Dubai International Humanitarian City (IHC) is the world’s largest humanitarian hub — home to UN agencies, major NGOs, and humanitarian aid organisations. Here is a guide to IHC for international organisations and social enterprises.
What Is Dubai International Humanitarian City?
Dubai International Humanitarian City (IHC) was established in 2003 and is located adjacent to Dubai World Central (Dubai South). IHC is home to: 14 UN agencies (including UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO regional offices), 70+ international NGOs (Red Cross, CARE International, World Vision), logistics and supply chain companies serving humanitarian operations, and pharmaceutical companies with humanitarian aid supply chains. IHC is a unique entity — it operates as a free zone but is also the world’s hub for stockpiling and distributing humanitarian aid to crisis zones in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Who Can Set Up in IHC?
IHC membership is selective: UN agencies and inter-governmental organisations (by UN designation), internationally recognised NGOs with humanitarian programmes in the Middle East or Africa, commercial companies providing goods or services to humanitarian operations (logistics, medical supplies, food, water, shelter), and academic and research institutions working on humanitarian issues.
IHC Business Licence
Companies and NGOs in IHC operate under an IHC permit rather than a standard UAE trade licence. Benefits: 0% import/export duties for humanitarian goods, simplified customs procedures for emergency shipments, networking with the world’s leading humanitarian organisations, and a credible address for international donor reporting. Contact IHC directly at ihc.ae to discuss eligibility — it is not a free zone where you can apply via a standard online form.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Humanitarian City (IHC): UN and NGO Business Guide | Current authority package | Quote-based - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based renewal - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Depends on package and office allocation | Authority quote required | Authority quote required | Current package / renewal confirmation required | June 2026 |
| What is included | Confirmed only after authority or partner quote. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visas, insurance, medical, Emirates ID, office upgrades, amendments and cancellation unless quoted. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Confirm establishment card, visas, office/flexi desk, insurance, renewal and cancellation before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium - depends on activity and documents |
| Best fit | Founders comparing this free zone against activity, visa, office, banking and renewal requirements. |
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.