UAE Free Zones Directory 2026
Compare 16 free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK, Ajman, and Fujairah. Every profile includes transparent package pricing in AED, visa costs, banking difficulty ratings, and honest pros & cons — no lead forms, no hidden fees.
Total Zones
16
Emirates
6
Cheapest From
AED 5,505
Data Updated
Feb 2026
All Free Zones
RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ is Ras Al Khaimah's government-run economic zone focused on affordable setup for startups, SMEs, and industrial businesses, with wide facility options across multiple parks. It stands out for low entry pricing starting at AED 6,000, all-inclusive SME bundles, and an increasingly formal banking-partner ecosystem for faster onboarding.
SPC
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)
SPC Free Zone is Sharjah's flagship publishing-and-creative hub that also caters to trading, e-commerce, IT, and consultancy across 2,000+ activities. Its pay-as-you-go model publishes a clear add-on fee menu, and SPC is authorized to issue a dual license (Free Zone + Mainland), making it attractive for founders who want Sharjah cost advantages without giving up mainland access.
DMCC
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
DMCC is the world's flagship free zone and Dubai's largest, home to over 26,000 companies. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, it was named Global Free Zone of the Year by the Financial Times for 9 consecutive years. DMCC offers unmatched banking credibility, specialized ecosystems for crypto, gaming, and AI, and the strongest brand recognition of any UAE free zone — but at a significant premium over budget alternatives.
AFZ
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone is one of the UAE's established, low-cost free zones known for budget-friendly entry packages, broad activity selection, and proximity to Ajman Port. It's best for cost-sensitive SMEs and trading/e-commerce firms that want UAE credibility without Dubai-tier pricing, while accepting that visas and banking still follow full compliance rules.
SHAMS
Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a Sharjah free zone positioned for media, creative, and service businesses that want a low entry price and a digital-first setup experience. SHAMS offers 120+ approved business activities, the ability to include up to five activities on one license, and visa allocation up to 20 per license depending on package and facility type.
DSO
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is Dubai's technology-focused economic zone and free zone under DIEZ, offering startup-friendly co-working (Dtec) and scalable commercial/industrial real estate. It suits founders who want a Dubai address, tech ecosystem, and visa eligibility tied to desk/office packages — often at a lower operating cost than premium financial zones like DIFC.
IFZA
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA is one of Dubai's fastest-growing and most affordable free zones, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Originally founded in Fujairah in 2018, it relocated to DSO in 2020 and has become the go-to choice for freelancers, startups, and SMEs seeking low-cost Dubai business setup. IFZA operates a B2B model through Professional Partners, meaning setup through agents is typically 20–70% cheaper than direct pricing.
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
JAFZA is the UAE's oldest and largest free zone by area, strategically located next to Jebel Ali Port — the region's busiest port. It is the premier choice for trading, logistics, and manufacturing companies that need warehouse, land, or industrial facilities. JAFZA offers FZE (single shareholder) and FZCO (multi-shareholder) structures, with activity-based licensing covering trading, service, industrial, and national industrial categories. Setup costs are higher than newer free zones, reflecting the premium logistics infrastructure.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is Dubai's premium financial and innovation free zone with an independent legal/regulatory framework and one of the largest regional ecosystems for finance, wealth, and tech. It's best for founders and firms that value brand signal, regulated-market access, and deep banking/partner density — accepting higher office and compliance costs versus standard free zones.
DAFZA
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is one of the UAE's most established free zones, strategically located adjacent to Dubai International Airport. Home to global brands like Boeing, Rolls Royce, Roche, and Chanel, DAFZA is a premium choice for trading, logistics, aviation, pharma, and tech companies that value direct airport access and strong infrastructure. Setup costs are higher than budget free zones, but the location, facilities, and 24-hour customs clearance justify the premium for import/export-heavy businesses.
