Free Zones are necessary for boosting international business as they simply offer 100% foreign ownership and single window administration convenience. Each Free Zone has its own specific requirements concerning permitted activities, office and/or warehouse space.

Registering any company in a free zone is beneficial for the following reasons: 100% foreign company ownership; 100% repatriation of capital and profits; exemption from all import and export duties; no corporate tax; no dividend tax; 24/7 operations, etc.

At the broader level, free trade zones are classified as sea port, mainland, and airport zones. On the other hand, a non-free zone allows you to freely operate in any area of the UAE.

List of the Free Zones in Dubai, UAE

There are about 37 free zones being operated in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Some of the popular FTZ (Free Trade Zone) include:

• Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
• Ajman Free Zone Authority
• Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Investment Park (Only through JAFZA)
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Metal and Commodities Center
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Fujairah Free Zone
• Hamriya Free Zone in Sharjah
• Jebel Ali Free Zone
• Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone
• Sharjah Airport International Free Zone