List of free zones in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE is one of the leading business hubs attracting global investors and entrepreneurs over the years. Its constantly evolving economy and major advancements provides the business community with opportunities to grow and thrive.

The country has three major jurisdictions where you can form your company – Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore. You can choose the most suitable location based on the nature of your business, budget and other activities you wish to conduct.

In the following blog, we will explore the list of 46 free zones in the UAE. First, let us understand what a free zone is. Free zones are also commonly known as free trade zones. These jurisdictions are essentially economic zones where goods and services can be traded, usually at favourable tax and customs rates.

What Are Free Zones?

Essentially free zones or free trade zones in UAE are business zones. They accelerate a smooth and strategic road map for not only goods but for services to be traded without tax and customs rates. Business owners in the free zone areas in Dubai have 100% ownership of the business.

List of UAE Free Zones

There are 46 Free Zones operating in the UAE, which include the following:

List of Free Zones in Dubai

There are more than 28 Free Zones operating in Dubai, which include the following:

Free Zone	Highlights
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)	One of the most economical free zones for business setup Offers e-commerce license No requirement for a physical office Provision for virtual office
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)	Named world’s number 1 free zone by Financial Times’ fDi Magazine One of two free zones that allows crypto-commodities trading Offers dual license Allows upto six activities under the same group
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)	Rated as one of the top economic zones Offers dual license Offers a variety of facilities ranging from flexi-desk to warehousing Offers e-commerce license
Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)	World’s most comprehensive marketplace for the auto industry Ideal for import, export and car maintenance
Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)	Largest free zone dedicated to the used cars industry Various facility options ranging from office spaces to showrooms
Dubai Design District (D3)	Region’s first and largest design district dedicated to art, design and fashion industry Part of TECOM group Issues freelancer permits
Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)	Hub for the floriculture industry The world’s best cool chain management
Gold and Diamond Park (DGDP)	Largest free zone dedicated to gold and diamonds business Offers e-commerce license
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)	Region’s largest integrated healthcare free zone
Dubai Industrial City (DIC)	One of the largest industrial hubs in Dubai. Part of TECOM group Home to global MNCs such as Facebook and LinkedIn
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)	Largest higher education free zone in the world. Issues freelancer permits Part of TECOM group
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)	Fastest growing international financial centre Unlike other jurisdictions, this follows the English law instead of Sharia law Well known for its stock trade
Dubai Internet City (DIC)	Largest IT hub in the Middle East and North Africa Offers e-commerce license Part of TECOM group
Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)	World’s only free zone dedicated to learning excellence and human resource management Offers freelancer license Part of TECOM group
Dubai Logistics City (DLC)	World’s first multi-modal integrated logistics platform Offers education license
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)	First location to be established to solely cater to the maritime industry in the UAE Consists of six districts, each of which focuses on a specific maritime operation
Dubai Media City (DMC)	MENA’s largest integrated media hub Part of TECOM group Offers a range of facilities across various locations
Dubai Outsource City (DOC)	First free zone in the world dedicated to the outsourcing industry Part of TECOM group
Dubai Science Park (DSP)	First free zone established to specifically cater to companies in different science sectors Part of TECOM group
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)	Home to Dubai’s first smart city, Silicon Park. Offers an array of facilities
Dubai Studio City (DSC)	A global hub for production, broadcast and entertainment Offers freelancer permit Part of TECOM group
Dubai Techno Park (DTP)	Home to some of the most high-profile companies in the technology sector Member of Economic Zones World
Dubai Textile City (DTC)	One of the largest and most convenient textile centre in the region Established as a joint venture between TEXMAS, Dubai Port, and Customs Authorities
Energy and Environmental Park (Enpark)	Designed and dedicated to environmental technology and clean energy Part of TECOM group
International Humanitarian City (IHC)	Global humanitarian and aid hub Independent free zone authority created by the Government of Dubai Offers various facilities ranging from office space to warehouses
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)	Oldest free zone in the UAE Named the flagship free zone of Dubai Ports (DP) World Offers e-commerce license Holds ISO certification
Dubai Production City (DPC)	Region’s leading media production hub. Offers freelancer permit Part of TECOM group
Dubai Wholesale City	Region’s first fully integrated wholesaler trade hub Part of TECOM group

List of Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Free Zone	Highlights
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)	Award-winning international financial centre
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)	One of the most economical free zones in Abu Dhabi Has one of the highest quality warehouses in the UAE Allows entrepreneurs to have up to 5 similar business activities
twofour54	Media and entertainment hub Offers freelancer license
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)	One of the most technologically advanced free zones Contains 5 clusters to cater to different industries
ZonesCorp	Largest operator for purpose-built industrial zones in the UAE
Masdar City Free Zone	A sustainable economic and urban development free zone Recognised as the best free zone for renewable energy by Financial Times fDi Magazine in 2016

List of Sharjah Free Zones

Free Zone	Highlights
Sharjah Media City (Shams)	One of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE Not restricted to only media-related activities. Offers freelancer permits Can register business without attested documents
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)	Has one of the largest customer bases in the world Home to some of the most prestigious companies based in the UAE Offers high quality facilities at the lowest costs
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)	2nd largest industrial free zone in the UAE Variety of facilities ranging from executive offices to customisable plots of industrial land
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)	First printing and publishing free zone in the world Can conduct up to 5 activities under 1 license without any additional fee Offers dual-license Not restricted to just printing and publishing
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)	Offers a variety of facilities ranging from office space to laboratory zones Offers dual license

List of Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones

Free Zone	Highlights
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)	One of the largest free zones in the UAE Offers customisable warehouses and plots of industrial lands for development Offers e-commerce license Located in close proximity to ports and RAK airport
RAK Maritime City (RAKMC)	One of the Middle East’s most progressive hubs

List of Fujairah Free Zones

Free Zone	Highlights
Fujairah Free Zone (FFZA)	Only access to the Indian Ocean Has the biggest oil storage space in GCC Issues e-commerce license
Creative City Free Zone Authority	Provision for virtual office Can obtain up to 20 visas under 1 license Can be formed without the requirement of visa for the investor and staff

List of Ajman Free Zones

Free Zone	Highlights
Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)	Offers e-commerce license Offers an array of packages for investors to choose from
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)	One of the oldest free zones in UAE Offers a variety of facilities, from flexi-desks to warehouses Offers freelancer permit

List of Umm Al Quwain Free Zones

Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)

Allows up to 3 activities from different categories under 1 license Allows up to 10  from same category under one license Issues micro-business license and freelancer permits

Get your free zone company formed with Shuraa

There is no doubt that free zone company set up comes with an array of benefits that you can take advantage of. The UAE has introduced various initiatives to ensure that entrepreneurs can seamlessly navigate through the world of business.

Shuraa is one of the leading business setup companies in the UAE. For over 20 years, we have been helping entrepreneurs form and maintain their businesses in the country. We assure you that the entire process of your company setup will run smoothly. Our expert consultants will guide you through the entire process — from registering your business and helping you understand free zone license cost, all the way to the process of obtaining approvals from relevant authorities.

Contact our expert business setup consultants to learn more about free zone company formation in Dubai. Call us on +97144081900 or send a WhatsApp message on +971507775554. Additionally, you can also drop in an email at info@shuraa.com and get your queries answered in no time.