Dubai International City — Business and Licensing Guide 2026
Dubai International City (Dragon Mart area) is a unique retail and commercial hub in Dubai, home to one of the world’s largest trading hubs for Chinese goods and a thriving multicultural business district. This guide covers business setup and licensing in Dubai International City for 2026.
In this guide:
Dubai International City Overview
- Location: Al Warsan, Dubai; near Arabian Ranches; connected to Emirates Road (E611)
- Developed by: Nakheel
- Key feature: Dragon Mart 1 and Dragon Mart 2 — the world’s largest Chinese trading hub outside mainland China
- Residential: International City has 60,000+ residents from 200+ nationalities; one of Dubai’s most cosmopolitan districts
- Country clusters: residential areas modelled after global architecture (China, France, Russia, England, Spain, Greece, Persia, Morocco, Emirates); now fully developed residential communities
Dragon Mart — Business Hub
- Dragon Mart 1 (2004): 1.2 million sqft; 4,000+ stores; Chinese goods (electronics, hardware, furniture, construction materials, toys)
- Dragon Mart 2 (2015): 1 million sqft; 700+ outlets including the first IKEA outside Abu Dhabi/Dubai marina area
- Occupants: predominantly Chinese traders and UAE businesses importing from China
- Business type: primarily B2B and B2C trading; ideal for Chinese product importers, wholesalers, and retailers
Licensing and Business Setup Near International City
- International City does not have a specific free zone authority; businesses in Dragon Mart operate under Dubai DED mainland licences or trade in JAFZA-imported goods
- Nearby free zones: DAFZA (Dubai Airport FZ, 20 mins away); JAFZA (Jebel Ali, 40 mins away) — for import/export businesses using Dubai port
- Recommended setup for Dragon Mart traders: Dubai mainland trading licence (DED) with a physical shop unit in Dragon Mart
UAE-China Trade through Dragon Mart
- Major import/export hub: goods from China’s manufacturing provinces (Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu) flow through Dragon Mart to UAE and wider MENA market
- Popular import categories: electronics, LED lighting, building materials, furniture, textiles, household goods, tools, auto parts
- UAE as re-export hub: goods imported to Jebel Ali free zone → redistributed via Dragon Mart traders to Gulf, Africa, South Asia markets
International City Living and Business Community
- Cost of living: International City is one of Dubai’s most affordable residential areas; popular with mid-income expats
- Business community: strong Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi business communities
- Infrastructure: Dubai Metro extension plans; currently accessible by car, RTA bus, and Dubai Metro via transfer