UAE Free Zones: Complete 2025 Guide
Compare the top free zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Find the right zone for your industry, budget, and business model — with costs, licence types, and key facts for each.
JAFZA
Jebel Ali, Dubai · Est. 1985
World's largest free zone next to Jebel Ali Port. Ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and trading companies.
From AED 15,000/yr →
~$4,100 USD · ~£3,200 GBP
DMCC
JLT, Dubai · Est. 2002
9x Global Free Zone of the Year. Hub for commodities, fintech, and blockchain companies in JLT.
From AED 12,000/yr →
~$3,300 USD · ~£2,600 GBP
DIFC
DIFC District, Dubai · Est. 2004
Middle East's leading financial hub with independent common law courts and DFSA regulation.
From AED 15,000/yr →
~$4,100 USD · ~£3,200 GBP
Dubai Internet City
Al Sufouh, Dubai · Est. 1999
Middle East's largest tech community. Home to Google, Microsoft, Meta, and thousands of startups.
From AED 15,000/yr →
~$4,100 USD · ~£3,200 GBP
Dubai Media City
Al Sufouh, Dubai · Est. 2001
Region's premier media hub with CNN, BBC, MBC plus a thriving freelancer programme.
From AED 7,500/yr →
~$2,000 USD · ~£1,600 GBP
Dubai Silicon Oasis
DSO, Dubai · Est. 2004
Integrated tech park with DTEC startup incubator. Affordable licencing for tech and R&D companies.
From AED 12,000/yr →
~$3,300 USD · ~£2,600 GBP
DHCC
Oud Metha, Dubai · Est. 2002
Region's largest healthcare free zone. Dedicated regulatory framework for clinical and non-clinical licences.
From AED 20,000/yr →
~$5,400 USD · ~£4,300 GBP
d3 (Dubai Design District)
Business Bay, Dubai · Est. 2013
Dedicated creative hub for fashion, design, art, and luxury. Hosts Dubai Design Week.
From AED 15,000/yr →
~$4,100 USD · ~£3,200 GBP
Dubai CommerCity
Umm Ramool, Dubai · Est. 2018
World's first purpose-built e-commerce free zone with integrated warehousing and fulfilment.
From AED 9,000/yr →
~$2,500 USD · ~£1,900 GBP
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan, Dubai · Est. 2009
One of Dubai's most affordable free zones. Virtual office packages ideal for solopreneurs and small businesses.
From AED 7,500/yr →
~$2,000 USD · ~£1,600 GBP
IFZA
Dubai Digital Park · Est. 2018
Fast-growing free zone with competitive pricing and up to 3 activities per licence. Quick 2-5 day setup.
From AED 11,750/yr →
~$3,200 USD · ~£2,500 GBP
ADGM
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi · Est. 2013
Abu Dhabi's international financial centre. Common law jurisdiction with progressive virtual asset regulation.
From AED 10,000/yr →
~$2,700 USD · ~£2,200 GBP
Quick Comparison
| Free Zone | Focus | From (AED/yr) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAFZA | Logistics, Manufacturing, Trading | 15,000 | Jebel Ali |
| DMCC | Commodities, Fintech, Trading | 12,000 | JLT |
| DIFC | Finance, Fintech, Legal | 15,000 | DIFC District |
| Dubai Internet City | Technology, Software, IT | 15,000 | Al Sufouh |
| Dubai Media City | Media, Publishing, Advertising | 7,500 | Al Sufouh |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | Technology, R&D, Startups | 12,000 | DSO |
| DHCC | Healthcare, Pharma, Wellness | 20,000 | Oud Metha |
| d3 | Design, Fashion, Art | 15,000 | Business Bay |
| Dubai CommerCity | E-commerce, Fulfilment | 9,000 | Umm Ramool |
| Meydan | General Trading, Consulting | 7,500 | Meydan |
| IFZA | Consulting, E-commerce, Tech | 11,750 | Dubai Digital Park |
| ADGM | Finance, Fintech, VC | 10,000 | Abu Dhabi |
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