Compare Dubai Science Park vs Gold and Diamond Park

Dubai Science Park
More Affordable
VerifiedDubaiFree Zone

Dubai Science Park

The Verdict

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..

Starting From
AED 22,000
Setup Time
Gold and Diamond Park
VerifiedDubaiFree Zone

Gold and Diamond Park

The Verdict

Starts from AED 85,000 (Premium) — best for Jewelry manufacturers, precious metals traders, and high-end retailers requiring a specialized, secure, physical location in a prime Dubai area..

Starting From
AED 85,000
Setup Time

Feature Comparison

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

Starting From
AED 22,000
Starting From
AED 85,000
Price Positioning
Premium
Price Positioning
Premium
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 4,170
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 4,500
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Remote Setup
Yes
Remote Setup
No
Bank Account Help
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
UAE Pass
Yes
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
Mandatory for all
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
Total Activities
57
Total Activities
27

Cost Scenarios

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

Dubai Science Park

Year 1 Total

AED 42,500

Annual Renewal

AED 33,000

Gold and Diamond Park

Year 1 Total

Annual Renewal

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 22,000
facilityAED 18,000
government feesAED 0
third party servicesAED 2,500

No breakdown available

License Packages

Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone

Dubai Science Park

2 Packages
Most Popular

Commercial License + Flexi-Desk

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 33,000

1 Visa Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Access to co-working spaces

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 Tier

Annual Cost

AED 47,000

2 Visas Included
5 Activities
Private Office

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).

Gold and Diamond Park

1 Packages
Most Popular

Custom (Lease-Based)

Custom Tier

Annual Cost

Custom

Select: Private Office | Warehouse | Land Plot | None
JAFZA-issued license

NoteGold and Diamond Park does not offer standard packages. The model requires leasing a physical facility (retail, workshop, or office), and the total cost is the sum of the lease, a JAFZA-issued license, registration, and visa fees. Visa allocation depends on the size of the leased facility.

Who Wins Where?

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

Dubai Science Park

Budget Priorities

Dubai Science Park offers a lower starting price point at AED 22,000

Gold and Diamond Park

Setup Speed

Gold and Diamond Park typically processes new licenses in ~? days

Gold and Diamond Park

Visa Capacity

Gold and Diamond Park allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space

Tie

Tax Optimization

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

Tie

Brand Prestige

Both are widely recognized as premium, tier-1 jurisdictions

Tie

Lean Startups

Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison

Agricultural License
No
Agricultural License
No
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
No
General Trading License
No
General Trading License
No
Holding Company License
Yes
Holding Company License
No
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
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
No

About Each Zone

Executive summaries and competitive positioning

Dubai Science Park

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

Join the region's first science-focused business community, home to global leaders like Pfizer and AstraZeneca and over 6,500 professionals.
Accelerate your research with access to over 90 purpose-built laboratories and specialized, LEED-certified infrastructure for the entire science value chain.
Leverage a complete financial advantage with 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax for qualifying income, and 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
Scale your startup with the support of the integrated in5 Science incubator, designed specifically to nurture innovation in the science sector.
Ideal Target

R&D companies, life sciences startups, and established pharmaceutical firms that require specialized lab/office facilities and a strong industry ecosystem.

Gold and Diamond Park

Gold and Diamond Park is a specialized free zone targeting the jewelry and precious metals industry. Its primary focus is on gold, diamond, and gemstone trading, manufacturing, and retail. [8, 10] The target investor profile includes international jewelry brands, local artisans, wholesalers of precious metals, and entrepreneurs looking to establish manufacturing units or retail outlets in a secure, industry-specific environment with significant tourist footfall. [25]

Key Advantages

Prime Sheikh Zayed Road Location: Unmatched visibility and access for tourists and residents, driving significant retail footfall.
Integrated Jewelry Ecosystem: A unique combination of retail showrooms, manufacturing workshops, and offices in one secure location.
Purpose-Built Secure Facilities: Specialized infrastructure for manufacturers, including central gas, acid disposal, and 24/7 surveillance for high-value goods.
Powerful Free Zone Financial Benefits: Enjoy 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and 0% corporate and personal income tax.
Ideal Target

Jewelry manufacturers, precious metals traders, and high-end retailers requiring a specialized, secure, physical location in a prime Dubai area.

Things to Watch Out For

Hidden costs and common objections — with honest rebuttals

Dubai Science Park

Hidden Costs
Mandatory health insurance for all visa holders.
Security deposit for office lease (1-2 months rent).
External approvals for regulated scientific or healthcare activities can be costly and time-consuming.

Gold and Diamond Park

Hidden Costs
Mandatory physical lease, which is the largest cost component
SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) approval fees for jewelry trading
High security deposits for facilities

Ask The Experts

Common questions answered transparently with real data

Dubai Science Park is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 22,000. In the broader market context, Dubai Science Park is officially positioned as "Premium".

Gold and Diamond Park typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around N/A days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Gold and Diamond Park, in-person visits or specific attestations may be required to complete the process.

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. Gold and Diamond 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 Science Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Gold and Diamond Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.

R&D companies, life sciences startups, and established pharmaceutical firms that require specialized lab/office facilities and a strong industry ecosystem.

Jewelry manufacturers, precious metals traders, and high-end retailers requiring a specialized, secure, physical location in a prime Dubai area.