Al Quoz is one of Dubai’s most distinctive districts — a mix of warehouses, light industrial units, art studios, and upscale retail. Located between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, it is a hub for creative businesses, light manufacturing, and logistics-adjacent operations.
Types of Businesses in Al Quoz
- Creative industries: Art galleries, design studios, photography studios, music studios
- Light manufacturing: Furniture workshops, metalwork, signage companies, printing companies
- Automotive: Car workshops, customisation shops, tyre and battery retailers
- Logistics: Logistics companies, last-mile delivery, storage facilities
- Retail destinations: Alserkal Avenue (curated art district), The Yard, and concept retail stores
Al Quoz for Creative Companies
Alserkal Avenue is Al Quoz’s anchor creative district, repurposing industrial warehouses into 60+ art galleries, cultural spaces, studios, and concept stores. It has become the cultural heart of Dubai’s art scene. Studio space in Alserkal Avenue: AED 80–150 per sqft per year. The area is increasingly popular for brand activations, pop-ups, and fashion shows due to its distinctive industrial aesthetic.
Licensing for Al Quoz Businesses
Al Quoz is a Dubai mainland area — all businesses require a DED (Department of Economic Development) trade licence. For creative activities: Professional or Commercial licence depending on activity. For manufacturing: Industrial licence. For automotive: Commercial licence with specific automotive activities approved.
Property and Warehousing Costs
Warehouse units in Al Quoz: AED 35–60 per sqft per year (5,000–50,000 sqft units available). Smaller studios: AED 60–100 per sqft per year. Al Quoz offers significantly lower costs than JAFZA or Dubai Industrial City for small-batch manufacturing and creative studios.