Dubai Mainstream Free Zone Classification and Industry Adaptation

More than 40 free zones in Dubai can be divided into 6 categories according to the industry focus, enterprises need to accurately choose according to the type of business, to avoid industry mismatch led to operational constraints:

(I) trade logistics free zone

jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): The largest free zone in the Middle East, covering an area of more than 100 square kilometers, focusing on trade, logistics and manufacturing industries. Advantages: It has the largest port in the Middle East (Jebel Ali Port), with high import and export customs clearance efficiency; registered enterprises can enjoy tariff exemption and preferential storage facilities. Suitable for: cross-border trade, logistics and transportation, bulk commodity import and export enterprises. Case: China COSCO Shipping registered a company in JAFZA, taking advantage of the port to carry out logistics business in the Middle East.

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA): Close to Dubai International Airport, suitable for aviation logistics and aerospace enterprises. Advantages: short air clearance time (the fastest 4 hours), can enjoy the airport supporting services.

(II) science and technology free zone

dubai Internet City (DIC): Middle East technology enterprises gathering, focusing on IT, software development, digital media industry. Advantages: Provide high-speed network, incubator support, adjacent to Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), rich talent resources. Enterprises: Huawei Middle East R & D Center, Microsoft Dubai Division. Suitable for: Tech start-ups, software development companies, digital marketing agencies.

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): focuses on the semiconductor, electronics manufacturing and artificial intelligence industries, providing research and development subsidies and technical support.

(III) Financial Free Zone

dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a financial hub in the Middle East, focusing on the banking, insurance and asset management industries. Advantages: Adopting a common law system that is in line with international financial rules; having an independent financial regulator (DFSA) to facilitate international financial operations. Stayed in: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai Financial Market. Suitable for: financial institutions, investment companies, law firms (foreign financial business).

Dubai Multi-Commodity Trading Center (DMCC): The world's largest gold and diamond trading center, covering both commodity trading and financial services. Advantages: Provide precious metal storage facilities, trading platform, can apply for financial derivatives trading license. Suitable for: gold jewelry trade, commodity investment enterprises.

(IV) creative and cultural tourism free zone

dubai Design District (D3): focusing on fashion design, architectural design and creative industries. Advantages: holding international design exhibition, with designer studio and exhibition space. Suitable for: fashion brands, design companies, creative enterprises.

Dubai Media City (DMC): focuses on the media, advertising, film and television industries, with companies including CNN and BBC Middle East. Suitable for: media companies, advertising agencies, film and television production companies.

(V) medical health class free zone

dubai Health City (DHCC): Middle East medical tourism center, focusing on medical services, medical device trade, pharmaceutical research and development. Advantages: hospitals and laboratories with international certification can enjoy import tariff exemption of medical equipment. Suitable for: medical device companies, medical tourism agencies, pharmaceutical companies.

(VI) education free zone

dubai Knowledge Village (DKV): focuses on education, training and human resources industries, including the University of Dubai and international training institutions. Suitable for: educational technology companies, vocational training schools.