Starts from AED 12,500 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port..
Starts from AED 30,000 (Premium) — best for Businesses requiring a prestigious Central Business District address with direct access to exhibition halls and international events..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
Year 1 Total
AED 30,000
Annual Renewal
AED 25,000
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Business Hub License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,500
NoteThis is often the entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. Visa and establishment card costs are additional.
Commercial/Service License + Small Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 35,000
NoteEstimated cost. Office rent for a small 250 sqft space is around AED 56,825, but packages often provide a bundled discount. License fee is approx AED 12,500-13,500.
Starter Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
Custom
NoteIdeal for remote businesses, freelancers, and holding entities without on-site staff. Pricing is available upon enquiry.
Entrepreneur Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
Custom
NoteDesigned for individual shareholders starting their business journey. Pricing is available upon enquiry.
Spark Package
Standard TierAnnual Cost
Custom
NoteAimed at growing businesses with a small team, exclusively for individual shareholders. Pricing is available upon enquiry.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12500
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~3 days
Dubai World Trade Centre Authority allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Dubai World Trade Centre Authority carries a premium market perception and positioning
Dubai South Free Zone 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 South is a 145 sq km integrated economic zone comprising eight specialized districts, targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. Home to over 4,200 companies (2025), it is designed for businesses involved in air transport, freight, and global supply chain management, leveraging its direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
Businesses seeking a central downtown address, companies in the cryptocurrency/virtual assets sector (license not offered), or firms requiring a small, high-end corporate office near the current DXB airport.
DWTC Free Zone targets businesses in the professional services, general trading, information technology, and MICE-related industries. It is designed for startups, SMEs, and large multinational corporations seeking a strategic, central location in Dubai with access to a global calendar of trade events. The free zone offers a dual-licensing option, allowing companies to operate both within the free zone and on the mainland, which is a key attraction for investors.
Key Advantages
DWTC is the premier choice for service-oriented and trading businesses that require a prestigious central Dubai address, want the unique flexibility to operate on both free zone and mainland markets via a dual license, or benefit directly from being at the epicenter of global trade events.
Businesses involved in industrial manufacturing, large-scale logistics, or warehousing, as the free zone does not offer industrial units, warehouses, or land plots for development.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai South Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Dubai South Free Zone is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 3 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai South Free Zone, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai South 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 World Trade Centre 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 South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai World Trade Centre Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
DWTC is the premier choice for service-oriented and trading businesses that require a prestigious central Dubai address, want the unique flexibility to operate on both free zone and mainland markets via a dual license, or benefit directly from being at the epicenter of global trade events.
