Compare Dubai Silicon Oasis vs Meydan Free Zone
Dubai Silicon Oasis
The Verdict
Starts from AED 11,900 (Mid-Range) — best for Tech startups, R&D firms, and knowledge-based businesses seeking a dedicated tech ecosystem with integrated living and working facilities..
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 Silicon Oasis
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 20,400
Annual Renewal
AED 22,000
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 Silicon Oasis
2 PackagesLicense with Flexi Desk
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 22,000
NoteCost estimate based on a trade/service license (AED ~12,000) plus a flexi-desk (AED ~10,000). Total package costs are often marketed around AED 22,000 - 25,000.
License with Small Private Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 37,000
NoteCost estimate based on license fee (AED 12,000) plus a small office (~13.5 sqm/145 sqft) starting from AED 25,000. Visa eligibility is typically 1 per 9 sqm.
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
Dubai Silicon Oasis offers a lower starting price point at AED 11,900
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
Both offer highly competitive, standard market positioning
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
About Each Zone
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis targets technology and innovation-focused companies, ranging from startups and SMEs to multinational corporations. [4, 18] Key industry clusters include Information Technology, Electronics, AI & IoT, Robotics, FinTech, E-commerce, and Research & Development. [4, 32] The primary investor profile consists of entrepreneurs and established companies in the tech sector seeking a supportive ecosystem with advanced infrastructure, R&D facilities, and access to a skilled talent pool. [16, 24]
Key Advantages
Tech startups, R&D firms, and knowledge-based businesses seeking a dedicated tech ecosystem with integrated living and working facilities.
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
Dubai Silicon Oasis is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 11,900. In the broader market context, Dubai Silicon Oasis is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
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 Silicon Oasis: 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 Silicon Oasis: 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.
Tech startups, R&D firms, and knowledge-based businesses seeking a dedicated tech ecosystem with integrated living and working facilities.
Consultants, startups, and SMEs seeking a prestigious Dubai address with low overhead and no paid-up share capital requirement.