Starts from AED 37,700 (Premium) — best for Automotive, logistics, and industrial trading companies requiring proximity to Jebel Ali Port and a robust logistics infrastructure..
Starts from AED 7,500 (Premium) — best for Established tech companies, multinationals, and specialized freelancers seeking a prestigious address and strong ecosystem..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 37,700
Annual Renewal
AED 23,200
Year 1 Total
AED 7,500
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Trading License Package with Smart Desk/Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 52,636
NoteThis is an estimated starting package cost. Actual quotes depend on specific activities, office size, and visa requirements. Total setup costs for a small business typically range from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000.
GoFreelance Permit
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 7,500
NoteThis is a freelance permit, not a full company license. An Establishment Card (AED 2,000) is required to apply for a visa.
Flexi-Desk / Hot-Desk Package
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 27,020
NoteEstimated cost including License Fee (15,020), Registration (3,500), Establishment Card (2,000) and Hot Desk facility (~6,500). Some sources indicate the license fee is reduced when taking a desk facility.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai Auto Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 37700
Dubai Internet City typically processes new licenses in ~5 days
Dubai Internet City allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Both are widely recognized as premium, tier-1 jurisdictions
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) is a specialized cluster within Jafza targeting the automotive and spare parts industry. It is designed for companies involved in trading, logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing of vehicles, machinery, and spare parts. The primary investor profile includes international automotive brands, re-exporters, wholesale auto-parts traders, and logistics companies requiring extensive storage and world-class logistics infrastructure.
Key Advantages
DAZ is the definitive choice for international automotive businesses focused on trading, re-export, and distribution across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who require world-class seaport logistics and a dedicated industry ecosystem.
Businesses outside the automotive, spare parts, or heavy machinery sectors. It is also unsuitable for startups seeking the lowest-cost virtual office packages or companies whose primary target is direct retail sales within the UAE mainland.
Dubai Internet City targets companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Its primary focus is on software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. The ideal investor profile ranges from innovative tech startups and entrepreneurs to multinational technology corporations seeking a strategic base for their regional operations.
Key Advantages
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
Businesses involved in general trading, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, or those requiring a license for crypto/virtual assets, as these activities are not supported.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai Auto Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 37,700. In the broader market context, Dubai Auto Zone is officially positioned as "Premium".
Dubai Internet City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 5 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai Internet City, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Auto 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 Internet City: 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 Auto Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai Internet City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
DAZ is the definitive choice for international automotive businesses focused on trading, re-export, and distribution across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who require world-class seaport logistics and a dedicated industry ecosystem.
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
