All UAE Free Zones

Compare 46+ free zones across all 7 emirates. Find the right one for your business.

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Curated lists for specific business types and budgets.

All categories
Best UAE Free Zones for Freelancers
A freelancer license lets one person legally provide services in the UAE under their own name. The zones below all offer freelance permits — the difference comes down to cost, activity list, and whether you need a visa bundled in.
Best UAE Free Zones for E-Commerce
Online sellers in the UAE need an e-commerce license and often warehousing or fulfillment capacity. These free zones all support online trading — some lean toward pure licensing, others (like JAFZA and Dubai CommerCity) offer logistics integration.
Best UAE Free Zones for Trading Companies
Trading companies need flexible license activities and — for physical goods — port or customs access. DMCC dominates office-based trading, JAFZA owns sea freight and bulk goods, and cheaper zones work fine for low-volume or service-style trading.
Best UAE Free Zones for Consulting Businesses
Consultants and advisors don't need warehouses or port access — they need a service license, a credible address, and usually a visa or two. Most Dubai zones work, but cost and banking access vary widely.
Best UAE Free Zones for Tech Startups
Tech startups in the UAE generally pick between ecosystem-heavy zones (DIC, Hub71, DTEC) and low-cost generalist zones (IFZA, Shams). Ecosystem matters when you're raising capital or hiring; cost matters when you're bootstrapping.
Best UAE Free Zones for Media and Content Creators
Media and creative businesses have a few purpose-built options — Shams, twofour54, Dubai Media City, and Creative City Fujairah all cater specifically to content creators, publishers, and creative agencies with activity lists built for the industry.

All free zones

DMCC

dubai

From AED 15,000
/year

DMCC is the world's leading free zone and the largest in the UAE by number of registered companies. Located in JLT, it offers a prestigious business address and strong banking relationships. Ideal for trading companies and commodities businesses.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2002
tradingserviceindustriale-commerce

IFZA

dubai

From AED 5,750
/year

IFZA is one of the fastest-growing free zones in Dubai, known for competitive pricing and lightning-fast setup. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, it offers an excellent balance of affordability and Dubai prestige.

Setup: 1-2 business daysEst. 2018
tradingservicee-commercefreelancer

JAFZA

dubai

From AED 15,000
/year

JAFZA is the UAE's oldest and most established free zone, directly connected to Jebel Ali Port — the largest port in the Middle East. It's the gold standard for trading, logistics, and manufacturing businesses.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 1985
tradingserviceindustrial

Shams

sharjah

From AED 5,750
/year

Shams (Sharjah Media City) is one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE, offering quick setup and a wide range of business activities. Despite the media city name, it supports nearly all business types.

Setup: 1-2 business daysEst. 2017
tradingservicee-commercefreelancer

DIC

dubai

From AED 20,000
/year

Dubai Internet City is the Middle East's largest ICT hub, home to global tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. It's a TECOM community designed specifically for technology and digital businesses.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 1999
service

DIFC

dubai

From AED 50,000
/year

DIFC is the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. It has its own legal system based on English common law and an independent regulator (DFSA). Home to the world's top financial institutions.

Setup: 10-15 business daysEst. 2004
service

RAKEZ

ras al-khaimah

From AED 7,500
/year

RAKEZ is the unified economic zone of Ras Al Khaimah, combining the former RAK FTZ and RAK Investment Authority. It offers some of the most competitive pricing in the UAE with excellent warehouse and industrial facilities.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 2017
tradingserviceindustriale-commercefreelancer

DAFZA

dubai

From AED 15,000
/year

DAFZA is strategically located adjacent to Dubai International Airport, making it ideal for businesses that rely on air freight and international connectivity. Home to over 1,800 companies from 100+ countries.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 1996
tradingserviceindustriale-commerce

DMC

dubai

From AED 18,000
/year

Dubai Media City is the region's leading hub for media, marketing, and creative industries. Part of the TECOM ecosystem, it's home to major broadcasters, publishers, and advertising agencies.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2001
service

DSO

dubai

From AED 12,000
/year

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a fully integrated technology park with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. It combines a free zone with a residential community, creating a live-work-play ecosystem.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2004
tradingserviceindustriale-commerce

Dubai South

dubai

From AED 7,500
/year

Dubai South is the city within a city built around Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City. Positioned as Dubai's future economic hub, it offers competitive pricing and massive growth potential.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 2015
tradingserviceindustriale-commercefreelancer

Meydan

dubai

From AED 7,500
/year

Meydan Free Zone offers a cost-effective Dubai business license with the added benefit of a prestigious Nad Al Sheba address. Known for fast processing and competitive pricing.

