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Dubai · UAE Free Zone

Dubai Industrial City

The Industrial Hub of the Middle East

Established2004
CompaniesOver 1,200 companies
Area560 million square feet
LocationDubai
Official website

Zone at a glance

Cost efficiency
Setup speed
Flexibility

Relative rating across UAE free zones, scored out of five.

Overview

About Dubai Industrial City

Dubai Industrial City is a purpose-built industrial free zone designed to serve as a comprehensive manufacturing and logistics hub. Strategically located with excellent connectivity to major ports and airports, it offers world-class infrastructure for heavy and light industries, warehousing, and distribution operations across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets.

Governing Authority:Dubai Industrial City Authority

Location & Connectivity

Nearest Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport

15 kilometers away

Address

Dubai Industrial City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Total Area

560 million square feet

Nearby Landmarks

Jebel Ali PortDubai World CentralDubai SouthExpo City DubaiDubai Investment Park

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Sectors

Key Industries

Manufacturing
Heavy Industries
Logistics and Warehousing
Automotive
Food Processing
Chemicals and Petrochemicals

Ideal For

Large-scale manufacturingIndustrial operationsRegional distribution centersHeavy machinery assemblyExport-oriented businesses

Licensing

License Types & Costs

Industrial License

For manufacturing and industrial activities including heavy and light industries

Starting from
25,000AED

Activities Allowed

Manufacturing, assembly, processing, and industrial operations

Commercial License

For trading, import/export, and commercial activities within the industrial ecosystem

Starting from
20,000AED

Activities Allowed

Trading, import/export, distribution, and commercial services

Service License

For professional and support services to industrial companies

Starting from
18,000AED

Activities Allowed

Consulting, maintenance, logistics support, and professional services

Processing Time

5-7 working days

Annual Renewal

15,000 - 25,000 AED depending on license type

Validity

1 year, renewable

Need help choosing the right license type?

Our experts can guide you through the licensing options and help you select the best fit.

Residency

Visa Information

Available for shareholders, employees, and their dependents of licensed companies

2-3 visas

Small Office (200-500 sq ft)

4-6 visas

Medium Office (500-1000 sq ft)

8-15 visas

Large Office (1000+ sq ft)

Based on business plan and investment

Warehouse/Factory Space

Investor VisaEmployee VisaDependent VisaDomestic Helper Visa
Processing:7-10 working days
Golden Visa Eligible

Investment

Estimated Costs

License Fee
From 18,000 AED
Visa (per person)
~4,500 AED
Office Space
From 35,000 AED/year
Estimated First Year Total
From 57,500 AED
Approximate, starting estimate

Costs vary based on facility size, license type, and specific industrial requirements. Warehouse and factory spaces have different pricing structures.

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Assessment

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Purpose-built industrial infrastructure with heavy-duty facilities
  • Strategic location near major ports and airports for logistics
  • 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of profits
  • Duty-free import of raw materials and machinery
  • Large-scale facilities available for heavy industrial operations
  • Excellent connectivity to regional and international markets
  • Comprehensive utilities and support services
  • Access to skilled labor pool in Dubai
  • Proximity to Jebel Ali Port for efficient shipping

Considerations

  • Higher setup costs compared to other business-focused free zones
  • Limited suitability for non-industrial businesses
  • Distance from Dubai's main business districts
  • Requires significant initial investment for meaningful operations

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Advantages

Why Choose Dubai Industrial City?

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Zero corporate tax on qualifying income
Full repatriation of capital and profits
No currency or exchange restrictions
World-class infrastructure and connectivity
Streamlined business registration process

Best For

  • Large-scale manufacturing
  • Industrial operations
  • Export businesses
  • Regional distribution
  • Heavy industries

Not Ideal For

  • Small service businesses
  • Retail operations
  • Financial services
  • IT startups
  • Consulting firms

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