Pick the right UAE free zone for your business.

International financial centre on Al Maryah Island operating under English Common Law — the gold standard for fintech, asset management and holding companies.

Emirate

Abu Dhabi

Setup time

5–10 working days

From

AED 12,500

Visa quota

1 visa per 9 sqm of office

• English Common Law jurisdiction
• Direct FSRA regulation for financial firms
• Strong international banking acceptance
• Tier-1 reputation for investor visas

Mega industrial cluster next to Khalifa Port — built for manufacturing, heavy logistics, e-commerce fulfilment and chemicals.

Emirate

Abu Dhabi

Setup time

7–14 working days

From

AED 8,500

Visa quota

Activity-driven (industrial-class)

• Direct Khalifa Port access
• Plots from 2,500 sqm to 100+ ha
• Dual licence (mainland + free zone) options
• Tax incentives for industrial activity

Abu Dhabi's media free zone for content production, broadcasting, gaming, animation and digital media — co-working and broadcast-ready studios available.

Emirate

Abu Dhabi

Setup time

3–7 working days

From

AED 5,750

Visa quota

Up to 4 visas on flexi-desk

• Production rebates up to 30%
• Studios, edit suites & MOCAP onsite
• Streamlined media filming permits
• Strong creator-economy talent pool

Sustainability-focused free zone for clean tech, AI, mobility, energy and innovation companies inside Abu Dhabi's flagship low-carbon city.

Emirate

Abu Dhabi

Setup time

5–10 working days

From

AED 6,500

Visa quota

Up to 6 visas on co-working

• Flagship sustainability cluster
• Co-located with IRENA & MBZUAI
• Generous innovation grants ecosystem
• Premium ESG branding for investors

Free zone inside Zayed International Airport — built for aviation, logistics, e-commerce and time-sensitive trade.

Emirate

Abu Dhabi

Setup time

7–14 working days

From

AED 11,000

Visa quota

Activity-driven

• Airside warehouse access
• Streamlined customs clearance
• Bonded logistics zone
• Tier-1 connectivity to Asia & Europe

Most popular low-cost UAE free zone for SMEs, consultancies and trading companies. Multiple specialised parks within one authority.

Emirate

Ras Al Khaimah

Setup time

3–5 working days

From

AED 5,750

Visa quota

Up to 6 visas on flexi-desk

• Lowest entry cost in the UAE
• Wide activity catalogue
• 5-day setup
• Easy upgrade path between licence types

Dubai-based free zone with one of the broadest activity lists and competitive package pricing. Strong fit for service businesses, consultancies and SMEs.

Emirate

Dubai

Setup time

3–7 working days

From

AED 12,500

Visa quota

Visa packages bundled

• Broad 1,500+ activity catalogue
• Competitive multi-shareholder pricing
• Strong agent network
• Flexible visa add-on packages

Dubai's free zone of choice for commodities, crypto, precious metals and trading companies. JLT location offers premium credibility for clients in fintech and trade.

Emirate

Dubai

Setup time

7–10 working days

From

AED 20,865

Visa quota

1 visa per 9 sqm

• Strong crypto licensing pathway
• Tier-1 banking acceptance
• Iconic JLT corporate address
• Active member community

Internationally recognised financial free zone under English Common Law. The natural home for banks, asset managers, family offices and fintechs.

Emirate

Dubai

Setup time

20–30 working days

From

AED 38,000

Visa quota

1 visa per 9 sqm

• DFSA financial regulation
• English Common Law jurisdiction
• Tier-1 international reputation
• High-end office tower locations

Dubai's flagship industrial free zone — adjacent to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport. Long-standing reputation for trading, manufacturing and logistics.

Emirate

Dubai

Setup time

10–20 working days

From

AED 15,500

Visa quota

Activity-driven

• Direct Jebel Ali Port access
• Tier-1 international reputation
• Plot, warehouse & office options
• Offshore + onshore in one authority

Low-cost Sharjah free zone for media, marketing and creator businesses with a notably broad activity list and competitive entry pricing.

Emirate

Sharjah

Setup time

3–5 working days

From

AED 5,750

Visa quota

Up to 6 visas on flexi-desk

• Single-shareholder packages
• 1,500+ activities allowed
• Affordable visa packages
• Beginner-friendly for creators

Established Sharjah free zone next to Sharjah International Airport. Strong for logistics, F&B, trading and light manufacturing.

Emirate

Sharjah

Setup time

7–14 working days

From

AED 11,500

Visa quota

Activity-driven

• Bonded warehousing & cold storage
• Direct airport / port connectivity
• Long-standing trading reputation
• 24/7 operations support

Cost-leading free zone for first-time entrepreneurs and small trading businesses with simplified setup and inexpensive renewals.

Emirate

Ajman

Setup time

1–3 working days

From

AED 5,750

Visa quota

1–3 visas

• Low first-year cost
• Same-day digital licence option
• Simple renewal model
• Ideal for solo founders