Compare Dubai South Free Zone vs Gold and Diamond Park
Dubai South Free Zone
The Verdict
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..
Gold and Diamond Park
The Verdict
Starts from AED 85,000 (Premium) — best for Jewelry manufacturers, precious metals traders, and high-end retailers requiring a specialized, secure, physical location in a prime Dubai area..
Dubai South Free Zone
Gold and Diamond Park
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 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
Year 1 Total
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Annual Renewal
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Detailed Breakdown
No breakdown available
License Packages
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Dubai South Free Zone
2 PackagesBusiness 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.
Gold and Diamond Park
1 PackagesCustom (Lease-Based)
Custom TierAnnual Cost
Custom
NoteGold and Diamond Park does not offer standard packages. The model requires leasing a physical facility (retail, workshop, or office), and the total cost is the sum of the lease, a JAFZA-issued license, registration, and visa fees. Visa allocation depends on the size of the leased facility.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12,500
Setup Speed
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~3 days
Visa Capacity
Gold and Diamond Park 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
Gold and Diamond Park carries a premium market perception and positioning
Lean Startups
Dubai South 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 South Free Zone
Dubai South is an integrated economic zone targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. 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. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
Gold and Diamond Park
Gold and Diamond Park is a specialized free zone targeting the jewelry and precious metals industry. Its primary focus is on gold, diamond, and gemstone trading, manufacturing, and retail. [8, 10] The target investor profile includes international jewelry brands, local artisans, wholesalers of precious metals, and entrepreneurs looking to establish manufacturing units or retail outlets in a secure, industry-specific environment with significant tourist footfall. [25]
Key Advantages
Jewelry manufacturers, precious metals traders, and high-end retailers requiring a specialized, secure, physical location in a prime Dubai area.
Ask The Experts
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. Gold and Diamond 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.
Dubai South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Gold and Diamond Park: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
Jewelry manufacturers, precious metals traders, and high-end retailers requiring a specialized, secure, physical location in a prime Dubai area.