Dubai Production City (IMPZ) — Media and Printing Free Zone Guide 2026
Dubai Production City (formerly IMPZ – International Media Production Zone) is a TECOM Group free zone specialising in media production, printing, packaging, and publishing. Located near Jebel Ali and Motor City, Dubai Production City offers affordable media licences for production-focused businesses. This guide covers Dubai Production City for 2026.
Dubai Production City Overview
- Previously known as: IMPZ (International Media Production Zone); renamed Dubai Production City
- Operator: TECOM Group (same as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City)
- Location: near Jebel Ali, Dubai; between Motor City and Sports City; access via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
- Specialisation: media production, printing, publishing, packaging, distribution
- Distinct from Dubai Media City: DPC is production-focused (the physical making of media products); DMC is content and broadcast focused
Dubai Production City Activities
- Printing: commercial printing, label printing, packaging printing; Dubai has a significant printing industry
- Publishing: book publishers, magazine publishers, catalogue production
- Media production: video production companies, audio production, photography studios
- Distribution and logistics: media distribution companies; warehouse for media products
- Packaging: primary and secondary packaging manufacturing
Dubai Production City Pricing
- Flexi-desk office: AED 15,000-20,000/year
- Serviced office: AED 30,000-60,000/year depending on size
- Warehouse: AED 40,000-100,000/year depending on size and specification
- Licence fee: AED 12,000-20,000/year
- Note: more affordable than Dubai Media City for similar package types
Why Choose Dubai Production City?
- Affordable vs Dubai Media City: DPC pricing is 20-30% lower than DMC for similar setups
- Physical production focus: if your business involves printing or manufacturing (not just content creation), DPC’s industrial activities are permitted
- Printing industry cluster: access to UAE’s printing supplier network; industry associations in DPC
- Access to Dubai market: TECOM ecosystem; Dubai address; proximity to Jebel Ali for imports of printing materials
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 Production City | DDA FZ-LLC registration component | AED 23,698–48,698 indicative (initial setup ~AED 13,698 + annual licence AED 10,000–25,000 + office costs). Official website does not publish a fee schedule; quote required via AXS portal. Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - activity licence and facility depend on the selected district Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on licence, facility and renewal evidence Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and immigration services depend on the selected facility and are separate | A TECOM/DDA district facility or lease is selected and priced separately | Indicative public price | Official DDA FZ-LLC registration service; partial setup component | Current package / renewal confirmation required | July 2026 |
| What is included | The current DDA service page publishes an AED 3,500 registration fee and lists certificate of incorporation, commercial licence, registers of directors and articles of association as service deliverables. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Activity licence fee, Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams, office or facility, deposit, establishment card, visas, insurance, external approvals and advisory support. |
| Hidden-cost risk | AED 3,500 is only the FZ-LLC registration component. DDA states that licence fees are calculated from the selected activities; the district facility and immigration configuration also require a current quote. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Publishing, printing, packaging, media production and content-distribution companies needing a specialist Dubai district. |
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.