Free Zones in the UAE: 2025 List with Comparison Guide

The UAE has a strong economy along with modern buildings, roads, and services. That is why many people around the world choose to start their businesses in the UAE. You can set up a company in either the Mainland, the Free Zone, or Offshore. There are many Free Zones across the UAE, and the right one for your company depends on the type of business you want to start. Below, you will get to know about all the UAE Free Zones, including the most affordable ones.

Last Updated: September 2025

Understand What Are Free Zones in UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, free zones are designated areas that offer tax and ownership advantages to businesses. Free zones allow you to fully own your company with 100% ownership without having an Emirati local as a partner in your business. You can also be eligible for 0% corporate tax on your profit provided you meet the qualifying free zone person requirements. Merely establishing your business in a free zone does not, by itself, make you eligible for 0% tax. There are several requirements that need to be complied with to be eligible for this tax benefit. Read our case studies about how a free zone distributor lost QFZP status and tax compliance strategies to maintain qualifying free zone person status.

Altogether, the UAE offers around 40 to 45 Free Zones for investors and entrepreneurs. Each free zone has its own benefits, drawbacks, and costs. You can use our Dubai Business Setup tool to calculate the cost of any type of company.  Below is the Emirate wise list of free zones with brief details next to each of them.

Major Free Zones in the UAE (2025)

Emirate	Free Zone / Authority	Best For (Industry Focus)	Visa Capacity (Typical)	Office Requirement	Designated Zone (VAT)?	Starting Fees (approx.)	Official Website
Dubai	JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)	Logistics, manufacturing, trading,	Starts from 1 visa, can increase with office/warehouse size	Office/warehouse required	Yes	AED 15,000+	http://www.jafza.ae
Dubai	DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)	Commodities, consultancy, crypto/blockchain	1 to 6 visas, depending on office size	Flexi desk/office	No	AED 12,000+	https://dmcc.ae/
Dubai	DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)	Banking, fintech, finance	Multiple visas, based on business category	Office space required	No	AED 50,000+	https://www.difc.com/
Abu Dhabi	ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)	Financial services, holding companies, fintech	Flexible, depends on office size	Office space required	No	AED 40,000+	https://www.adgm.com/
Abu Dhabi	KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi)	Industrial, manufacturing, logistics	Multiple visas, linked to warehouse or plot size	Warehouse/plot	Yes	AED 20,000+	https://www.kezadgroup.com/
Sharjah	SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport Int’l Free Zone)	Trading, logistics	1–6 visas	Office/warehouse required	Yes	AED 9,000+	https://www.saif-zone.com/
Sharjah	Hamriyah Free Zone	Heavy industry, manufacturing	Multiple	Office/warehouse	Yes	AED 11,000+	https://hfza.ae/
Ajman	Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)	SMEs, e-commerce	1–5 visas	Flexi desk/office	No	AED 8,500+	https://afz.gov.ae/
Ras Al Khaimah	RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)	Trading, manufacturing, SMEs	1–6 visas	Flexi desk/office/warehouse	No	AED 10,000+	https://rakez.com/en/
Umm Al Quwain	UAQ Free Trade Zone	Startups, e-commerce, consultancy	1–3 visas	Flexi desk/office	No	AED 8,000+	https://uaqftz.gov.ae/
Fujairah	Fujairah Free Zone	Trading, shipping, media	1–4 visas	Office/warehouse	Yes	AED 10,000+	https://fujairahfreezone.com

List of Free Zones in Dubai (Updated 2025)

Investors and entrepreneurs can choose from around 40 to 45 UAE Free Zones. These places offer excellent services and modern facilities that make it easy for you to start and handle a business. You can also fully own your company, and the process saves you time and effort. 

• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) – IFZA, which is situated in Dubai Silicon Oasis, provides flexible business activities under a single license along with reasonably priced packages.
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – A top choice for trade in gold, diamonds, tea, and more, DMCC supports over 20,000 businesses in various sectors.
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – JAFZA, which is close to Jebel Ali Port, is perfect for shipping, manufacturing, and logistics companies that require international access.
• Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) – Great for event and exhibition-based companies, offering a prime central location with strong business support.
• Meydan Free Zone – Perfect for digital businesses and startups, Meydan offers a simple online setup with modern office options.
• Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) – Perfect for aviation, electronics, and cargo businesses, this zone is simply located beside Dubai International Airport for fast and easy transport.
• Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) – A hub for hospitals, clinics, and health professionals, focused on medical excellence and innovation.
• Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) – Supports education, HR, and training institutions, making it ideal for learning and development businesses.
• Dubai Production City – Production city, previously known as International Media Production Zone, is built for media production houses, printing, and publishing industries with ready-to-use production spaces.
• Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) – Home to global universities and academic service providers offering student-focused business support.
• Dubai Internet City (DIC) – The UAE’s tech and IT hub, housing startups and global tech giants in a vibrant innovation environment.
• Dubai Media City (DMC) – Ideal for advertising, PR, and broadcasting companies looking to grow in a creative business zone.
• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – A global financial hub offering top regulatory standards for banks, insurance, and investment firms.
• Dubai South (Dubai World Central) – Covers aviation, logistics, and e-commerce, located near Al Maktoum Airport with large-scale facilities.
• Dubai Maritime City (DMC) – Focused on marine industries like ship repair, maritime services, and offshore operations.
• Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ) – Supports car trading, import/export businesses with specialized services and warehouse space.
• Dubai Design District (d3) – A creative space for fashion, design, and art companies aiming to be part of Dubai’s cultural scene.
• Dubai Science Park (DSP) – Offers support for science-based companies in energy, environment, and pharmaceuticals.
• Dubai Textile City – Dedicated to textile and garment trading with infrastructure for storage and logistics.
• International Humanitarian City (IHC) – The world’s largest humanitarian hub, home to UN agencies and global NGOs.
• Dubai Outsource City – Ideal for BPO, call centers, and outsourcing services with business-friendly infrastructure.
• Dubai Studio City – Tailored for film, TV, and music production businesses with sound stages and media support.
• Dubai Auto Zone – A trading hub for car dealers and parts importers with streamlined customs and logistics.
• Dubai Industrial City – Supports manufacturing, logistics, and light industry businesses with large industrial plots.
• Dubai Logistics City (Dubai South Logistics District) – Ideal for freight, courier, and logistics firms needing warehouse space near the airport.

Continue Reading: List of Free Zones in Dubai and Free Zone Setup Costs

List of the Free Zones in Abu Dhabi (Updated 2025)

Below is the list of Abu Dhabi’s free zones:

• Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) – KEZAD is Abu Dhabi’s most significant operator of integrated business centers, industrial related real estate, economic zones, service land plots, shared workspaces, and many more.
• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – ADGM serves as a financial center for both banks and investors. It is highly regulated and subject to international laws.
• Masdar City Free Zone – Masdar is designed to attract businesses focused on renewable energy and environmental technologies. It’s ideal for clean, smart, and future-ready businesses.
• Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) Free Zones – These are in port areas and help with trade and shipping. Ideal for businesses that move goods by sea.
• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) – This zone helps air cargo and logistics firms. It’s near the airport and allows fast shipments.
• Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone – A large port-based zone for traders and exporters. It offers easy customs and sea links.
• Twofour54 Abu Dhabi – It supports film, media, and digital work. It offers studios, editing tools, and talent training.

Abu Dhabi’s Free Zones offer benefits to attract business owners. Each zone supports specific industries and helps companies grow.

List of the Free Zones in Sharjah (Updated 2025)

• Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) – SAIF Zone, near Sharjah Airport, is ideal for exports, trade, and small factories.
• Sharjah Media City (Shams) – The SHAMS is a good place for companies in media, digital content, and online services. Licenses start from AED 5,750 for six activities.
• Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) – SPC is the world’s first Free Zone for printing, publishing, and related businesses.
• Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) – This area supports hospitals, clinics, and labs. It’s great for anyone in the health sector.
• Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP) – SRTIP helps green and tech startups grow. Business setup starts from AED 5,500.
• Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) – HFZA is near the port and suits industry and trade. It’s one of the largest Free Zones in Sharjah.

Sharjah’s Free Zones give business owners many benefits like full foreign ownership, no taxes, and modern facilities. They support different types of businesses and help grow the economy by attracting both local and international investors.

List of Free Zones in Ajman (Updated 2025)

• Ajman Media City Free Zone – Best for media, consulting, and online firms. Licenses start from AED 5,555 with quick setup.
• Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) – AFZ supports all business types with low costs. It’s known for fast and easy registrations.

Ajman’s Free Zones offer a good setup, fast processes, and useful benefits for companies. They help attract investors and support the growth of Ajman’s economy.

List of Free Zones in Fujairah (Updated 2025)

• Fujairah Creative City – Built for content, design, and digital media. It offers low-cost licenses and fast setup.
• Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) – FFZ helps with shipping, industry, and trade. It offers full ownership and port access.
• Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) – Fuel along with oil storage companies are supported by FOIZ. It’s made for energy and heavy industries.

