Dubai World Central (DWC), now rebranded as Dubai South, is a master-planned city and free zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport. Here is a complete guide to setting up in DWC/Dubai South in 2025.
About Dubai South
Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) is a 145 sq km master-planned urban development built adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (planned to be the world’s largest airport upon completion). Dubai South is home to: the aviation-focused free zone (Aviation District), logistics and e-commerce hubs (LOGISTICS District), the Dubai Airshow (the world’s largest airshow by orders placed), and residential and commercial communities being developed as a new city. Key advantage: direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport (currently handling cargo and some passenger flights, with major expansion planned).
Dubai South Free Zone Business Licences
Dubai South FZ issues licences across multiple zones: Aviation District: Airlines, MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul), ground handling, aviation services, aircraft leasing companies, and aerospace manufacturers. Logistics District: Freight forwarders, customs clearance agents, 3PL (third-party logistics) providers, e-commerce fulfilment companies, and warehouse and distribution companies. Business Park: General business, professional services, tech, and trading companies (not aviation/logistics-specific). Licence fees: AED 12,000-35,000/year depending on the district and company size. Warehouse and industrial space: available at competitive rates compared to older Dubai logistics zones.
Why Dubai South for Logistics?
Dubai South offers: proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport (for air freight), proximity to Jebel Ali Port (via dedicated road link, one of the world’s largest ports for sea freight), dedicated customs area (DWC Customs), and modern, purpose-built warehousing and logistics facilities. Total area of logistics facilities: over 22 million sqm of planned logistics space.
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.