The best UAE free zones for startups — balancing cost, flexibility, speed of setup, and ecosystem support.
| # | Free Zone | Full Name | Setup From | Why We Rate It | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IFZA | International Free Zone Authority | AED 12,900 | 24-48 hour setup, flexible activities, Dubai address. | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Meydan FZ | Meydan Free Zone | AED 12,500 | Cheap Dubai address, near Downtown. | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone | AED 5,500 | Most affordable with startup support programs. | ★★★★☆ |
| 4 | AMC | Ajman Media City | AED 4,999 | Cheapest UAE entry point for digital startups. | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 | SRTIP | Sharjah R&T Innovation Park | AED 5,500 | Best for deep tech and R&D startups. | ★★★★☆ |
Choose IFZA if you need speed — 24-48 hour setup is market-leading.
RAKEZ offers startup incubation programs worth investigating.
Digital startups can save significantly with Ajman Media City.
Tech startups should consider SRTIP for its university links and R&D support.
Use our tools to find the perfect match for your specific situation.