Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a dedicated technology free zone in Dubai, part of TECOM Group. It is one of the most prestigious tech addresses in the Middle East, home to global technology companies including Microsoft, IBM, Google, HP, Cisco, Oracle, and Dell. Here is a complete guide.
Dubai Internet City Overview
DIC was established in 1999 — one of the first tech-focused free zones in the world. Location: Al Sufouh, Dubai, alongside Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park (together forming the TECOM cluster). DIC currently hosts: 1,600+ tech companies, 28,000+ professionals, including large multinationals with regional HQ in DIC. This density of tech talent and companies creates a strong ecosystem effect — particularly for technology companies wanting Middle East market access and talent pools.
DIC Permitted Activities
DIC is strictly for technology businesses: software development, IT services and consulting, e-commerce technology platforms, FinTech (financial technology), AI and machine learning, cloud computing and data services, telecom and mobile technology, and cybersecurity. Non-tech businesses are NOT permitted in DIC — apply to DMC for media, DKP for education, or another free zone for trading or professional services.
DIC Costs and Packages 2025
Annual licence fee: AED 13,000–25,000 depending on activity and package. Flexi desk included in most packages. Office space: AED 100–180/sqft/year for DIC towers (premium, including parking). Visa quota: 1–6 visas depending on package. DIC provides significant brand cachet for technology companies — clients and partners in the region associate DIC with credibility and scale. Bank account: strong — DIC is well-known and trusted by all UAE banks.
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 Internet City | GoFreelance freelance package | AED 25,000-40,000 (licence AED 18,000-25,000 + flexi-desk AED 5,000-10,000 + 1 visa AED 3,800-5,000 + establishment card; DIC/TECOM charges premium for Dubai address) Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on confirmed renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa is separate; official page lists an optional one-year visa at AED 4,600 | Freelance community access; a company office is not included | Indicative public price | Official GoFreelance programme page with conflicting current amounts | Conflicting public sources - confirm current package | July 2026 |
| What is included | The official programme lists the freelance package and access to the Dubai Internet City freelance community. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visa, establishment or immigration services, insurance, company office, extra activities and advisory support unless separately selected. |
| Hidden-cost risk | The current official page shows AED 7,500 in its headline and AED 7,520 in its FAQ. This is a technology freelance package, not a full company licence; confirm the current invoice, renewal, permitted activity and banking fit before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Technology, SaaS, IT, software and regional headquarters 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 July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.