Compare Dubai Science Park vs Meydan Free 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..
Meydan Free Zone
The Verdict
Starts from AED 12,500 (Budget) — best for Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement..
Dubai Science Park
Meydan Free Zone
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 15,000
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
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).
Meydan Free Zone
5 PackagesLicense with 0 Visa Allocation
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,500
NoteIdeal for businesses that do not require UAE residency visas. The renewal fee is the same as the first-year fee.
License with 1 Visa Allocation
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 14,370
NoteThis is a popular package for solo entrepreneurs requiring a UAE residency visa.
License with 2 Visa Allocations
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 16,220
License with 3 Visa Allocations
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 18,070
NoteSuitable for a small team of partners or employees.
License with 6 Visa Allocations
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 23,600
NoteA comprehensive package for a growing team.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Meydan Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12,500
Setup Speed
Meydan Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Visa Capacity
Meydan Free Zone allows up to 6 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
Meydan Free Zone 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.
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone primarily targets entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs, particularly in the digital, consulting, and service-based industries. [27, 29] Its primary investor profile consists of international businesspersons and freelancers seeking cost-effective solutions, 100% foreign ownership, and a prestigious Dubai address near Downtown. [29, 36] Key industries include trading, e-commerce, media, professional services, and technology. [4, 8]
Key Advantages
Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement.
Ask The Experts
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Meydan Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Meydan Free Zone is officially positioned as "Budget".
Meydan Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Meydan 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. Meydan 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. Meydan Free Zone: 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.
Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement.