitor, and promote maritime activities. It aims for the maritime community to have a dynamic urban lifestyle.

The DMC structure is made up of 6 strategic locations:

• It is set up as the main business center for local and international maritime companies
• The industrial precinct where vessels can undergo repairs
• The academic quarter is designed as a study center
• The marina district which serves as a recreational center
• The harbor residence for residential purposes
• The harbor offices for maritime businesses to set up their firm

Dubai Media City (DMC) was established in January 2000, in the reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and the Prime Minister of the UAE, to transform Dubai into a knowledge-based society and economy. 

Dubai Media City offers a supportive platform for media-oriented companies to display their products and services, therefore, since its launch in 2000, more than 1,400 companies have set up their operations in this free zone including global media giants like Bertelsmann, BBC, MBC, CNN, Reuters, CNBC, Forbes, Sony, and Showtime, among others.

Business Segments in Dubai Media City

The Dubai government supports forms of business ventures under its jurisdiction and in Dubai Media City, there are business sectors you can choose from:

Dubai is the ideal hub for the financial, economic and cultural activities in all of Middle East. Dubai has clusters of free zones, among which the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the world’s premier free trade zone. It has grown into the commodity center for not just the Middle East but for the entire world. DMCC is unlike any other Dubai Free Zone but with a lot of potential and opportunity for the retail and commerce sector. 

DMCC was established in 2002, with a strategic initiative of the Dubai Government to provide a marketplace and necessary physical and financial infrastructure to run a thriving commodities market. At present, DMCC free zone is the house for almost 12,000 companies which are actively operating including both commodities and other businesses.

Advantages of Company Formation in DMCC

DMCC's facilities and free zone benefits foster all the needs and requirements of all types of business activities in the world. DMCC has been rated ‘A’ by Standard and Poors. Setting up a company in DMCC will not only bring a great brand name for your company but also you will be benefited with the following advantages:

• 100% foreign business ownership & 100% capital repatriation
• Total exemption from corporate tax and personal income tax, guaranteed for 50 years
• Easy licensing procedures for a range of business activities
• Plug-and-play office installations
• Easy lease or sale optional available for offices at competitive rates
• Immigration services to take care of all visa and work permit requirements
• Networking opportunities like events, workshops, and exhibitions
• Trade regulations and compliance standards training on a periodic basis to stay up to date on the latest in the legal framework
• Access to trading commodities like gold, diamond, and commodities of exchange
• Lucrative investment opportunities for both investors and businesses
• A regulated and secure business environment

With a purpose to cater to the demand of outsourcing companies in Dubai, the Dubai Outsource City free zone was launched in the year 2007. This place gives multiple organizations a reliable place to conduct outsourcing activities. Also called DOC, Dubai Outsource City supports HR outsourcing, IT outsourcing, back-office activities, call center operations, and business process outsourcing. Currently, there are over 120 companies housing in DOC for their back office and outsourcing activities. DOC provides the ideal platform, infrastructure, and facilities for companies wishing to set up an outsourcing business in the United Arab Emirates.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in DOC

• 100% tax exemption
• Networking opportunities
• Cutting-edge infrastructure
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Communication infrastructure based on next-generation technologies
• Dynamic international communities
• Great opportunities for channel and market development
• Metro Ethernet environment
• No currency restrictions

Dubai Production City, formerly known as International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), was established in the year 2003 as an evolving replica of Dubai Media City. IMPZ is a Dubai free zone which is leveraged towards the dedicated media and production companies in the UAE. IMPZ is an ideal Dubai free zone for nearly media companies, including broadcasting, internet, and others. The IMPZ free zone is located near Jumeirah Village South and provides many benefits for companies which are involved in printing & publishing, graphic designing, and other media-oriented activities.

Licensing and Business Activity Options

DCCA is the regulatory body which provides the necessary license as per requests. Here are a few licensing options you can choose from:

1. Printing Press License

A license granted for publishing activity.

2. General License

This license can be availed to carry out activities like travel, insurance, courier services, legal advisory, marketing, and others.

3. Designer License

The license holder of this license can take up the profession of graphic designing.

There are other licensing options available in IMPZ which companies can choose from. The business activities which can be carried out in IMPZ under the rules and regulations of DCCA are:

• Marketing
• Import and export
• Support services
• Digital and newspaper printing
• Commercial and industrial printing
• Online publishing and electronic content

Dubai Silicon Oasis was established by the Government of Dubai in 2004 and is one-of-its-kind Free Zone reputed for world-class innovation, design, and development in the field of photovoltaic, nanotechnology, electronics optoelectronic technology, and supporting industries providing equipment and materials for the production of information and communications technologies using semiconductors. It is the only technology park in the UAE to provide integrated living and working community.

Business setup in Dubai Silicon Oasis has also received a substantial boost due to its dynamic commercial and social environment, and presence of advanced industrial zones, office towers, villas & apartments, R&D units, educational institutions, and healthcare units. The DSO facilities include:

• "Plug and Play" offices and R&D centers
• Advanced logistics facilities including light industrial units, operational warehouse units, high-bay warehouses, and industrial spaces
• Shovel ready industrial land plots of varying sizes
• Excellent conference facilities including meeting rooms and lecture facility for executive presentations
• Shops, amenities, and restaurants

The government of Dubai has built Dubai South to create an environment that empowers individuals to achieve all their aspirations for the greater good of the society. Formerly known as the Dubai World Central, Dubai South Free Zone is an ambitious project by the Government of Dubai to make this free zone a largest business and aviation hub in the region. It is recognized as one of the most pioneering and exceptional projects in Dubai. The most important reason is its being host to one of the largest business events in the region – the World Expo 2020. The heart of Dubai South is just a 10-minute drive away from Jebel Ali seaport – one of the busiest ports of the world, and a 15-minute drive away from Al Maktoum International Airport – one of the largest airports in the world. It is a region that empowers everyone to achieve their ambitions and desires.

Business Activities Permissible in Dubai South Free Zone

• Agriculture
• Classification Services
• Construction & Contracting
• Financial Intermediation
• Health & Social Work
• Manufacturing, Mining & Quarrying
• Real State & Renting
• Social & Personal Services
• Trading & Services
• Transport, Storage & Communication

Launched in the year 2005, Dubai Studio City is one among the several media-driven, capitalized initiatives made by the Dubai Holding Subsidiary TECOM Investments. Also called DSC free zone, it offers the right combination of planned infrastructure, talent pool, and a dynamic business environment to support the growth of broadcast, movie, television, and music production companies in the Middle East region. It is spread across 22 million sq. ft and features pre-built studios, sound stages, warehouses, workshops, office spaces, latest satellite communication facilities, stage areas, etc.

Activities in DSC Free Zone

• Animation
• Broadcast services
• Radio station-satellite
• IP streaming
• TV network-satellite
• Film support service
• Music and entertainment
• Production (TV, film, and radio)
• Themed amusement and recreational activities

Dubai is a flourishing and the most cosmopolitan emirate in the UAE. The progressive thinking government of Dubai realizes the importance of investment in the development of technology and innovation. This futuristic thought has given rise to TechnoPark in the heart of Dubai Industrial Zone. Dubai TechnoPark (TP) is still under construction and covers an area of 21 million square meters of land. The main purpose of this innovation center in Dubai is to provide for the local and foreign investors who are willing to invest in modern technology and infrastructure. Some of the greatest techno-based companies have already started their operations in Dubai TechnoPark.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Dubai TechnoPark

The free zone is driven towards the development of future technologies and supporting companies which have their operations in this sector. Here are a few reasons advantages of setting up your tech company in Dubai TP:

• 100% foreign ownership of industrial units in case of a branch of a foreign company, or a free zone company
• Freedom of capital and profit repatriation
• Long-term lease agreement up to 15 years
• One-stop shop (including licensing and related government services)
• Easy availability of visa service
• Great road connectivity (having 8 entry points)
• Strategic location near the Jebel Ali Airport, which grants it the advantage of super-convenient air connectivity. It also has easy access to seaports and transportation through the sea.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) free zone was started with a view to providing an effective, competitive, and well-regulated business ecosystem to compete effectively in local and international markets. The free zone is under the jurisdiction of the Dubai World Trade Center Authority (DWTCA) and enjoys corporate body status, financial and administrative autonomy and full legal power to carry out its duties and activities. The World Trade Center free zone has a strategic location like the iconic World Trade Center and the adjoining Dubai Trade Center District. From an investor’s point of view, this free zone provides strong incentives for businesses to use Dubai as a springboard to enter a local or the international market. Its primary focus on hospitality, entertainment, and amenities within a periphery make Dubai World Trade Center free zone a complete, convenient, and connected business environment.

Services Provided by the DWTC Authority

1. Registration Services

For forming a new legal entity.

2. Licensing Services

Issuance and renewal of license and business operating permits.

3. Immigration Services

Issuance of entry permits and renewal of visas.

4. General and Administrative Services

Issuance of certificates for any purpose, including no-objection certificate.

Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Economic Zones World (EZW) free zone is committed to the ownership, operation, management and development of free trade zones and industrial parks under the Dubai World Group. This free zone was established in 2006 with the aim of providing a robust network of infrastructure platforms of such zones and parks across the globe with an objective to support the dynamic expansion of its booming international customer base. EZW operates as a subsidiary of DP World FZE and is a responsible and socially committed global organization which aims to deploy its evolving dynamic and customer-centric business models to grow and maintain a sustainable society wherever it operates while achieving quality commercial success for its corporate ventures. The free zone is currently operating in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

Businesses Established in EZW

The spanning of EZW's business added various major companies in it and thus fostered the growth very rapidly. EZW's current portfolio comprises many renowned regions, including:

• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – One of the world's largest free zones
• TechnoPark – A research-driven business and industrial park
• Dubai Auto Zone – An automobile industry-specific free zone

Key Benefits of Setting Up a Company in EZW

• 100% tax exemption
• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• Minimal renewal fee
• Provision to own a bank account
• Flexibility of property ownership
• No restrictions for carrying out multiple businesses

The International Humanitarian City (IHC) was created in the year 2003 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as an aid and humanitarian hub offering services and facilities to the global operations of humanitarian organizations and commercial suppliers to assist the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. IHC provides an adequate environment to foster partnership and social responsibility in a clear legal framework. IHC was launched by the government as an independent authority and is a non-religious, non-political, and non-profit organization.

The free zone offers commercial companies the opportunity to operate from a highly strategic location in a free zone environment that is adapted to their particular industry while benefitting from the attractive incentives and an array of value-added services.

Facilities in IHC

• Office space
• Warehouse facilities
• Meeting room
• Business and training facilities
• Dedicated UN building
• Auditorium and cafeteria

Established in 1985, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the flagship operation of Dubai based and state-owned ‘Economic Zones World’ (one of the world’s biggest developers of economic zones, logistics, and R&D-driven industrial parks) and offers light industrial units, land, offices, and warehouses on a long-term lease. Spread over 48 sq. km, JAFZA is one of the world’s most service-driven, customer-centric free zones. Free from red tape and restrictions, JAFZA provides its customers an environment which is most conducive to growth.

JAFZA has manifested itself as a globally renowned commercial and industrial hub, attracting crème de la crème investors from the Middle East region, Europe, the Indian Sub-continent, America, Africa, and other nations owing to its unique value-added propositions.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in JAFZA

• No restrictions on currency or minimum capital investment
• 100% foreign ownership: JAFZA allows its clients to operate as a wholly owned entity, without any need for local partnership. Moreover, the shareholder's liability is limited to the amount of its paid-up share capital
• 0% corporate tax for a period of 50 years, a concession that is renewable
• No currency restrictions and flexibility for companies to transfer any required capital
• 0% customs duties on import and/or re-export
• No restriction on hiring foreign employees
• A company established in JAFZA that has built its own facility has the convenience of mortgaging its own premises on the leased land to any bank or financing company for any of their debts or obligations
• Access to abundant energy makes this place cost-effective for clients to conduct production operations
• Presence of ready-made factories, warehouses, convention centers, on-site residential complexes, and pre-fitted offices
• Excellent infrastructure, support services, and communications

Developed around the prestigious Racecourse in Dubai, Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) serves as one of the cost-effective destinations for startups and business formation. The free zone is located in downtown Dubai and its development has led to a widespread commercial space which includes commercial properties, hotels, entertainment facilities, sports venue, and residential community. The main aim of Meydan free zone is streamlined to encourage the entrepreneurs with low-cost startups to flourish. This makes the Meydan Free Zone Authority a viable prospect for foreign investment in the heart of the international horse racing and the equestrian scene in the Middle East.

Types of Licenses Available in Meydan Free Zone

There are 3 types of licenses available in MFZ:

1. Commercial License

It allows import and export, trading of various goods and services. This free zone has not yet started providing warehouse facilities.

2. Consultancy License

It allows professionals resourcing and consultancy.

3. Media License

It includes media operations like an advertisement, marketing, and communication.

Business Activities Allowed in Meydan Free Zone

• Trading
• Import and export of goods
• Consultancy and professional services
• Advertising
• Marketing & communications

Types of Business Entities Allowed in MFZ

The following types of business entities are allowed in MFZ:

• Sole Establishment (FZ)
• Limited Liability Company (LLC-FZ)
• Branch/Representative Office