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 9,500 (Premium) — best for Established media companies, freelancers, and production houses seeking a prestigious address and strong industry 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 11,500
Annual Renewal
AED 9,500
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 the entry-level package for individual freelancers. The Establishment Card (AED 2,000) and Residence Visa are additional costs.
FZ-LLC with Flexi-Desk
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 27,500
NoteEstimated cost for a small FZ-LLC. Includes approx. AED 15,000 for license, AED 2,000 for Establishment Card, and AED 10,500 for a basic flexi-desk. Costs can vary.
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 Media City typically processes new licenses in ~5 days
Dubai Media 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 Media City is the largest media community in the region, targeting industries such as advertising, marketing, communication, broadcasting, publishing, and new media. Its primary investor profile includes multinational media corporations, local media startups, advertising agencies, production companies, and individual media professionals or freelancers seeking a collaborative and well-networked environment.
Key Advantages
Ideal for any media, advertising, or content creation business, from freelancers to global corporations, that prioritizes industry-specific networking, collaboration, and a prestigious ecosystem over minimum cost.
Businesses involved in general trading, logistics, warehousing, or industrial manufacturing. Companies in highly regulated non-media sectors like crypto, heavy finance, or healthcare would be better served in specialized zones.
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 Media City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 5 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai Media 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 Media 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 Media 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.
Ideal for any media, advertising, or content creation business, from freelancers to global corporations, that prioritizes industry-specific networking, collaboration, and a prestigious ecosystem over minimum cost.
