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 19,600 (Mid-Range) — best for Media, creative, and consulting professionals who value a simple, all-inclusive package with flexi-desk facilities..
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 19,600
Annual Renewal
AED 17,500
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).
Freelancer
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 17,500
NoteIdeal for individual professionals and freelancers. The establishment card is included but its government fee is separate.
Baby Business
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 21,500
NoteSuitable for small startups planning to hire a few employees.
Business Pro
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 25,000
NoteAimed at established SMEs with a small team.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Fujairah Creative City offers a lower starting price point at AED 19600
Fujairah Creative City typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Fujairah Creative City allows up to 15 visas without requiring a physical office space
Dubai Science Park is officially QFZP eligible
Dubai Science Park carries a premium market perception and positioning
Fujairah Creative 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 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.
Fujairah Creative City targets a wide range of creative, media, events, and consulting industries. Its primary investor profile consists of freelancers, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking a low-cost, flexible, and remote setup without the need for a physical office in the UAE. It is particularly popular for service-based and digital businesses.
Key Advantages
Fujairah Creative City is the ideal choice for service-based entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital startups who prioritize the lowest possible cost, a fully remote setup process, and minimal ongoing compliance (no audit).
Businesses involved in heavy physical trading, logistics, or manufacturing that require warehouses, industrial units, or a VAT Designated Zone status for goods movement.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Fujairah Creative City is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 19,600. In the broader market context, Fujairah Creative City is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Fujairah Creative City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Fujairah Creative City, 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. Fujairah Creative City: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
Dubai Science Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Fujairah Creative City: 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.
Fujairah Creative City is the ideal choice for service-based entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital startups who prioritize the lowest possible cost, a fully remote setup process, and minimal ongoing compliance (no audit).
