Compare Dubai Airport Freezone Authority vs Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority
The Verdict
Starts from AED 39,795 (Premium) — best for Logistics, aviation, high-tech, and import/export companies requiring a prestigious address with direct access to Dubai International Airport..
Dubai South Free Zone
The Verdict
Starts from AED 12,500 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port..
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority
Dubai South Free Zone
Feature Comparison
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Cost Scenarios
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 56,295
Annual Renewal
AED 42,520
Year 1 Total
AED 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
License Packages
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority
2 PackagesSmart Desk Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 39,795
NoteCost consists of Office Rent (AED 16,650), License Fee (AED 15,020), Registration Fee (AED 7,000), and other minor fees. This is a common entry-level package.
Office Package (27 sqm)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 84,630
NoteCost consists of Office Rent (AED 59,560), License Fee (AED 15,000), Registration Fee (AED 7,000), Establishment Card (AED 2,000) and other minor fees. Visa allocation is typically linked to office size.
Dubai South Free Zone
2 PackagesBusiness Hub License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,500
NoteThis is often the entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. Visa and establishment card costs are additional.
Commercial/Service License + Small Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 35,000
NoteEstimated cost. Office rent for a small 250 sqft space is around AED 56,825, but packages often provide a bundled discount. License fee is approx AED 12,500-13,500.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12,500
Setup Speed
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~3 days
Visa Capacity
Dubai South Free Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Tax Optimization
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Brand Prestige
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority carries a premium market perception and positioning
Lean Startups
Dubai South Free Zone wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
About Each Zone
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority
DAFZA targets high-value, low-volume goods and service-oriented businesses, leveraging its prime location next to Dubai International Airport for unparalleled logistics and cargo advantages. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations and SMEs in sectors such as aviation, aerospace, logistics, freight forwarding, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, IT, telecommunications, electronics, luxury goods, jewelry, and professional services.
Key Advantages
Logistics, aviation, high-tech, and import/export companies requiring a prestigious address with direct access to Dubai International Airport.
Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai South is an integrated economic zone targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. It is designed for businesses involved in air transport, freight, and global supply chain management, leveraging its direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
Ask The Experts
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai South Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Dubai South Free Zone is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 3 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai South Free Zone, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Dubai South Free Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Logistics, aviation, high-tech, and import/export companies requiring a prestigious address with direct access to Dubai International Airport.
Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.