Compare Dubai Science Park vs International Humanitarian City
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..
International Humanitarian City
The Verdict
Starts from AED 20,800 (Mid-Range) — best for Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and commercial companies (logistics, suppliers) that directly support the aid and development sector..
Dubai Science Park
International Humanitarian City
Feature Comparison
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Cost Scenarios
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 20,800
Annual Renewal
AED 20,800
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
License Packages
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Dubai Science Park
2 PackagesCommercial 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).
International Humanitarian City
4 PackagesBusiness Centre Package (Humanitarian/NPO)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 11,250
NotePrice is for Non-Profit Organizations. Visa costs are additional. Minimum usage of 10 hours per week.
Standard Office Package (Humanitarian/NPO)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 18,274
NotePrice is for Non-Profit Organizations. Package includes a 20 sqm (approx 215 sqft) office. Visa costs are additional.
Business Centre Package (Commercial)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 20,800
NotePrice is for Commercial entities supporting the humanitarian sector. Visa costs are additional.
Standard Office Package (Commercial)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 32,064
NotePrice is for Commercial entities. Package includes a 20 sqm (approx 215 sqft) office. Visa costs are additional.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
International Humanitarian City offers a lower starting price point at AED 20,800
Setup Speed
International Humanitarian City typically processes new licenses in ~? days
Visa Capacity
International Humanitarian City allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Tax Optimization
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Brand Prestige
Dubai Science Park carries a premium market perception and positioning
Lean Startups
International Humanitarian City wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
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
R&D companies, life sciences startups, and established pharmaceutical firms that require specialized lab/office facilities and a strong industry ecosystem.
International Humanitarian City
IHC is a specialized free zone targeting the global humanitarian aid and development sector. Its primary members are United Nations (UN) agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and commercial companies that supply goods and services for emergency and relief operations. The investor profile is unique, focusing on entities dedicated to disaster preparedness and response, logistics, and sustainable development goals.
Key Advantages
Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and commercial companies (logistics, suppliers) that directly support the aid and development sector.
Ask The Experts
Common questions answered transparently with real data
International Humanitarian City is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 20,800. In the broader market context, International Humanitarian City is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
International Humanitarian City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around N/A days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for International Humanitarian City, 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. International Humanitarian 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 Science Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. International Humanitarian City: 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.
Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and commercial companies (logistics, suppliers) that directly support the aid and development sector.