DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) and Dubai Internet City (DIC) are two highly specialised Dubai free zones serving very different business types. DAFZA is built around Dubai International Airport for logistics, aviation, and high-value cargo. DIC is the UAE’s tech and IT hub, home to Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, and hundreds of regional software companies.
DAFZA vs DIC at a glance
DAFZA: from AED 25,000, Dubai International Airport. Aviation, logistics, electronics, pharma. Office strongly preferred.
DIC: from AED 30,000, Sheikh Zayed Road. Software, IT services, tech consulting. Flexi-desk OK for startups.
About DAFZA
DAFZA is physically inside the Dubai Airport perimeter with direct cargo-handling access. Established 1996. Home to 1,600+ companies including major aviation MROs, high-value cargo handlers, electronics distributors, pharmaceutical importers, luxury goods. Same-day customs clearance for air shipments.
About Dubai Internet City
DIC was launched in 1999 as the first dedicated tech free zone in the Middle East. Regional HQ for Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, HP, SAP, Dell — alongside hundreds of regional software companies, IT service providers, tech consultants. The DIC ecosystem includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Studio City as adjacent zones.
Setup costs
DAFZA: services license + office AED 25,000-35,000/year. Warehousing units AED 80,000+. Limited flexi-desk options.
DIC: tech startup license with flexi-desk AED 30,000-40,000. Office space AED 350-500/sqft/year. Requires alignment with tech-focused activity scope.
Activity scope
DAFZA permits: aviation services, MRO, cargo handling, freight forwarding, electronics distribution, pharmaceutical import/distribution, luxury goods, select tech tied to airport ecosystem.
DIC permits: software development, IT services, IT consulting, e-commerce platforms, internet/digital services, tech research. Non-tech activities not allowed.
Ecosystem benefits
DAFZA: speed of logistics. High-value items (pharma, electronics, luxury) clear customs in hours.
DIC: network effect. Physical proximity to Microsoft, Oracle, etc. creates real partnership opportunities, talent pool access, prestige factor.
Best fit for…
Choose DAFZA: aviation business (MRO, ground services, charter), high-value air cargo handler, pharmaceutical importer, electronics distributor needing fast clearance, luxury goods or watch/jewellery.
Choose DIC: software development company, SaaS or PaaS provider, IT services or consulting firm, technology startup seeking ecosystem proximity, e-commerce platform (technology-side).
FAQs
Can DAFZA do general trading?
Yes, but the value is in airport-adjacent logistics. For general trading, DMCC or JAFZA usually better.
Is DIC suitable for non-tech consulting?
No. DIC requires tech-focused activities.
How does DIC compare to IFZA for tech?
IFZA at AED 12,500 is much cheaper. DIC’s premium covers ecosystem proximity to Microsoft/Oracle/IBM. Early-stage tech with limited budget: IFZA wins.
Final verdict
Both highly specialised. DAFZA: aviation/logistics/airport-dependent. DIC: software and IT. If neither fits, look elsewhere. Browse all UAE free zones or use our free zone finder to match by activity.