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..
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..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 21,995
Annual Renewal
AED 21,995
Year 1 Total
AED 42,500
Annual Renewal
AED 33,000
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
E-commerce/Service Smart Desk Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 21,995
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 TierAnnual Cost
AED 61,870
NoteTotal cost cited as approximately AED 61,870 for a 25 sq. m. office.
Commercial License + Flexi-Desk
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 33,000
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 TierAnnual Cost
AED 47,000
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).
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai CommerCity offers a lower starting price point at AED 21995
Dubai CommerCity typically processes new licenses in ~3 days
Dubai Science Park 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
Dubai CommerCity wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
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
Dubai CommerCity is the definitive choice for any e-commerce business, from startup to enterprise, that prioritizes a fully integrated, turnkey ecosystem with scalable logistics and a collaborative community, all strategically located next to Dubai International Airport.
Businesses focused on heavy manufacturing, activities requiring large land plots for development, sea-freight-centric bulk trading, or companies seeking licenses for crypto assets or holding company structures.
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
Best for companies across the entire science value chain—from R&D and lab testing to light manufacturing and regional distribution—specifically in the life sciences, environmental, and energy sectors seeking a collaborative, purpose-built environment.
Businesses outside the core science sectors, such as general trading of unrelated goods, media, or tourism. It is also not suited for heavy industrial manufacturing requiring vast land plots or companies seeking the absolute lowest-cost setup option.
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.
Dubai CommerCity is the definitive choice for any e-commerce business, from startup to enterprise, that prioritizes a fully integrated, turnkey ecosystem with scalable logistics and a collaborative community, all strategically located next to Dubai International Airport.
Best for companies across the entire science value chain—from R&D and lab testing to light manufacturing and regional distribution—specifically in the life sciences, environmental, and energy sectors seeking a collaborative, purpose-built environment.
