Dubai South vs JAFZA: Side-by-Side Comparison
JAFZA is the established sea port powerhouse with deep industrial and logistics infrastructure. Dubai South is newer, centered around Al Maktoum Airport (Expo legacy), with growing logistics, aviation, and light industrial presence.
- E-commerce
- Logistics
- Freelancers
- Import/export
- Manufacturing
- Logistics companies
- Affordable for Dubai
- Future growth area
- Airport proximity
- Port connectivity
- Customs advantages
- Huge warehouse options
- Remote location
- Still developing
- Limited amenities currently
- Premium pricing
- Far from city center
- Not ideal for service-only businesses
Still not sure which fits your business?
Take our 2-minute quiz and get personalized matches ranked by your budget, timeline, and activity.
Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| Dubai South | JAFZA | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | dubai |
| License from | AED 7,500/yr | AED 15,000/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 7,500 | AED 15,000 |
| Setup time | 2-3 business days | 5-7 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 2015 | 1985 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer | trading, service, industrial |
| Office options | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office, warehouse | private office, warehouse, industrial unit, land lease |
Cost breakdown
Dubai South
- License (starting from)
- AED 7,500/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 7,500
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,500
- 3 visas
- ~AED 9,000
JAFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 15,000
- Visa packages
- 3 visas
- ~AED 12,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 20,000
- 10 visas
- ~AED 30,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick Dubai South if
You need established sea port access and proven industrial infrastructure.
See full Dubai South profilePick JAFZA if
You're in aviation, aerospace, or want to position near the new Dubai airport hub.
See full JAFZA profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Dubai South or JAFZA?
Dubai South is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 7,500/year vs AED 15,000/year for JAFZA — a difference of AED 7,500 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at Dubai South vs JAFZA?
Dubai South advertises 2-3 business days and JAFZA advertises 5-7 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
What license types does each offer?
Dubai South issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. JAFZA issues trading, service, industrial licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.