Dubai South is a 145 km² urban master plan development anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport. When fully built, Al Maktoum International will be the world’s largest airport — transforming Dubai South into the world’s most significant airport city development.
Dubai South’s Key Districts
Logistics District: Bonded logistics zone with direct airside and road access. 24-hour customs clearance. 12 million sqm of warehousing capacity. Best for: air cargo logistics, courier companies, and bonded storage operators. Aviation District: Home to Emirates MRO (world’s largest airline MRO centre), dnata cargo, and Jetex FBO. Purpose-built aviation maintenance and support facilities. Best for: MRO companies, aircraft parts traders, ground handling equipment suppliers. Business Park: Office and commercial space for companies supporting the aviation and logistics ecosystem. Annual free zone licence: AED 10,000–25,000. Residential City: 180,000-resident planned community with schools, retail, and healthcare — for staff housing as the district develops.
Al Maktoum International Airport Expansion
The Dubai government has committed USD 35 billion to expand Al Maktoum International Airport to handle 260 million passengers per year (vs current 40M at Dubai International). Phase 1 of the expansion was approved in 2024, with first expanded terminal operations expected 2030–2032. Dubai South companies will be the primary beneficiaries of the long-term capacity ramp-up.
Dubai South Licence Costs
Business Park (professional/commercial): AED 10,000–25,000/year. Logistics District warehouse: AED 25–40 per sqft per year. Aviation District hangar/MRO space: custom pricing based on facility requirements and GCAA approvals.
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 South | Dubai South Business Hub base licence | AED 20,000-35,000 (Business Park licence AED 12,500-25,000 + flexi-desk AED 8,000-15,000 + 1 visa AED 3,500-5,500; wide range — confirm specific package) Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - official content contains conflicting package references Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on confirmed renewal and package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and processing are selected separately | Official content lists flexible coworking / flexi-desk options; confirm the selected package | Indicative public price | Official Dubai South Business Hub content; conflicting entry figures noted | Conflicting public sources - confirm current package | July 2026 |
| What is included | Current official Business Hub content presents AED 12,500 as the base licence starting point and describes flexible coworking infrastructure. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visa processing, establishment card, insurance, office upgrades, extra activities, regulated approvals and support services unless the final package states otherwise. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Official Business Hub articles contain conflicting entry-price references. UAE Freezone Compare does not average them; confirm the current package and full invoice before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium |
| Best fit | Logistics, aviation, import/export and Dubai address companies near Al Maktoum Airport. |
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.