Compare Dubai CommerCity vs Fujairah Free Zone

Dubai CommerCity
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
Fujairah Free Zone
More Affordable
VerifiedFujairahFree Zone

Fujairah Free Zone

The Verdict

Starts from AED 15,000 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access..

Starting From
AED 15,000
Setup Time
2 days

Feature Comparison

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

Starting From
AED 21,995
Starting From
AED 15,000
Price Positioning
Premium
Price Positioning
Mid-Range
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 5,570
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 6,530
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Setup Time
3 days
Setup Time
2 days
Remote Setup
Yes
Remote Setup
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
UAE Pass
No
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
No
Total Activities
21
Total Activities
54

Cost Scenarios

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

Dubai CommerCity

Year 1 Total

AED 21,995

Save AED 6,030

Annual Renewal

AED 21,995

Fujairah Free Zone

Year 1 Total

AED 28,025

Annual Renewal

AED 20,000

Detailed Breakdown

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

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 25,820
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 2,205
third party servicesAED 0

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.

Fujairah Free Zone

2 Packages

Virtual Office Package (0 Visa)

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 15,000

0 Visas Included
1 Activities
Virtual Address
Establishment Card

NoteBase package for establishing a legal presence without requiring physical space or visas.

Most Popular

Flexi Desk Package (1-2 Visas)

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 18,000

2 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Establishment Card Access to shared office facilities

NoteThis is a facility-only cost; license and registration fees are additional. Total setup cost is higher.

Who Wins Where?

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

Fujairah Free Zone

Budget Priorities

Fujairah Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 15,000

Fujairah Free Zone

Setup Speed

Fujairah Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~2 days

Fujairah Free Zone

Visa Capacity

Fujairah Free Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space

Tie

Tax Optimization

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

Dubai CommerCity

Brand Prestige

Dubai CommerCity carries a premium market perception and positioning

Fujairah Free Zone

Lean Startups

Fujairah Free Zone 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
Yes
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
Yes
Holding Company License
No
Holding Company License
No
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
Yes

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.

Fujairah Free Zone

Fujairah Free Zone targets a diverse range of industries, with a primary focus on trading, logistics, manufacturing, and oil and gas support services. [5, 2] Its strategic port location makes it an ideal hub for import/export, distribution, and global container shipping. [9, 5] The primary investor profile includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and multinational corporations seeking a cost-effective base with robust infrastructure for global trade and manufacturing operations. [16, 2]

Key Advantages

Gain a unique logistical edge with direct maritime access to the Indian Ocean, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Operate from a global energy hub, adjacent to the Port of Fujairah, the world's second-largest bunkering port.
Launch your business rapidly with licenses issued in as little as one working day through a fast-track setup process.
Benefit from a cost-effective structure with competitive setup packages and lower overheads than other major emirates.
Ideal Target

Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access.

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.

Fujairah Free Zone

Hidden Costs
Minimum share capital requirement of AED 150,000.
Security deposits for facilities.
Utilities are billed separately from rent.

Ask The Experts

Common questions answered transparently with real data

Fujairah Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 15,000. In the broader market context, Fujairah Free Zone is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".

Fujairah Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Fujairah Free Zone, 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. Fujairah Free 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 CommerCity: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Fujairah Free Zone: 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.

Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access.