Dubai Free Zones

Establishing a company in one of the UAE 12 Free Trade Zones (FTZs) has many benefits for foreign investors. To date the free zones have been successful in attracting a large number of companies and foreign direct investment, as well as expanding net non-oil exports. The major advantages of setting up in a free zone are that you are entitled to:

100 per cent foreign ownership of the enterprise.

100 per cent import and export tax exemptions.

100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits.

 No corporate taxes for 50 years.

 No personal income taxes.

 Assistance with labour recruitment and additional support services, such as sponsorship and housing.

An independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) governs each free zone, and is the agency responsible for issuing FTZ operating licenses and assisting companies with establishing their business in the FTZ. Investors can either register a new company in the form of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or simply establish a branch or representative office of their existing or parent company based within the UAE or abroad.

An FZE is a limited liability company governed by the rules and regulations of the Free Zone in which it is established. Under Federal Law No. 15 of 1998, except for acquiring nationality in the UAE, the provisions of the CCL do not apply to FZEs, provided that the Free Zones have special provisions regulating such companies.

There are currently the following Free Zones:

• Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ)

• Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ)

• Dubai Gold and Diamond Park

• Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)

• Dubai Industrial City (DIC)

• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

• Dubai Internet City (DIC)

• Dubai Knowledge Village (KV or DKV)

• Dubai Media City (DMC)

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

•Dubai Silicon Oasis Microelectronics technology and industrial park, including R & D facilities

• Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM)

• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA or JAFZ)

• International Media Production Zone

There are also the following Free Zones planned:

• Dubai Aid City

• Dubai Auto Parts City

• Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (Dubiotech or Dubai Biotech)

• Dubai Carpet Free Zone – Deira

• Dubai Flower Center Free Zone - at Dubai International Airport

• Dubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC)

• Dubai Maritime City

• Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ)

• Dubai Studio City – Dubailand

• Dubai Textile Village - Al Awir

• eHosting Data Fort

• Heavy Equipment & Trucks Free Zone

• Mohammad Bin Rashid Technology Park - Jebel Ali Area.