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..
Starts from AED 12,500 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 42,500
Annual Renewal
AED 33,000
Year 1 Total
AED 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
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).
Business Hub License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,500
NoteThis is often the entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. Visa and establishment card costs are additional.
Commercial/Service License + Small Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 35,000
NoteEstimated cost. Office rent for a small 250 sqft space is around AED 56,825, but packages often provide a bundled discount. License fee is approx AED 12,500-13,500.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12500
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~3 days
Dubai South Free Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Dubai Science Park carries a premium market perception and positioning
Dubai South Free Zone 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 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.
Dubai South is a 145 sq km integrated economic zone comprising eight specialized districts, targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. Home to over 4,200 companies (2025), it is designed for businesses involved in air transport, freight, and global supply chain management, leveraging its direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
Businesses seeking a central downtown address, companies in the cryptocurrency/virtual assets sector (license not offered), or firms requiring a small, high-end corporate office near the current DXB airport.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai South Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Dubai South Free Zone is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 3 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai South Free Zone, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
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 South 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 Science Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
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.
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
