There are certain areas in Dubai that have been specially designated as free zones for the conduct of free trade or business. These are the ideal locations within the U.A.E. where foreign entrepreneurs or business owners can set up their businesses with utmost ease. These free zones are further divided into different categories based on the specific niche of the business and operations involved in it.
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Production City
- Dubai Studio City
- Dubai Outsource City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Science Park
- Dubai Design District
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers
- Jebel Ali Free Zone
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Dubai HealthCare City
- International Humanitarian City
- Dubai Maritime City
- Gold and Diamond Park
- Dubai South
- Dubai International Financial Centre
- Meydan
- National Industries Park
The demarcation of the Free Zones is on the basis of the sector of operation involved in the business:
- Academics
- Aviation
- Investment
- Media
- Information technology(ICT)
- Information and logistics
- Automotive
- Technology
- Energy
FZE is an entity that is formed and registered in Ajman Free Zone. It is regulated by the Free Zone Authority in accordance with the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1988 (amended by the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1996). These establishments enjoy a provisions as separate legal entities and they can be 100% owned by either a person or a corporate body. Such entities must have a capital approximately equivalent to US $50,000. The liability of the business owner is limited to the amount of his share capital.
Licences under this class are issued to companies that have been incorporated in the Free Zone in accordance to the Amiri Decree. Such companies enjoy a separate legal identity and the owner is liable only for the value of the paid up capital.
- A copy of the passport of the representative or manager of the company, valid for at least 6 months.
- Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
- 10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
- The original Trade License
- The original Membership Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce
- The original Commercial Registration Certificate
- A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
- Application Form
The parent company has to have an active status for at least 1 year prior to opening a branch in the free zone.
Licences under this category are issued to companies that are registered outside the U.A.E. It is mandatory for the company to have 100% foreign ownership and the sales have to be made through a registered agent or a distributor in U.A.E. The activity could involve commercial, industrial or professional services.