Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the UAE’s first dedicated technology free zone, established in 1999 and home to major tech companies including Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, IBM, and HP. Here is the 2025 guide.
What is Dubai Internet City?
DIC was established in 1999 by the Dubai government as a hub for global technology companies expanding to the Middle East. It is managed by TECOM Group (same parent as Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, and other sector-specific free zones). DIC is home to 1,600+ companies including: Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, HP, IBM, Dell, Siemens, and hundreds of regional tech companies and startups. DIC is not just a free zone — it is a live working campus with co-working, offices, restaurants, and a thriving tech community.
Who Is DIC Best For?
DIC is best suited for: established technology companies with 5+ employees, regional HQs of global tech firms expanding to the Middle East, enterprise software and hardware companies, SaaS companies with UAE/MENA enterprise clients, and tech consulting firms with large corporate clients (who expect to meet at a reputable DIC address). DIC is NOT ideal for: solo founders, early-stage startups with small budgets, and companies in non-technology sectors. For early-stage tech startups: IFZA or DSO (Dubai Silicon Oasis) offer better value.
DIC Costs 2025
DIC is a premium address and the costs reflect this: licence from AED 20,000-35,000/year. Office space: AED 40,000-150,000+/year (DIC offices are in modern Sheikh Zayed Road area buildings). For growing tech companies with enterprise clients: DIC’s address and community can be worth the premium. DIC’s location on Sheikh Zayed Road (between Dubai and Abu Dhabi motorway access) is excellent for companies with clients across the UAE.
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.