Setup: 1-3 business daysEst. 2009
tradingservicee-commerce

ADGM

abu dhabi

From AED 30,000
/year

ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre on Al Maryah Island. Like DIFC, it operates under its own English common law framework with an independent regulator (FSRA). A serious competitor to DIFC.

Setup: 10-15 business daysEst. 2013
service

Hub71

abu dhabi

From AED 0
/year

Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem backed by Mubadala, Microsoft, and SoftBank. It offers startup-friendly packages with subsidized housing, office space, and health insurance. Located on Al Maryah Island next to ADGM.

Setup: Application-based, 4-8 weeksEst. 2019
service

RAK ICC

ras al-khaimah

From AED 10,000
/year

RAK ICC (formerly RAK Offshore) specializes in international company formation and holding structures. It's the UAE's preferred jurisdiction for offshore companies, trusts, and foundations.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 2006
servicetrading

AFZ

ajman

From AED 6,500
/year

Ajman Free Zone is one of the most budget-friendly options in the UAE, offering easy setup and a wide range of business activities. Located just 25 minutes from Dubai, it provides good value for money.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 1988
tradingserviceindustriale-commercefreelancer

KIZAD

abu dhabi

From AED 12,000
/year

KIZAD is one of the largest industrial zones in the world, directly connected to Khalifa Port. It's Abu Dhabi's answer to JAFZA, offering competitive pricing for manufacturing and logistics operations.

Setup: 5-10 business daysEst. 2010
tradingserviceindustrial

SAIF Zone

sharjah

From AED 9,000
/year

SAIF Zone is one of the most established free zones in the UAE, located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport. It offers excellent logistics infrastructure and competitive pricing.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 1995
tradingserviceindustrial

CommerCity

dubai

From AED 9,000
/year

Dubai CommerCity is the world's first free zone dedicated exclusively to e-commerce. Located near Dubai International Airport, it provides end-to-end e-commerce infrastructure including fulfillment centers.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2018
tradingservicee-commerce

RAK DAO

ras al-khaimah

From AED 9,500
/year

RAK Digital Assets Oasis is the UAE's newest free zone, purpose-built for Web3, blockchain, and digital asset companies. It offers a dedicated regulatory framework and competitive pricing for crypto-native businesses.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2022
servicetrading

TECOM

dubai

From AED 14,000
/year

TECOM Group manages 10 business communities in Dubai including DIC, DMC, DKP, d3, and others. If you're unsure which TECOM community fits, their unified platform helps match your activity to the right zone.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2000
service

Dtec

dubai

From AED 8,500
/year

Dtec is the largest tech coworking and startup campus in the MENA region, located within Dubai Silicon Oasis. It provides affordable startup packages, mentorship, and a thriving community of 900+ startups.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2014
servicetradinge-commerce

Masdar City

abu dhabi

From AED 15,000
/year

Masdar City is the world's most sustainable urban community, focused on clean energy and green technology. The free zone attracts cleantech, renewable energy, and sustainability-focused businesses.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2006
tradingserviceindustrial

HFZ

sharjah

From AED 9,000
/year

Hamriyah Free Zone is located along the coast of Sharjah with its own deepwater port. It's ideal for heavy industrial activities, oil & gas services, and maritime businesses.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 1995
tradingserviceindustrial

DHCC

dubai

From AED 25,000
/year

Dubai Healthcare City is the world's largest healthcare free zone, designed for medical professionals and healthcare companies. It has its own regulatory body and is a one-stop destination for healthcare business setup.

Setup: 10-15 business daysEst. 2002
service

twofour54

abu dhabi

From AED 15,000
/year

twofour54 is Abu Dhabi's media and entertainment free zone. Named after Abu Dhabi's geographic coordinates, it's the creative hub for the region's media, gaming, and entertainment industries.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2008
service

d3

dubai

From AED 20,000
/year

d3 (Dubai Design District) is the creative heart of Dubai, purpose-built for the design, fashion, and luxury sectors. Located in the Business Bay area, it hosts Dubai Design Week and attracts global fashion and design brands.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2013
servicetrading

DWTC

dubai

From AED 15,000
/year

DWTC Free Zone is located at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers a prime central Dubai address and is popular with professional services firms that need a prestigious location.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2015
servicetrading

Ajman Media City

ajman

From AED 5,500
/year

Ajman Media City Free Zone provides affordable media and general business licenses in Ajman. One of the cheapest options in the UAE with quick processing, it's popular with freelancers and small businesses seeking cost savings.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 2016
servicetradinge-commercefreelancer

KEZAD

abu dhabi

From AED 10,000
/year

KEZAD Group is Abu Dhabi's mega economic zone combining KIZAD, ZonesCorp, and other industrial zones under one umbrella. It spans 550+ sq km and hosts 2,000+ companies. It's the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub in the region.

