If you have ever considered starting a business in the country of opportunities, then UAE Free Zones have the right setup for you. With an attractive tax regime, myriad incentives, and incubator schemes, the UAE has positioned itself as an ideal hub for entrepreneurs and investors. In addition, Free Zones in the UAE play a pivotal role in boosting the business, thereby ensuring stability and success in the entrepreneurial journey. However, one of the toughest parts in this whole business setup process could be finding thebest free zone in UAE that aligns with your business preferences and goals.
Hence, in this blog, we have accumulated some of the best and topmost free zones in the UAE and key details about them that will help you make an informed decision based on your business requirements.
Free Zones in the UAE
Free zones are specially designated zones in the United Arab Emirates that offer specific advantages and operate under a separate set of regulations. The business setup and functioning in a free zone is different compared to the mainland. Moreover, there are more than 40 free zones in the country, each specializing in a particular industry or sector.
Advantages of a Free zone company setup
Setting up a company in a top freezone in UAE comes with certain benefits, such as –
- Full foreign ownership of the company
- No taxes on personal or corporate income
- Full repatriation of funds and profits
- Strategic location
- Streamlined setup process
- World-class infrastructure
- Exemption from import and export duties
Best free zones in the UAE – Top 13
Here’s an in-depth analysis of some of the top free zones in the UAE:
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Established in 1985, JAFZA is known as the flagship zone of Dubai Ports World. It is one of the oldest free zones in the country strategically located near Jebel Ali Sea Port, the 7th largest container port in the world. This, thus, makes it an ideal place to conduct import and export.
Features: –
- Unique positioning
- Progressive work procedures
- ISO Certified
- Allows diversification of business modules
- Ideal free zone for MNCs (Multinational Corporations)
Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
Apart from being one of the most prestigious free zones in the UAE, DMCC has globally established itself as the world’s number 1 free zone. It is a major contributor to the development of trade and commerce in the Emirate of Dubai. This facility enables aspiring entrepreneurs to easily penetrate the market and start a business in the UAE. Since this free zone is open to every business activity, entrepreneurs can find a wide range of office solutions for their ventures.
Features: –
- The most interconnected free zone
- Home to more than 23000 businesses
- DMCC license holds up to 6 business activities from the same group
- Allows crypto commodities trading
- Allows entrepreneurs to obtain a dual license
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Despite being relatively new, IFZA is one of the most sought-after free zones. This is because of its strategic location and highly cost-effective set-up process that facilitates business expansion and growth. Moreover, entrepreneurs can avail themselves of an array of licenses including consulting, service, e-commerce, commercial, and trading licenses.
Features: –
- No compulsion to acquire a physical office space
- Facilitates online business setup
- 100% commercial ownership
- Comprehensive free training through IFZA Academy
- Allows remote business incorporation
Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
With a world-class infrastructure and regulatory framework specifically designed for the financial sector, DIFC is a leading financial center in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It is an ideal hub for conducting financial activities including banking, insurance, asset management, and wealth management.
Features: –
- Sophisticated business environment
- Access to a pool of financial professionals and expertise
- Tax exemptions
- Streamlined regulatory process
- Business licenses specific to financial activities
Fujairah Creative City
With the convenience of setting up a business, Fujairah Creative City Free Zone has grown as one of the fastest-growing media zones in the MENA region. Not only is it highly economical but also allows business setup with the least amount of hassle and documentation.
Features: –
- Accommodates a wide range of business activities mainly in the sectors of media, events, consulting, education, marketing, and more.
- Allows company formation without the requirement of a visa
- Offers cheap visa solutions
- Allows up to 20 visa applications under one trade license
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Built in 2017, SHAMS successfully established itself as the fastest-growing free zone in the UAE. It offers simple and quick business incorporation with minimal setup and renewal costs, creating an ideal environment for branch companies that want to expand their business in the UAE.
Features: –
- Allows registration without the need for attested documents
- Not restricted to media-related activities
- Quick and simple online registration process
- Accommodates a wide range of activities under the same business license
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
DAFZA is located near the world’s busiest passenger airport, the world’s busiest passenger airport. It focuses on logistics, aviation, import-export, and many other activities.
Features: –
- Excellent connectivity
- Ease of access to global markets
- World-class logistics facilities and warehousing space
- Streamlined business setup process
- Variety of company formation options
- Excellent support services for trade and logistics
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
DSO is the best free zone in UAE specifically dedicated to microelectronics, semiconductors, biotechnology, and IT services. Being a hub for innovation and technology, DSO offers excellent infrastructure, research facilities, and a supportive ecosystem for tech startups. In addition, the free zone has a range of business licenses catering to the technology and innovation sector.
Features: –
- Incubation centers
- Co-working spaces
- Support facilities for startups and growing businesses
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
Sharjah Publishing City is yet another promising free zone offering endless opportunities to entrepreneurs and investors. With world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, SPC serves as the first Printing and Publishing free zone in the world. Its core activities revolve around publishing and printing.
Features: –
- Allow non-publishing activities such as trading, consulting, e-commerce, and IT-related businesses
- Permits up to 5 activities under one license without any additional fee
- Opportunity to obtain a dual license
- An array of packages for UAE residents
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ is one of the most opted fee zones due to its strategic location near a seaport and close to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) airport. Although it caters to all kinds of business activities ranging from commercial, media, e-commerce, and education, the free zone is specifically designed for manufacturing industries.
Features: –
- Customizable warehouses and industrial lands for development
- One of the largest free zones in all the Emirates
Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC)
DWTC is the best free zone in UAE renowned for winning awards like Middle East awards, GULG real estate awards, and construction week awards. It offers unparalleled business opportunities and serves as a global hub for the future economy.
Features: –
- Flexibility and dual business licensing opportunities
- Foreign ownership and control
- Low tax regime
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ)
UAQ is a governmental organization offering great business stability and warehousing options to businesses. It accommodates businesses of all sizes and is currently home to companies spread across 150+ nationalities. From serving commercial, industrial, and professional licenses, UAQ also approves providing e-commerce and freelance services in the region.
Features: –
- Finest Office spaces
- Leasable Land Plots and warehouses
- Post Licensing facilities
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)
HFZA is popular for delivering outstanding services to business investors. The major sectors supported by this free zone include Industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, maritime industry, food park, global logistics, and accelerator hub.
Features: –
- Cost-effective offices
- State-of-the-art warehouse units
- Land leasing options
- High-quality onsite labor accommodation
Conclusion
Thus, one can find a plethora of opportunities in the free zones of the UAE. Besides, every zone has different benefits and customized business solutions. Be it a small startup or an entrenched business, both have the potential to grow rapidly in the favorable conditions provided in the free zones.
Although we have enlisted the top free zones in the UAE with a proven track record of delivering beneficial services, there are certain formalities entrepreneurs must undergo to get their company up and running. For instance, getting a business license, finding a suitable office space, and more. Shuraa Business Setup professionals have the best suggestions for you.
For more details on the best free zone in UAE or any support or assistance regarding starting a business in the UAE, consult Shuraa at www.shuraa.com.
