DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) is one of the UAE’s most strategically located free zones, adjacent to Dubai International Airport. Here is the complete 2025 guide.
DAFZA Overview
DAFZA is operated by the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority and is located directly adjacent to Dubai International Airport (DXB) — one of the world’s busiest airports. DAFZA tenants: 1,700+ companies, including Boeing, Samsung, Oracle, Pepsi, Hitachi, and hundreds of aviation, logistics, and technology companies. DAFZA is particularly strong for: aviation-related businesses (MRO companies, aviation parts traders, aircraft leasing), logistics and freight businesses (air cargo focused), technology companies (proximity to airport for fast delivery and distribution), and pharmaceutical distribution (temperature-controlled warehousing adjacent to airport cargo).
DAFZA Business Setup
Company types: FZE, FZC, branch of a foreign company. Activities allowed: trading, logistics, light manufacturing, services (professional, consultancy, IT), aviation services, and pharmaceutical distribution. Cost: DAFZA is a premium free zone. Licence fees: AED 25,000-50,000/year depending on activity and space. Warehouse and logistics spaces are available at airport-adjacent rates (higher than inland logistics parks but the airport proximity commands the premium). Visa quota: 1-6+ visas depending on facility type. Customs advantage: direct connection to DXB cargo facilities. Goods can be cleared and moved within the DAFZA bonded zone without paying UAE customs duties until they leave the bonded area for UAE mainland. Best for: any business where speed of air freight and airport proximity is a competitive advantage (aerospace, express delivery, pharmaceuticals, perishables).
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAFZA | Scality Global monthly subscription | AED 28,000-55,000 (licence ~AED 13,000-15,000 + registration ~AED 7,000 one-time + smart desk + 1 visa ~AED 3,500-7,000 + establishment card) Confidence: Verified official price |
AED 34,200 annual subscription before external fees Confidence: Verified official price |
AED 105,600 DAFZ fees before visa/external fees Confidence: Verified official price |
1 visa entitlement; visa fee excluded | Flexible working space subscription | Verified official price | Official authority package page | No material public conflict recorded | June 2026 |
| What is included | Monthly subscription lists flexible workspace, lease, licence, growth partnerships, network support and 1 visa/subscription entitlement; setup fee is AED 3,000. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visa cost up to AED 4,200, employee protection insurance, optional dedicated desk and external government fees. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Pricing covers DAFZ fees only; external government fees and visa costs remain separate. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Premium Dubai airport-linked trading, aviation, logistics and professional companies. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed June 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.