DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone Authority) is located adjacent to Dubai International Airport — the world’s busiest international passenger airport. DAFZA is the UAE’s premier free zone for aviation, aerospace, and high-value cargo businesses. Here is a complete guide.
DAFZA Overview
DAFZA was established in 1996 and hosts 1,700+ companies from 130+ countries. Location: immediately adjacent to Dubai International Airport — Dubai Cargo Village is within DAFZA. Unique advantage: 24-hour customs clearance, direct cargo connectivity, and immediate access to DXB’s 90+ million annual passengers. DAFZA is particularly suited for: aerospace and aviation businesses (MRO, spare parts, aircraft leasing administration), high-value goods import/export (electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, perishable food), and e-commerce businesses requiring fast air freight fulfilment.
DAFZA Licence Types
Trading Licence: Import/export of goods through Dubai Airport. Particularly suited for high-value, time-sensitive cargo. Service Licence: Professional services, aviation support, technical advisory. Aviation and Aerospace: Aircraft parts trading, MRO services, and aviation consulting — DAFZA is one of few UAE free zones that can host MRO activities directly.
DAFZA Cost and Value Proposition
DAFZA is a premium free zone — costs are higher than SAIF Zone or RAKEZ but justified by airport access. Annual licence: AED 15,000–35,000+ depending on package. Office space: premium pricing (airport location premium). Bank account: good track record due to established trading company profile. Best for: companies where proximity to Dubai Airport is a genuine operational advantage, not just a prestige address.
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.