UAE free zone office space costs vary significantly — from AED 5,000/year for a shared flexi desk to AED 150,000+/year for a fully serviced private office in premium free zones. This guide compares costs across the most popular free zones.
Types of UAE Free Zone Office Space
| Type | Description | Typical Cost (AED/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi Desk | Shared desk in open-plan space; use on demand | 5,000–12,000 |
| Dedicated Desk | Your own fixed desk in a shared space | 12,000–25,000 |
| Executive Office (serviced) | Private furnished office in serviced centre | 30,000–80,000 |
| Built-Out Office | Shell-and-core space you fit out yourself | 50,000–200,000+ |
| Virtual Office | UAE address only, no physical access | 2,000–6,000 |
Cost by Free Zone (Private Office, 200–500 sqft)
| Free Zone | Annual Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DMCC (Jumeirah Lakes Towers) | 40,000–120,000 | Premium address |
| DIFC | 80,000–250,000 | Financial district pricing |
| IFZA (Dubai) | 25,000–50,000 | Includes licence |
| RAKEZ | 15,000–35,000 | Best value for money |
| Meydan Free Zone | 20,000–40,000 | Central Dubai location |
| SAIF Zone (Sharjah) | 12,000–30,000 | Near Sharjah airport |
| Ajman Free Zone | 8,000–20,000 | Lowest cost option |
Virtual Office Warning
UAE banks typically do not accept virtual office addresses for business bank account opening. Most require a physical office lease or free zone flexi desk agreement. If banking access is a priority, budget for at least a flexi desk package rather than a virtual office.