Free Zones or Free Trade Zones are specific commercial areas allowing businesses to operate with various benefits including tax exemptions. The Jebel Ali Free Zone was the first one established in 1985, marking a new era. Since then, several free zones have been established in Dubai catering to sectors like logistics, automotive, media and technology.
Here we have compiled a list of Dubai free zones scattered across the emirate.
List of Free Zone Areas in Dubai
Similar to free zones in Abu Dhabi, Dubai also has a number of free zones offering businesses a wide range of benefits. The business-friendly facilities and benefits allow companies to thrive.
The following is the list of free zones in Dubai that attract corporations from all across the globe.
Dubai CommerCity (DCC)
Located in Umm Ramool, next to the Dubai International Airport, Dubai CommerCity provides direct access to major trade routes in the Emirates. The free zone is exclusively focused on digital commerce, registering Freezone and public limited companies and branch offices.
The DCC is segmented into three different clusters namely, Business Cluster, Logistics Cluster and Social Cluster offering a number of commercial spaces for rent in Dubai CommerCity. Each Cluster features different units, for instance, the Business Cluster offers offices and workspaces. Whereas, the Logistic Cluster offers warehouses.
Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
Established pursuant to the Law No. 1 of 2000, DDA plays a major role in Dubai’s economy. The Authority provides a fostering environment for businesses supported by its strategic location and global standards. The DDA is focused on real estate planning and development, regulatory and licensing services and the development of new sectors and industries.
The following areas are included in DDA.
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Studio City
- Dubai Outsource City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Production City
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Science Park
- Dubai Design District
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority
Established in 2002, DMCC has around 24k registered companies and 87 residential and commercial towers. DMCC is also working on making its world-class mixed-used communities an ideal sustainable urban development.
The Centre currently includes Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
Other Dhabi Free Zones
Aside from the above-mentioned Dubai free zone authorities, here are some other zones that operate under different authorities.
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority)
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority)
- Dubai HealthCare City (Dubai Healthcare City Authority)
- International Humanitarian City
- Dubai Maritime City (Dubai Maritime City Authority)
- Gold and Diamond Park
- Dubai South
- Dubai International Financial Centre
- Meydan (Dubai)
- National Industries Park
FAQs
Are free zones and freehold areas the same in Dubai?
No, free zones and freehold areas in Dubai are different. The free zones are for business operations; whereas, freehold areas allow expats to own the property outright.
When was the first free zone established in the UAE?
The first free zone area, Jebel Ali Free Zone was established in 1985.
What types of businesses can I establish in Dubai’s free zones?
You can do multiple businesses related to media, tech, hospitality, retail, finance and education. However, it is recommended to check your business with the respective zone authority.
This was the complete list of Dubai free zones offering a wide range of commercial spaces. The free zones in Dubai are equipped with all the facilities and amenities required to foster a business. Moreover, companies in the free zone can also avail of 100% foreign ownership, exemption from corporate and income taxes and customs duty. If you are also planning to establish a company in a free zone, browse through these offices for rent in Dubai and choose an ideal space in a free zone.
If you are new to the emirate, here is the complete process to start a company in the Dubai free zone.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more information on the benefits of free zones.
