Starts from AED 7,500 (Premium) — best for Established tech companies, multinationals, and specialized freelancers seeking a prestigious address and strong ecosystem..
Starts from AED 0 (Premium) — best for Maritime, shipping, and industrial companies requiring large-scale workshops, warehouses, or prime office space with direct port and dry-dock access..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 7,500
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
Year 1 Total
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Annual Renewal
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Detailed Breakdown
No breakdown available
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
GoFreelance Permit
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 7,500
NoteThis is a freelance permit, not a full company license. An Establishment Card (AED 2,000) is required to apply for a visa.
Flexi-Desk / Hot-Desk Package
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 27,020
NoteEstimated cost including License Fee (15,020), Registration (3,500), Establishment Card (2,000) and Hot Desk facility (~6,500). Some sources indicate the license fee is reduced when taking a desk facility.
No Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai Internet City offers a lower starting price point at AED 7500
Dubai Internet City typically processes new licenses in ~5 days
Dubai Maritime 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
Dubai Internet City 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 Internet City targets companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Its primary focus is on software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. The ideal investor profile ranges from innovative tech startups and entrepreneurs to multinational technology corporations seeking a strategic base for their regional operations.
Key Advantages
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
Businesses involved in general trading, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, or those requiring a license for crypto/virtual assets, as these activities are not supported.
Dubai Maritime City targets the global maritime industry, focusing on sectors such as ship repair, yacht manufacturing, maritime services, and logistics. Its primary investor profile includes marine service providers, engineering firms, yacht and vessel manufacturers, repair and maintenance companies, and shipping and logistics operators seeking a strategic location with specialized infrastructure.
Key Advantages
Dubai Maritime City is the definitive choice for businesses core to the maritime industry—ship repair, yacht manufacturing, marine engineering, and shipping—that require purpose-built, specialized infrastructure and direct integration with a global port operator like DP World.
Businesses without a direct link to the maritime industry (e.g., general trading, media, IT services) and solo entrepreneurs, as the zone does not offer freelance permits and its costs are aligned with its specialized, capital-intensive facilities.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai Internet City is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 7,500. In the broader market context, Dubai Internet City is officially positioned as "Premium".
Dubai Internet City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 5 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai Internet City, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Internet 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 Maritime 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 Internet City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai Maritime City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
Dubai Maritime City is the definitive choice for businesses core to the maritime industry—ship repair, yacht manufacturing, marine engineering, and shipping—that require purpose-built, specialized infrastructure and direct integration with a global port operator like DP World.
