Compare Dubai CommerCity vs Dubai Science Park

Dubai CommerCity
More Affordable
VerifiedDubaiFree Zone

Dubai CommerCity

The Verdict

Starts from AED 21,995 (Premium) — best for E-commerce businesses seeking a specialized ecosystem with integrated logistics, warehousing, and proximity to Dubai International Airport..

Starting From
AED 21,995
Setup Time
3 days
Dubai Science Park
VerifiedDubaiFree Zone

Dubai Science Park

The Verdict

Starts from AED 22,000 (Premium) — best for R&D companies, life sciences startups, and established pharmaceutical firms that require specialized lab/office facilities and a strong industry ecosystem..

Starting From
AED 22,000
Setup Time

Feature Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.

Starting From
AED 21,995
Starting From
AED 22,000
Price Positioning
Premium
Price Positioning
Premium
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 5,570
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 4,170
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Setup Time
3 days
Setup Time
Remote Setup
Yes
Remote Setup
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Golden Visa
Yes
Golden Visa
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
Total Activities
21
Total Activities
57

Cost Scenarios

Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups

Dubai CommerCity

Year 1 Total

AED 21,995

Save AED 20,505

Annual Renewal

AED 21,995

Dubai Science Park

Year 1 Total

AED 42,500

Annual Renewal

AED 33,000

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 21,995
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 0
third party servicesAED 0

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 22,000
facilityAED 18,000
government feesAED 0
third party servicesAED 2,500

License Packages

Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone

Dubai CommerCity

2 Packages
Most Popular

E-commerce/Service Smart Desk Package

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 21,995

2 Visas Included
20 Activities
Flexi Desk
Registration Fee P.O. Box Knowledge & Innovation Fees

NoteCost is an estimate for a service license; e-commerce licenses may be slightly higher. Total cost cited as approximately AED 21,995.

Fitted Office Package

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 61,870

3 Visas Included
20 Activities
Private Office
Office Rent License Fee Registration Fee P.O. Box Knowledge & Innovation Fees

NoteTotal cost cited as approximately AED 61,870 for a 25 sq. m. office.

Dubai Science Park

2 Packages
Most Popular

Commercial License + Flexi-Desk

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 33,000

1 Visa Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Access to co-working spaces

NoteThis is an estimated starting package. The annual cost combines a base license fee (AED 15,000) and an estimated Flexi-Desk cost (AED 18,000). One-time setup fees are additional.

Commercial License + Small Office

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 47,000

2 Visas Included
5 Activities
Private Office

NoteAnnual cost is an estimate combining a base license fee (AED 15,000) and an estimated small office lease (from AED 32,000). One-time setup fees are additional. Visa allocation depends on office size (approx. 1 visa per 100 sqft).

Who Wins Where?

A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.

Dubai CommerCity

Budget Priorities

Dubai CommerCity offers a lower starting price point at AED 21,995

Dubai CommerCity

Setup Speed

Dubai CommerCity typically processes new licenses in ~3 days

Dubai Science Park

Visa Capacity

Dubai Science Park allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space

Tie

Tax Optimization

Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)

Tie

Brand Prestige

Both are widely recognized as premium, tier-1 jurisdictions

Dubai CommerCity

Lean Startups

Dubai CommerCity wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison

Agricultural License
No
Agricultural License
No
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
General Trading License
No
General Trading License
No
Holding Company License
No
Holding Company License
Yes
Industrial Manufacturing License
No
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
Innovation And Tech License
Yes
Innovation And Tech License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Tourism Hospitality License
No
Tourism Hospitality License
No

About Each Zone

Executive summaries and competitive positioning

Dubai CommerCity

Dubai CommerCity targets regional and international e-commerce businesses, including online retailers, e-commerce service providers, and logistics companies. The primary investor profile ranges from startups and SMEs to large multinational corporations looking to establish or expand their e-commerce operations in the MENA region. It offers a complete turnkey solution covering all aspects of the e-commerce value chain.

Key Advantages

MENA's First & Only E-commerce Hub: Operate within an ecosystem purpose-built for online retail success.
Turnkey Logistics & Fulfillment: Launch faster with pre-integrated partners and scalable, pay-as-you-go warehousing.
Strategic Airport Proximity: Leverage unparalleled connectivity for import and export, located directly next to DXB.
0% Tax & 100% Ownership: Maximize profitability with zero corporate tax and full repatriation of capital and profits.
Ideal Target

E-commerce businesses seeking a specialized ecosystem with integrated logistics, warehousing, and proximity to Dubai International Airport.

Dubai Science Park

Dubai Science Park (DSP) is a hub for businesses in the life sciences, energy, and environmental sectors. [5, 7] Its target investor profile includes entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational enterprises dedicated to scientific research, development, and innovation. [3] The community is home to over 500 companies, including global names like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Jotun, and more than 6,500 professionals. [3]

Key Advantages

Join the region's first science-focused business community, home to global leaders like Pfizer and AstraZeneca and over 6,500 professionals.
Accelerate your research with access to over 90 purpose-built laboratories and specialized, LEED-certified infrastructure for the entire science value chain.
Leverage a complete financial advantage with 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax for qualifying income, and 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
Scale your startup with the support of the integrated in5 Science incubator, designed specifically to nurture innovation in the science sector.
Ideal Target

R&D companies, life sciences startups, and established pharmaceutical firms that require specialized lab/office facilities and a strong industry ecosystem.

Things to Watch Out For

Hidden costs and common objections — with honest rebuttals

Dubai CommerCity

Hidden Costs
Annual audit is mandatory.
Visa processing fees are separate from the main package cost.

Dubai Science Park

Hidden Costs
Mandatory health insurance for all visa holders.
Security deposit for office lease (1-2 months rent).
External approvals for regulated scientific or healthcare activities can be costly and time-consuming.

Ask The Experts

Common questions answered transparently with real data

Dubai CommerCity is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 21,995. In the broader market context, Dubai CommerCity is officially positioned as "Premium".

Dubai CommerCity typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 3 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai CommerCity, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.

Dubai CommerCity: 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 Science Park: 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 CommerCity: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai Science Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.

E-commerce businesses seeking a specialized ecosystem with integrated logistics, warehousing, and proximity to Dubai International Airport.

R&D companies, life sciences startups, and established pharmaceutical firms that require specialized lab/office facilities and a strong industry ecosystem.