Fujairah’s Free Zones offer tax benefits, full foreign ownership, and modern facilities. They support many industries and attract global investors with their business-friendly setup.

List of the Free Zones in Ras Al Khaimah (Updated 2025)

• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) – It efficiently offers affordable setup packages starting from AED 5,999, making it a smart choice for small businesses in trade, media, and services.
• RAK Media City (RAKMC) – RAKMC supports digital and creative work. It’s budget-friendly and quick to set up.
• RAK Maritime City Free Zone – Logistics along with shipping are the main focus of this free zone. It has direct access to seaports.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Free Zones offer easy setup, tax benefits, and modern facilities. They attract local and international businesses, helping the area grow economically.

RAK Off Shore (Not a Free Zone)

• RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) – It is used for holding as well as offshore firms. It supports global business with legal protection.

List of the Free Zones in Umm Al Quwain (Updated 2025)

The primary free zone in the region is Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ). It focuses on helping small businesses and start-ups grow by offering useful support, good facilities, and helpful benefits.

Budget-Friendly UAE Free Zones

1 – RAKEZ – Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone

RAKEZ is located near both the airport and seaport in Ras Al Khaimah, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for businesses. It offers SME packages starting from AED 5,999 and gives flexible warehouse options. Businesses can choose the setup that fits their needs in areas like trade, services, industry, media, education, and more.

2 – SHAMS – Sharjah Media City Free Zone

SHAMS is growing in popularity among media companies in the UAE, with license prices starting from AED 5,750. Media, trading, social media influence, holding, services, and consulting are among the six categories of activities covered by the license.

3 – SRTIP – Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park

SRTIP supports the UAE’s 10-year plan by focusing on clean energy, water management, and new green technologies. Businesses in areas like trade, services, and industry can get licenses starting from AED 5,500.

4 – IFZA – International Free Zone Authority, Dubai

IFZA, an affordable Free Zone, is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Business setup starts from AED 12,900 and lets you include up to three activities under one license. It is considered one of the cheapest and simplest options for starting a business in the UAE.

5 – AMC – Ajman Media City

AMC makes it easy to start a business, helping the city grow as a global hub, especially for media and entertainment. A business license here begins from just AED 5,555. It is a good choice for service businesses, consulting firms, media training, and online stores.

Setting Up in a UAE Free Zone? Let Vertix Auditing Make it Simple and Seamless

Vertix Auditing is here to help you set up a business in the UAE. We deeply understand the needs of a company and suggest which place in the UAE is the best for you. Our team, with years of experience, handles your process smoothly and makes sure everything is done right, from choosing the Free Zone to getting your trade license and approvals. We handle the details so you can concentrate on expanding your company. With our help, you will get accurate advice in every stage of business setup in UAE. If you want to setup a business in the UAE, then contact Vertix for expert guidance from our qualified advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is UAE Free Zones?

A Free Zone is a unique business area with its own rules. Companies in these zones enjoy benefits such as full ownership, tax benefits, and easier trade options.

How many free zones in UAE?

In the entire UAE, as of the date of this writing, the number of Free Zones are around 40 to 45.

What are the designated Free Zones in UAE?

Designated Free Zones in the UAE are specific areas where goods can be moved without VAT, as long as certain rules are followed. These zones are considered outside the United Arab Emirates when it comes to VAT on goods. For further details, refer to this list of designated zones. 

Can you get office facilities in UAE Free Zones?

Yes, Free Zones in the UAE provide different types of workspaces like private offices, shared desks, and meeting rooms for businesses.

What kinds of businesses can be set up in the United Arab Emirates Free Zones?

Many kinds of businesses can open in Free Zones, including trading, manufacturing, consulting, tech startups, and more depending on the rules of each Free Zone.

Is it possible for a Free Zone company to work with clients outside the UAE?

Yes, a Free Zone company can work with clients outside the UAE. But there are some specific rules that you may need to follow, or you may need special approvals.

Can a foreigner fully own a company in a UAE Free Zone?

Yes! Foreigner can fully own a company UAE Free Zone. Actually, these areas were made to attract international investors.

How much time is required to set up a business in a UAE Free Zone?

There is no fixed time, but it usually takes between a few days to a few weeks. Basically, it depends on the Free Zone, type of business, as well as documents required.

Changelog:

1. 1. 07 September 2025 – Replaced RAKIA and RAK FTZ with Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, also known as RAKEZ.
   2. 07 September 2025 – Removed Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and added Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).
   3. Removed Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park as Dubiotech and Enpark were consolidated into Dubai Science Park.