About these figures: Costs and timelines on this page are indicative planning figures compiled from public free zone fee information. They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay. How we source prices · How we compile data.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) and Meydan Free Zone are two of the most popular affordable UAE free zones for new business setups. Both are in Dubai, both serve small businesses and solo entrepreneurs, and both compete on cost. This comparison helps you decide which is right for your situation in 2026.
In this guide:
IFZA Overview 2026
- Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis (Academic City area)
- Authority: International Free Zone Authority
- Established: 2018
- Popular for: general trading, consulting, IT, freelancers, multi-activity companies
- Business activity flexibility: extremely flexible; 3 activities on standard licence
- Starting price: AED 11,900/year (licence, single activity, no desk)
- Setup time: 2–5 business days
Meydan Free Zone Overview 2026
- Location: Meydan, Dubai (near DIFC and Business Bay)
- Authority: Meydan Free Zone
- Established: 2009 (formally expanded 2018)
- Popular for: consultants, coaches, digital businesses, content creators
- Starting price: AED 9,000–12,000/year depending on package
- Business activity flexibility: good; 3 activities standard
- Setup time: 3–7 business days
Cost Comparison: IFZA vs Meydan
- Licence only (no desk): IFZA AED 11,900 vs Meydan AED 9,000–12,000 (similar)
- With flexi-desk: IFZA AED 17,000–22,000 vs Meydan AED 14,000–19,000 (Meydan slightly cheaper)
- Visa allocation (flexi-desk): IFZA 2–3 visas vs Meydan 2–3 visas (similar)
- Private office: IFZA AED 30,000–60,000 vs Meydan AED 25,000–50,000
Activity Coverage: IFZA vs Meydan
- IFZA: one of the most comprehensive activity lists; supports trading, consulting, IT, e-commerce, media, and almost any B2B service; international trading permitted
- Meydan: strong for consulting, coaching, digital services, content creation; trading is permitted but IFZA has a stronger reputation for trading companies
Brand Reputation and Client Perception
- IFZA: increasingly well-known internationally; strong among Indian and Pakistani entrepreneur communities; good bank acceptance
- Meydan: Dubai address (Meydan district near DIFC); slightly more prestigious-sounding address; recognised by most UAE banks
Verdict: Which to Choose?
- Choose IFZA if: you need comprehensive activity permissions (especially trading or multiple activities); international client base; community of other IFZA entrepreneurs for networking
- Choose Meydan if: you are a consultant, coach, or digital creator seeking a Dubai address at lowest possible cost; Meydan’s district near DIFC sounds more prestigious to some clients
Disclosure: UAE Free Zone Compare is an independent research platform. We may receive partner commissions if you request a quote through our forms — this is disclosed on every page where it applies. Our research and recommendations are independent.