DIC
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East's original technology free zone and one of Dubai's most prestigious business addresses for IT, software, and digital companies. Home to regional headquarters of Google, Microsoft, Meta, LinkedIn, and IBM, DIC offers unmatched tech-sector networking density. Setup costs are higher than budget free zones, but the brand signal and ecosystem make it worthwhile for established tech firms and funded startups.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre and one of only two common-law jurisdictions in the UAE. Located on Al Maryah Island, it offers an independent regulatory framework modelled on English common law, making it the preferred choice for financial services, fintech, wealth management, and family offices seeking regulatory clarity and international credibility. ADGM has grown rapidly since its 2015 launch, with 11,900+ active entities and an increasingly competitive non-financial licensing offering for tech and consultancy firms. The Hub71 tech ecosystem adds further appeal for startups.
Meydan FZ
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is a budget-friendly Dubai free zone launched in 2009, known for competitive pricing and its innovative Fawri (instant) license launched in 2025. With 2,500+ business activities and a 100% digital onboarding process, Meydan positions itself as a modern, digital-first option for freelancers, consultants, and SMEs. Its Nad Al Sheba location offers a prestigious Dubai address without premium Dubai pricing.
DMC
Dubai Media City (DMC)
Dubai Media City (DMC) is the Middle East's leading free zone for media, broadcasting, publishing, advertising, and entertainment companies. As part of the TECOM Group alongside Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Park, DMC offers an unrivalled concentration of global media brands including CNN, BBC, MBC, Reuters, and Sony. Setup costs are comparable to DIC, with service licences from AED 15,000/year and flexi desks from AED 15,000/year, making the minimum entry point around AED 30,000 before visa costs.
Creative City
Creative City Fujairah Free Zone
Creative City Fujairah is one of the UAE's most affordable free zones, purpose-built for media, consulting, IT, and creative businesses. Established in 2007 in Fujairah, it offers freelancer licenses from AED 10,000 and company licenses from AED 17,000, with visa allocations up to 15 per license. The zone is popular with freelancers and small service businesses seeking low entry costs and a straightforward digital setup process.
Dubai South
Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH)
Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH) is a digital-first free zone platform launched in September 2025, offering same-day licensing and fully online company formation. Positioned within the Dubai South aerotropolis near Al Maktoum International Airport, DSBH targets entrepreneurs and SMEs with competitive AED 12,500 starter packages, flexi-desk access, and a streamlined Beyond Hub portal for visas, banking, and compliance. Its proximity to Jebel Ali Port and the Expo District makes it attractive for logistics, e-commerce, and trading businesses.
What Are UAE Free Zones?
UAE free zones are designated economic areas that offer foreign entrepreneurs 100% business ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax (subject to UAE CT rules for qualifying income), and simplified company formation. There are over 40 active free zones across the seven emirates, each specialising in different industries — from technology and media to trading and logistics.
Free zones differ significantly in cost (packages range from AED 5,750 to AED 120,000+/year), visa quotas (1 to unlimited), banking ease, and industry focus. Choosing the wrong free zone can cost thousands of dirhams in unnecessary fees or limit your business operations.
FreeZoneCompare provides transparent, independently verified pricing data so you can make an informed decision. Every profile includes Year 1 total costs, renewal costs, visa fees, banking difficulty ratings, and honest pros & cons.
How to Choose the Right Free Zone
The best free zone depends on your business type, budget, visa requirements, and growth plans. Here are the key factors to compare:
- Total Year 1 Cost — Don't compare license fees alone. Include visa processing, office, Emirates ID, medical, insurance, and establishment card fees.
- Renewal Cost (Year 2+) — Some zones offer discounted first-year packages but charge full price on renewal. Always check the renewal total.
- Visa Quota — How many residence visas do you need now, and might you need more later? Some zones cap at 3, others offer 50+.
- Banking Difficulty — Opening a corporate bank account varies dramatically. Some zones have formal banking partnerships; others leave you on your own.
- Business Activities — Ensure the zone supports your specific activity. Some zones specialise (media, crypto, logistics); others are general-purpose.
- Location — If you need a physical office for client meetings, a central Dubai location matters. If not, RAK or Ajman zones are significantly cheaper.
Use our cost calculator to estimate your total setup cost across multiple zones, or browse the profiles above to compare individual free zones.