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 38,120 (Premium) — best for Logistics, manufacturing, and international trading companies requiring access to a major port and extensive warehousing facilities..
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 38,120
Annual Renewal
AED 25,500
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.
Trading License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 45,000
NoteThis is an estimated package cost based on combining the lowest-tier license, registration, and facility costs. JAFZA's model is primarily à la carte rather than pre-bundled packages. Total cost can range from AED 40,000 to 60,000.
Service License Package (Small Office)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 60,000
NoteThis is an estimated package cost combining a service license with the smallest available office space (approx 26.88 sqm). Office rent starts from AED 53,670 per year.
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
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority 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 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.
JAFZA primarily targets businesses in the logistics, manufacturing, trading, and E-commerce sectors. Its ideal investor profile ranges from Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations requiring extensive logistics and industrial facilities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in global trade. It is the undisputed hub for supply chain, logistics, and heavy industrial activities in the region.
Key Advantages
JAFZA is the undisputed leader for established businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and trading that rely on sea freight and multimodal transport, offering unparalleled access to Jebel Ali Port and a vast, powerful business ecosystem.
Freelancers, crypto-asset companies, or small service-based startups requiring only a virtual office, as JAFZA does not offer freelance permits, virtual asset licenses, or non-physical office packages.
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".
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, 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. Jebel Ali Free Zone 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 CommerCity: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority: 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.
JAFZA is the undisputed leader for established businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and trading that rely on sea freight and multimodal transport, offering unparalleled access to Jebel Ali Port and a vast, powerful business ecosystem.
