Free Zones in Dubai

Free trade zones are places where companies and individuals can do business without paying taxes. They are usually located in the city centre. Dubai has many free zones, which are not taxed by the government. As well It offers different opportunities for any business to expand. There are many free zones that provide a certain tax advantage to certain companies. These zones are often referred to as “free zones”.

The Dubai Free Zone Authority is an organisation whose aim is to promote and protect Dubai’s free economic zones. It is based on Al-Shaikh Zayed Road, next to Dubai International Airport and it was established on 15 December 2006 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( Ruler of Dubai ).

The biggest advantage of investing in the Dubai Free Zone is that there is no need for a partnership. Investors get 100% ownership of their business.

What are the reasons to set up a business in one of Dubai’s Free Zones

There are currently 24 free zones in Dubai and clearly one of the biggest advantages is the total tax exemption on your business. The tax exemption is an ideal option for foreign companies and business owners who want to use the UAE for regional manufacturing or as a distribution base. Entrepreneurs should note that in order to successfully register and operate the business, the appropriate licenses and approvals are required.

The following are the prerequisites for setting up in one of Dubai’s free zones:

Choosing a company name
Applying for a business licence
Renting or purchasing an office
Obtaining other pre-approvals

Let us start with the most important free zones in Dubai and UAE

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA)

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), now known as the Dubai Development Authority, is an organization that has a mandate to develop the creative and knowledge industries in the city. The DCCA oversees the following free zones in Dubai:

Dubai Media City

This is one of the most popular free zones in Dubai among entrepreneurs. It offers a range of services and facilities for businesses in the media, advertising, marketing, and PR industries.

Dubai Production City

This free zone is focused on the production, trade, and distribution of media and entertainment products. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries.

Dubai Studio City

This free zone is focused on the film, TV, and music industries. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries, including studios, post-production facilities, and more.

Dubai Knowledge Park

This free zone is focused on the education and training industries. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries, including universities, training centers, and more.

Dubai International Academic City

Dubai Science Park

This free zone is focused on the science, technology, and innovation industries. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries, including research labs, incubation centers, and more.

Dubai Design District (d3)

This free zone is focused on the design and fashion industries. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries, including design studios, showrooms, and more.

Dubai Internet City

This free zone is focused on the technology and IT industries. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries, including office space, networking opportunities, and more.

Dubai Outsourcing City

This free zone is focused on the outsourcing and offshoring industries. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in these industries, including office space, networking opportunities, and more.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMMC)

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC) is another popular free zone in Dubai. Established in 2002, the DMCC Authority is the center of the world’s commodities trade. The DMCC free zone offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in the commodities industry, including office space, networking opportunities, and more.

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is one of Dubai’s most popular free zones. Established in 2002, the DMCC Authority is the centre of the world’s commodities trade.

Dubai has many free zones, which are not taxed by the government. As well It offers different opportunities for any business to expand

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a free zone in Dubai that has recently become popular due to its mix of residential and commercial properties. It offers a range of facilities and services for businesses in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, industrial, and finance.

Located in the heart of Dubai, Dubai Silicon Oasis is a self-contained mixed-use community that provides a unique living and working environment for businesses and residents. It covers an area of 7.2 million square meters and offers a range of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The free zone also offers a range of facilities and services for businesses, including office space, warehouses, and industrial plots.

One of the key advantages of Dubai Silicon Oasis is its strategic location. It is located near major transportation hubs, including Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the Dubai Metro. This makes it easy for businesses to access local and international markets. Additionally, the free zone offers a range of facilities and services for businesses, including access to high-speed internet, 24/7 security, and a dedicated business center.

Another key advantage of Dubai Silicon Oasis is its business-friendly environment. The free zone offers a range of benefits and incentives for businesses, including 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income taxes, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, and more. These benefits make Dubai Silicon Oasis an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish a presence in the Middle East.

The most important of these are listed below:

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)ante.
Dubai South
National Industrial Park (TechnoPark)
Dubai CommerCity (DCC Free Zone)
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority
Dubai Healthcare City Authority
International Humanitarian City
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai Maritime City Authority
Gold and Diamond Park
Dubai Outsourcing City
Dubai International Financial Centre

In conclusion, Dubai is a hub for businesses and entrepreneurs, offering a range of free zones and authorities that cater to a variety of industries. The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), now known as the Dubai Development Authority, has a mandate to develop the creative and knowledge industries in the city. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC) is the centre of the world’s commodities trade. Dubai Silicon Oasis is a popular free zone due to its mix of residential and commercial properties, strategic location, and business-friendly environment.

Investing in a Dubai free zone offers a range of benefits and incentives, such as 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income taxes, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and no currency restrictions. These benefits make Dubai an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish a presence in the Middle East.