Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) is a master-planned economic zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport — the future home of Dubai’s primary airport. Here is a complete business guide to Dubai South.
Dubai South Overview
Dubai South is a 145 km² economic zone in the Jebel Ali area of Dubai, master-planned around Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). When DWC reaches full capacity, it will be the world’s largest airport (current capacity expanding to 160 million passengers/year). Dubai South currently hosts: Dubai South Free Zone (for businesses), Expo City Dubai (Expo 2020 legacy development), DHL global logistics hub, and Amazon logistics UAE hub. Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) currently handles primarily cargo — passenger services are being phased in as the airport expands. Dubai South is explicitly designed to be the successor to Jebel Ali as Dubai’s primary logistics hub.
Dubai South Free Zone Business Types
Dubai South Free Zone caters to: logistics and freight companies, cargo/freight agents, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfilment, aviation MRO, manufacturing (permitted in the industrial area), and standard trading and professional services. Dubai South is particularly attractive for: e-commerce businesses that need fulfilment centre access, air freight-dependent companies (import/export by air), and future-positioned companies that want to grow with the airport’s expansion.
Dubai South Costs 2025
Annual licence fee: AED 12,000–30,000 depending on activity. Warehouse/logistics units: very competitive — one of Dubai’s most affordable logistics zone lease rates (AED 35–60/sqft/year). Office space in the business district: AED 75–120/sqft/year. Expo City Dubai (within Dubai South): AED 12,000–30,000/year for Expo City Free Zone companies.
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.