Compare Dubai Science Park vs Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
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..
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
The Verdict
Starts from AED 11,000 (Mid-Range) — best for Industrial, manufacturing, and trading companies requiring port access and warehousing facilities..
Dubai Science Park
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
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 12,000
Annual Renewal
AED 12,000
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).
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
3 PackagesE-Office / Virtual Office Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 11,000
NoteThis is the most common entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. The annual renewal cost is also AED 11,000.
Executive Office Package (2 Visa)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 16,000
NoteA step-up package for small teams requiring a physical office space. Several tiers exist with increasing visa quotas.
General Trading Package (7 Visa)
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 35,000
NoteAllows for broad trading activities without restriction to specific product categories.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority offers a lower starting price point at AED 11,000
Setup Speed
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Visa Capacity
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority 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
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority 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.
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
Hamriyah Free Zone is optimized for heavy industry, oil and gas, petrochemicals, maritime trade, manufacturing, and logistics. It targets a wide range of investors from SMEs to large multinational corporations seeking 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and robust infrastructure for import, export, and manufacturing activities within the MENA region and beyond.
Key Advantages
Industrial, manufacturing, and trading companies requiring port access and warehousing facilities.
Ask The Experts
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 11,000. In the broader market context, Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, 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. Hamriyah Free Zone Authority: 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. Hamriyah Free Zone Authority: 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.
Industrial, manufacturing, and trading companies requiring port access and warehousing facilities.