UAE Free Zones

UAE free zones are designated economic areas offering businesses tax exemptions, full foreign ownership, and streamlined regulations. Free zones in UAE attract global investors by fostering trade and innovation across industries like technology, logistics, and media. The UAE hosts over 40 free zones, with a comprehensive list of free zones in UAE spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. Each free zone is governed by its own authority, caters to specific sectors, providing modern infrastructure and simplified processes. Businesses thrive in UAE free zones due to benefits like profit repatriation and no currency restrictions.

Dubai hosts over 30 free zones, each offering unique benefits like tax exemptions and full ownership. Below is a detailed list of free zones in Dubai, designed to meet diverse business needs.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is Dubai’s largest free zone, focusing on logistics, manufacturing, and trading. Located near Jebel Ali Port, it spans 57 square kilometers. JAFZA hosts over 7,500 companies from 140+ countries, providing advanced infrastructure and no foreign ownership restrictions. Businesses enjoy 0% corporate tax and seamless global trade access, making it a top choice for international firms.

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) supports aviation, logistics, and tech industries near Dubai International Airport. It contributes 4.7% to Dubai’s GDP, hosting 1,600+ firms. DAFZA offers smart desk and executive office packages, 100% ownership, and tax exemptions. Its strategic location ensures fast global connectivity, ideal for time-sensitive businesses like e-commerce and freight.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the world’s leading hub for commodities trade, including gold and diamonds. Located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, it supports 20+ sectors with 21,000+ companies. DMCC provides 0% tax, full ownership, and flexible office spaces. Its vibrant ecosystem attracts firms in energy, technology, and financial services.

Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East’s largest ICT hub, fostering tech innovation. Situated 25 kilometers south of Downtown Dubai, it hosts giants like Microsoft and Dell. DIC offers 100% ownership, tax benefits, and cutting-edge infrastructure. It supports over 1,600 tech firms, making it perfect for IT and digital businesses.

Dubai Media City (DMC)

Dubai Media City (DMC) serves as Dubai’s media hub, supporting creative industries. Located near DIC, it hosts 1,300+ companies, including CNN and Reuters. DMC provides tax exemptions, full ownership, and modern facilities. It’s ideal for media production, broadcasting, and publishing firms seeking a dynamic environment.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) blends technology with residential and commercial spaces. Owned by the Dubai government, it offers tech parks with 0% tax and 100% ownership. DSO supports startups and SMEs in IT and engineering with affordable licenses starting at AED 12,900, attracting innovators globally.

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) specializes in medical services and education. Located centrally, it hosts 160+ clinical facilities and 4,000+ professionals. DHCC offers tax exemptions and full ownership, fostering healthcare innovation. It’s perfect for clinics, hospitals, and wellness businesses aiming for excellence.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a global financial hub with its own legal system. Situated downtown, it supports banks, insurance, and wealth management with 0% tax and 100% ownership. DIFC hosts 2,500+ firms, driving 12% of Dubai’s GDP, ideal for financial giants.

Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) focuses on human resource development and education. Located in Al Sufouh, it offers tax-free operations and full ownership. DKP supports training centers and universities, hosting 500+ entities. It’s the go-to for educational and professional growth businesses.

Dubai Science Park (DSP)

Dubai Science Park (DSP) is the Middle East’s first science-focused free zone. Positioned in Al Barsha South, it supports 350+ firms in biotech and pharmaceuticals. DSP offers 0% tax, full ownership, and lab facilities, attracting research-driven companies seeking innovation.

Dubai South (DWC)

Dubai South (DWC) surrounds Al Maktoum International Airport, emphasizing logistics and aviation. Spanning 145 square kilometers, it offers tax exemptions and 100% ownership. DWC hosts Expo 2020 and supports 500+ firms, ideal for trade and event-based businesses.

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) provides cost-effective setups in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It offers licenses from AED 12,900, supporting trading and consultancy. IFZA ensures 0% tax and full ownership, attracting SMEs and startups with its proximity to key hubs.

Dubai CommerCity (DCC)

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) is the region’s first e-commerce free zone near Dubai International Airport. It supports digital commerce with tax exemptions and 100% ownership. DCC offers three clusters—business, logistics, and social—for online retailers aiming to scale.

Dubai Maritime City (DMC)

Dubai Maritime City (DMC) strengthens Dubai’s maritime industry near Port Rashid. It provides tax-free operations and full ownership for 550+ firms. DMC supports shipbuilding and logistics with modern facilities, ideal for maritime trade businesses.

Gold and Diamond Park

Gold and Diamond Park caters to the jewelry trade near Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers 0% tax, full ownership, and 90+ retail outlets. The park supports factories and offices, making it a prime spot for gold and diamond businesses.

Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)

Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) in JAFZA focuses on the automotive sector. It provides tax exemptions and 100% ownership for used car trading. DAZ supports 600+ firms with warehouses, ideal for auto import-export businesses.

Dubai Logistics City (DLC)

Dubai Logistics City (DLC) enhances logistics near Jebel Ali Port and Airport. It offers 0% tax and full ownership, supporting 200+ firms. DLC ensures efficient trade with bonded services, perfect for logistics giants.

Dubai Design District (D3)

Dubai Design District (D3) fosters creative industries like fashion and design. Located in Business Bay, it offers tax exemptions and 100% ownership. D3 supports 1,200+ firms, attracting designers and artists globally.

Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)

Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) near DAFZA specializes in floriculture logistics. It provides tax-free operations and full ownership. DFC supports perishable goods trade with cold storage, ideal for floral businesses.

Dubai Textile City

Dubai Textile City in JAFZA focuses on textile trading and manufacturing. It offers 0% tax and 100% ownership, supporting 50+ firms. The zone provides warehouses, making it a hub for textile exporters.

Meydan Free Zone

Meydan Free Zone offers over 1,500 activities near Meydan Racecourse. It provides affordable licenses, 0% tax, and full ownership. Meydan supports trading and media firms, attracting entrepreneurs with flexibility.

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC)

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC) boosts trade and exhibitions downtown. It offers tax exemptions and 100% ownership, hosting 300+ firms. DWTC is ideal for event and trading companies.

Dubai Aviation City

Dubai Aviation City near DAFZA supports aerospace and logistics. It provides 0% tax and full ownership for 100+ firms. The zone offers advanced facilities, perfect for aviation businesses.

International Humanitarian City (IHC)

International Humanitarian City (IHC) aids humanitarian efforts in DIC. It offers tax-free operations and full ownership for 80+ NGOs. IHC provides warehouses, supporting relief agencies globally.

Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)

Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ) in JAFZA focuses on auto trading. It offers 0% tax and 100% ownership, hosting 200+ firms. DUCAMZ supports car imports with vast storage.

Dubai Industrial City (DIC)

Dubai Industrial City (DIC) near Jebel Ali boosts manufacturing. It provides tax exemptions and ownership for 700+ firms. DIC offers industrial plots, ideal for heavy industries.

Dubai Outsource City (DOC)

Dubai Outsource City (DOC) supports outsourcing in DIC. It offers 0% tax and full ownership for 100+ firms. DOC provides call centers, perfect for BPO businesses.

Dubai Wholesale City (DWSC)

Dubai Wholesale City (DWSC) in Dubai South focuses on bulk trading. It offers tax exemptions and 100% ownership. DWSC supports 50+ firms, ideal for wholesale distributors.

Dubai Production City (DPC)

Dubai Production City (DPC) in Al Barsha supports printing and packaging. It provides 0% tax and full ownership for 200+ firms. DPC offers studios, attracting production houses.

Dubai Studio City (DSC)

Dubai Studio City (DSC) fosters film and broadcast industries. Located in Al Qudra, it offers tax exemptions and ownership. DSC supports 300+ firms, ideal for media production.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) operates as an international financial center on Al Maryah Island. Established in 2015, it uses English Common Law. ADGM supports banking, wealth management, and fintech with 0% tax and full ownership. It hosts 2,000+ firms, overseen by three authorities: Registration Authority, Financial Services Regulatory Authority, and ADGM Courts.

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) serves manufacturing, logistics, and trade industries. Located in Al Taweela near Khalifa Port, it spans 417 square kilometers. KIZAD offers tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and top-tier transport links. It supports 1,500+ firms, providing cost-effective setups starting at AED 150,000 for LLCs, ideal for industrial growth.

Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) caters to aviation, logistics, and electronics sectors. Positioned near Abu Dhabi International Airport, it covers three airports. ADAFZ provides 0% tax, full ownership, and warehousing facilities. It hosts firms like FedEx and DHL, offering business parks and logistics support for efficient operations.

Masdar City Free Zone

Masdar City Free Zone focuses on clean energy and sustainable technology. Founded in 2006 near Abu Dhabi, it spans 6 square kilometers. The zone offers tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and streamlined licensing. Masdar City supports 1,000+ firms in cleantech, energy, and ICT, fostering eco-friendly innovation.

Twofour54 Free Zone

Twofour54 Free Zone drives media and entertainment growth in Abu Dhabi. Based on Yas Island since 2008, it hosts 600+ companies like CNN. Twofour54 offers 0% tax, full ownership, and creative infrastructure. It supports content creation and filmmaking with no minimum capital, attracting media professionals.

Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)

Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) targets heavy industries like oil and gas. Located in Mussafah, it covers 40 square kilometers. ICAD provides tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and industrial plots. Managed by ZonesCorp, it supports 500+ firms in engineering and manufacturing, ensuring robust infrastructure.

