Deciding between RAKEZ Free Zone and Dubai Science Park 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.
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: RAKEZ Free Zone (AED 14,000)
- Fastest setup: RAKEZ Free Zone (7 business days)
- Easiest banking: RAKEZ Free Zone
- Best 3-year value: RAKEZ Free Zone (saves AED 3,600)
RAKEZ Free Zone vs Dubai Science Park — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | RAKEZ Free Zone | Dubai Science Park |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 14,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 12,000 | AED 13,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 3,800 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | 1 |
| Setup Time | 7 days | 14 days |
| Banking Ease | Moderate | Moderate |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 41,200 | AED 44,800 |
When to Choose RAKEZ Free Zone
RAKEZ Free Zone is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 1,000 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 Dubai Science Park
Dubai Science Park wins if a well-established free zone brand is your priority. Its strong banking relationships make it particularly attractive for businesses that need easy UAE bank account access.
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:
- RAKEZ Free Zone: AED 41,200 (Year 1: 14,000 + Year 2: 12,000 + Year 3: 12,000 + Visa: 3,200)
- Dubai Science Park: AED 44,800 (Year 1: 15,000 + Year 2: 13,000 + Year 3: 13,000 + Visa: 3,800)
RAKEZ Free Zone saves AED 3,600 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 RAKEZ Free Zone and Dubai Science Park 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?
RAKEZ Free Zone 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?
Yes — RAKEZ Free Zone is notably faster at 7 business days vs 14 days. If speed is a priority (e.g., you need to start invoicing clients quickly), factor this into your decision.
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