Deciding between International Humanitarian City (IHC) and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) for your UAE company? This side-by-side comparison breaks down costs, visa quotas, setup time, and banking ease so you can make an informed decision.
- International Humanitarian City (IHC) vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026
- Quick Verdict
- International Humanitarian City (IHC) vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — Full Comparison Table
- When to Choose International Humanitarian City (IHC)
- When to Choose Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
- 3-Year Cost Deep Dive
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: International Humanitarian City (IHC) (AED 11,250)
- Fastest setup: International Humanitarian City (IHC) (14 business days)
- Easiest banking: Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
- Best 3-year value: International Humanitarian City (IHC) (saves AED 27,550)
International Humanitarian City (IHC) vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | International Humanitarian City (IHC) | Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 11,250 | AED 21,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 9,500 | AED 18,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 4,000 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | Flexi |
| Setup Time | 14 days | 14 days |
| Banking Ease | Challenging | Challenging |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 33,450 | AED 61,000 |
When to Choose International Humanitarian City (IHC)
International Humanitarian City (IHC) is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 9,750 cheaper in year 1. It is best suited to entrepreneurs and solo founders looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE.
When to Choose Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) wins if easier bank account opening is your priority. It suits businesses whose primary clients are international and who can work around the longer bank account opening process.
3-Year Cost Deep Dive
Year 1 costs include the licence fee and first visa. Years 2 and 3 use the renewal rate. Over 3 years with 1 visa:
- International Humanitarian City (IHC): AED 33,450 (Year 1: 11,250 + Year 2: 9,500 + Year 3: 9,500 + Visa: 3,200)
- Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ): AED 61,000 (Year 1: 21,000 + Year 2: 18,000 + Year 3: 18,000 + Visa: 4,000)
International Humanitarian City (IHC) saves AED 27,550 over 3 years. For multiple visas, multiply the visa cost by the number of people you need to sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate from both International Humanitarian City (IHC) and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) simultaneously?
You can set up separate companies in both zones simultaneously, which some business groups do for different activities or for liability separation. However, each company has its own licence fees and visa costs. Most solo founders and small teams are better served by choosing one zone.
Which zone is better if I need to open a UAE bank account quickly?
Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) has a lower banking difficulty score, meaning it is generally easier to open a UAE business bank account as a licensee of this zone. For the fastest bank account opening, also consider using Wio Business or Mashreq Neo Biz, which have lower barriers for new free zone companies.
Is the setup process significantly different between the two zones?
Both zones have a similar setup timeline. The difference of 0 day(s) is minimal — actual timelines depend on document readiness and the free zone’s current application volume.
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