Compare Dubai South Free Zone vs International Humanitarian City
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..
International Humanitarian City
The Verdict
Starts from AED 20,800 (Mid-Range) — best for Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and commercial companies (logistics, suppliers) that directly support the aid and development sector..
Dubai South Free Zone
International Humanitarian City
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
AED 20,800
Annual Renewal
AED 20,800
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
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.
International Humanitarian City
4 PackagesBusiness Centre Package (Humanitarian/NPO)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 11,250
NotePrice is for Non-Profit Organizations. Visa costs are additional. Minimum usage of 10 hours per week.
Standard Office Package (Humanitarian/NPO)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 18,274
NotePrice is for Non-Profit Organizations. Package includes a 20 sqm (approx 215 sqft) office. Visa costs are additional.
Business Centre Package (Commercial)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 20,800
NotePrice is for Commercial entities supporting the humanitarian sector. Visa costs are additional.
Standard Office Package (Commercial)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 32,064
NotePrice is for Commercial entities. Package includes a 20 sqm (approx 215 sqft) office. Visa costs are additional.
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
International Humanitarian City 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
Both offer highly competitive, standard market 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.
International Humanitarian City
IHC is a specialized free zone targeting the global humanitarian aid and development sector. Its primary members are United Nations (UN) agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and commercial companies that supply goods and services for emergency and relief operations. The investor profile is unique, focusing on entities dedicated to disaster preparedness and response, logistics, and sustainable development goals.
Key Advantages
Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and commercial companies (logistics, suppliers) that directly support the aid and development sector.
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. International Humanitarian City: 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. International Humanitarian City: 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.
Humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and commercial companies (logistics, suppliers) that directly support the aid and development sector.