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) serves as a major hub for logistics, trading, and manufacturing. Located next to Sharjah International Airport, it spans 13 million square meters. SAIF Zone hosts over 6,500 companies from 165+ countries, offering 0% tax and full ownership. It provides warehouses and offices, ideal for businesses seeking global connectivity.

Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ)

Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) supports heavy industries like oil, gas, and manufacturing. Positioned in Sharjah’s industrial area near Hamriyah Port, it covers 30 million square meters. HFZ offers tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and industrial plots. It hosts 6,000+ firms, providing cost-effective licenses starting at AED 12,500, perfect for large-scale operations.

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) caters to media, tech, and creative industries. Launched in 2017 in Al Messaned, it supports 2,000+ firms with 0% tax and full ownership. SHAMS offers affordable licenses from AED 5,750, including studios and coworking spaces, making it ideal for startups and media professionals.

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) focuses on publishing, printing, and education sectors. Situated in Al Zahia, it provides tax exemptions and 100% ownership. SPC supports 500+ companies with offices and warehouses, offering licenses from AED 8,500. It’s a prime choice for publishers and educational firms seeking growth.

Sharjah Healthcare City (SHC)

Sharjah Healthcare City (SHC) specializes in healthcare and wellness services. Located near Sharjah Airport, it hosts 100+ firms from 50+ countries. SHC offers 0% tax, full ownership, and medical facilities. It supports hospitals and clinics with licenses starting at AED 15,000, ideal for healthcare providers.

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) drives innovation in tech and sustainability. Based in University City, it offers tax exemptions and 100% ownership. SRTIP supports 200+ firms with labs and offices, starting at AED 5,500, attracting tech startups and research entities.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) serves as a powerhouse for diverse industries across Ras Al Khaimah. Launched in 2017, it spans multiple parks, hosting 18,000+ companies from 100+ countries. RAKEZ offers 0% tax, full ownership, and licenses starting at AED 6,500. It provides warehouses and offices, ideal for manufacturing, trading, and services.

RAK Maritime City Free Zone (RMCFZ)

RAK Maritime City Free Zone (RMCFZ) focuses on maritime, industrial, and logistics sectors. Established in 2009 near Saqr Port, it covers 8 million square meters. RMCFZ offers tax exemptions, 100% ownership, and portside facilities. It supports 150+ firms with storage and shipping, perfect for maritime trade businesses.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) caters to trading, manufacturing, and education. Founded in 2000, it operates four parks across Ras Al Khaimah. RAK FTZ provides 0% tax, full ownership, and affordable setups from AED 5,000. It hosts 14,000+ firms, offering flexible facilities for global investors.

Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone

Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone targets media and creative industries. Introduced in 2006 in Al Nakheel, it supports content creation with tax exemptions and 100% ownership. The zone offers studios and licenses starting at AED 7,500, attracting 50+ media firms seeking cost-effective operations.

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA)

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) drives investment in industrial and commercial sectors. Established in 2005, it integrates with RAKEZ, offering 0% tax and full ownership. RAKIA supports 500+ firms with industrial plots and licenses from AED 6,000, ideal for heavy industries and SMEs.

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ)

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) excels as a hub for maritime, industrial, and trading activities. Located near Fujairah Port, it spans 13 square kilometers. FFZ offers 0% tax, full ownership, and licenses starting at AED 21,500. It supports 1,000+ firms, including oil and mining giants, with warehouses and proximity to Fujairah International Airport, ideal for logistics and manufacturing.

Fujairah Creative City (FCC)

Fujairah Creative City (FCC) caters to media, tech, and creative industries. Established in 2007 in Fujairah City, it provides tax exemptions and 100% ownership. FCC offers flexible packages from AED 15,000, supporting 500+ firms in audio-visual, IT, and marketing. It features coworking spaces and up to 15 visas per license, perfect for startups and freelancers.

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) serves as a dynamic hub for trade, industry, and services. Established in 1988 near Ajman Port, it spans a strategic coastal area. AFZ hosts 9,000+ companies from 145+ countries, offering 0% tax and licenses from AED 5,555. It provides warehouses, offices, and digital setup, ideal for e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics firms.

Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)

Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ) caters to media, creative, and tech sectors. Launched in 2018 in Ajman City, it supports 1,000+ firms with tax exemptions and full ownership. AMCFZ offers licenses starting at AED 5,750, including coworking spaces and studios, perfect for media startups, freelancers, and innovative businesses.

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) serves as a versatile hub for SMEs, trading, and industrial firms. Established in 1987 near Ahmed Bin Rashid Port, it spans a strategic coastal area. UAQ FTZ hosts 2,000+ companies from 150+ nations, offering 0% tax and licenses from AED 5,500. It provides offices, warehouses, and access to Dubai and Sharjah airports, ideal for startups and global trade.