Established
2004
Companies
Over 20,000
Location
Dubai
About Dubai Maritime City
Dubai Maritime City is a purpose-built maritime hub designed to serve the global shipping, maritime, and logistics industries. As the world's largest man-made maritime center, it offers comprehensive facilities including ship repair, maritime services, logistics, and offshore operations. The free zone provides a strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal base for maritime businesses seeking regional expansion.
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Key Industries
Ideal For
License Types & Costs
Commercial License
For trading activities including import, export, and distribution of maritime equipment and services
Starting from
18,000
AEDActivities Allowed
Trading, import/export, distribution, maritime equipment supply
Service License
For providing maritime services including ship management, marine surveying, and consultancy
Starting from
16,000
AEDActivities Allowed
Maritime consultancy, ship management, marine surveying, technical services
Industrial License
For manufacturing and ship repair activities within the maritime sector
Starting from
25,000
AEDActivities Allowed
Ship repair, manufacturing, industrial maritime operations
Processing Time
5-7 working days
Annual Renewal
Same as initial license fee
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.
Visa Information
Available for shareholders, directors, and employees of licensed companies
2 visas
Flexi Desk
4-6 visas
Private Office
8-15 visas
Warehouse with Office
Estimated Costs
Costs vary based on license type, office space, and number of visas required. Additional fees may apply for specific maritime activities.
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Request a personalized quote tailored to your specific business needs.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- World's largest purpose-built maritime hub
- Direct access to major ports and shipping routes
- Specialized facilities for ship repair and maintenance
- Strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Comprehensive maritime ecosystem with all related services
- Strong government support for maritime sector development
- Access to skilled maritime workforce
- Integrated residential and commercial facilities
Considerations
- Limited to maritime and related industries only
- Higher setup costs compared to general free zones
- Specialized nature may limit business diversification opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Dubai Maritime City?
Best For
- Maritime Companies
- Shipping Businesses
- Ship Repair Operations
- Maritime Service Providers
- Logistics Companies
Not Ideal For
- General Trading
- Technology Startups
- Retail Businesses
- Food and Beverage
- Real Estate