Complete profiles, verified costs, and expert analysis for every major UAE free zone. Find your ideal business home in under 5 minutes.
All major free zones ranked by setup cost. Click any zone for a full profile.
DMCC is the UAE's most awarded free zone and the world's leading commodities hub. With over 23,000 member companies across…
IFZA has grown explosively to become one of the UAE's most popular free zones, especially among SMEs and first-time entrepreneurs.…
JAFZA is the world's largest free zone by trade value and one of the most strategically important logistics hubs on…
RAKEZ is the UAE's premier affordable free zone, combining the operations of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority.…
ADGM is Abu Dhabi's international financial centre and a global leader in financial regulation. Based on English common law, it's…
Ajman Media City is one of the UAE's most affordable free zones and has become hugely popular with digital entrepreneurs,…
ANCFZ, the Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone, is a fully digital free zone launched in Ajman, offering 3,500+ approved business…
Dubai South is a master-planned city and free zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport — set to become the…
KIZAD (now part of Abu Dhabi Ports Group) is Abu Dhabi's premier industrial free zone, adjacent to Khalifa Port —…
Meydan Free Zone offers one of the most flexible and affordable entry points into Dubai's business ecosystem. Located in the…
Sharjah Publishing City (SPCFZ) is the world's first free zone dedicated to publishing and creative industries, now home to 8,000+…
SRTIP is the UAE's premier technology and innovation park, designed to bridge academia and industry. Its close links to University…
UAQ FTZ is one of the UAE's most affordable and flexible free zones. Based in the quiet emirate of Umm…
All 13 major UAE free zones, sorted by minimum setup cost
| Free Zone | Location | Setup From | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANCFZ | Ajman | AED 4,888 | Creative Businesses, Freelancers | ⭐ 4.2 |
| AMC | Ajman | AED 4,999 | Media, Content Creators | ⭐ 4.4 |
| SRTIP | Sharjah | AED 5,500 | Tech Startups, R&D | ⭐ 4.4 |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 | Manufacturing, Budget Startups | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Dubai South | Near Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai | AED 8,500 | Aviation, Logistics | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Meydan FZ | Meydan, Downtown Dubai | AED 12,500 | Consultants, Professional Services | ⭐ 4.5 |
| UAQ FTZ | Umm Al Quwain | AED 12,500 | Budget Businesses, Manufacturing | ⭐ 4.2 |
| IFZA | Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai | AED 12,900 | SMEs, Consultants | ⭐ 4.7 |
| KIZAD | Abu Dhabi | AED 15,000 | Heavy Industry, Manufacturing | ⭐ 4.3 |
| JAFZA | Jebel Ali, Dubai | AED 15,020 | Logistics, Manufacturing | ⭐ 4.7 |
| DMCC | Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai | AED 20,285 | Commodities Trading, Gold & Diamond Trade | ⭐ 4.8 |
| ADGM | Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | AED 5,505 (Tech Startup); from AED 10,100+ (Commercial) | Finance, Banking | ⭐ 4.8 |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 4,999 (E-Publishing); AED 5,750 (Publishing); AED 6,875 (Standard) | Publishing, Media | ⭐ 4.4 |
Each free zone has an approved activity list. Trading, consulting, tech, manufacturing — your activity determines which zones are eligible. Some zones specialize (JAFZA for logistics, ADGM for finance), others are general purpose.
Setup costs range from AED 4,888 (ANCFZ) to AED 25,000+ (DIFC). Don't forget to include visa costs (AED 2,500–5,500 per person), office rent, and annual renewal fees in your total budget.
Dubai addresses (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan) generally get better UAE banking access. If banking ease is important, prioritize Dubai zones. For manufacturing, consider RAK, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah where industrial space is cheaper.