Setup: 7-14 business daysEst. 2010
tradingindustrialservice

FFZ

fujairah

From AED 8,000
/year

Fujairah Free Zone benefits from the emirate's strategic location on the Gulf of Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz. It's particularly attractive for oil storage, bunkering, and maritime businesses.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 1987
tradingserviceindustrial

UAQ FTZ

umm al-quwain

From AED 5,500
/year

UAQ Free Trade Zone is one of the most affordable business setup options in the UAE. Located in the quiet emirate of Umm Al Quwain, it offers a no-frills approach with competitive pricing.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 1988
tradingserviceindustriale-commerce

Creative City

fujairah

From AED 5,500
/year

Creative City Fujairah offers affordable media and consultancy licenses with minimal requirements. It's a popular budget alternative to Dubai's media-focused free zones.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 2007
servicefreelancer

DSC

dubai

From AED 18,000
/year

Dubai Studio City is a TECOM community designed for the film, TV, and broadcast production industry. It features purpose-built studios and production facilities, making it the hub for Middle Eastern media production.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2005
service

DKP

dubai

From AED 16,000
/year

Dubai Knowledge Park is a TECOM community focused on education, training, and human resource development. It's home to international universities, training institutes, and HR consultancies.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2003
service

AFZA

ajman

From AED 6,000
/year

AFZA is the newer of Ajman's two free zones, focused on e-commerce and digital businesses. It offers virtual company formation and is one of the most straightforward zones for remote businesses.

Setup: 2-3 business daysEst. 2014
tradingservicee-commerce

ZonesCorp

abu dhabi

From AED 10,000
/year

ZonesCorp (Abu Dhabi Industrial City) is the largest operator of purpose-built industrial zones in Abu Dhabi. It manages over 40 million sqm of industrial land across multiple locations, focused on manufacturing and logistics.

Setup: 7-10 business daysEst. 2004
tradingserviceindustrial

KPFZ

abu dhabi

From AED 12,000
/year

Khalifa Port Free Zone sits adjacent to Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi's main commercial port. It offers integrated logistics solutions with direct port access, warehousing, and industrial land for manufacturers and traders.

Setup: 7-10 business daysEst. 2010
tradingindustrialservice

DIAC

dubai

From AED 15,000
/year

DIAC is the world's only free zone dedicated to higher education. Home to 25+ international university campuses, it also hosts EdTech companies, training centres, and education consultancies. Located adjacent to Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2007
service

SPC

sharjah

From AED 6,000
/year

Sharjah Publishing City is the world's first free zone dedicated to publishing and printing. Building on Sharjah's UNESCO designation as World Book Capital, it serves publishers, printers, and content creators.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2017
servicetrading

DOC

dubai

From AED 14,000
/year

Dubai Outsource City (now Dubai Outsource Zone) is part of the TECOM ecosystem, focused on outsourcing, shared services, and back-office operations. It provides cost-effective office solutions for BPO companies.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2007
service

Arada FZ

sharjah

From AED 7,000
/year

Arada Free Zone is part of the Aljada megaproject in Sharjah, combining business setup with a modern community. It offers competitive pricing and a growing ecosystem as part of Sharjah's largest mixed-use development.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2020
tradingservicee-commerce

RAK Maritime

ras al-khaimah

From AED 9,000
/year

RAK Maritime City is a dedicated maritime free zone serving shipping, logistics, and marine services companies. Located on the RAK coastline with direct sea access, it offers competitive packages for maritime businesses.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2008
servicetradingindustrial

SRTI Park

sharjah

From AED 8,000
/year

SRTI Park is Sharjah's dedicated research and innovation free zone, located at University City. It focuses on technology companies, R&D centres, and innovation-driven businesses with strong ties to Sharjah's universities.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2016
serviceindustrial

FMFZ

fujairah

From AED 6,000
/year

Fujairah Media Free Zone, not to be confused with Creative City Fujairah, offers media and general business licenses at competitive rates. Located in Fujairah city, it serves companies looking for affordable UAE presence with less competition.

Setup: 3-5 business daysEst. 2007
servicetradingfreelancer

UAQ Industrial

umm al-quwain

From AED 7,500
/year

UAQ Industrial Free Zone provides industrial and warehouse facilities at some of the lowest rents in the UAE. Ideal for manufacturing, packaging, and storage businesses that need physical space without Dubai price tags.

Setup: 5-7 business daysEst. 2012
industrialtrading