Compare Dubai South Free Zone vs Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah
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..
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah
The Verdict
Starts from AED 2,650 (Budget) — best for Startups and SMEs looking for the most cost-effective mainland licensing option in the UAE, especially for trading and professional services..
Dubai South Free Zone
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah
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.
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah
Custom OnlyNo Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
Who Wins Where?
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Budget Priorities
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah offers a lower starting price point at AED 2,650
Setup Speed
Dubai South Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~3 days
Visa Capacity
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Tax Optimization
Dubai South Free Zone is officially QFZP eligible
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 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.
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah
RAK DED focuses on fostering a competitive and diversified economy. Its target industries include industrial expansion, construction, tourism, general trade, and professional services. The primary investor profile consists of entrepreneurs and companies, both local and international, that require unrestricted access to the UAE domestic market and wish to establish a physical presence on the mainland.
Key Advantages
Startups and SMEs looking for the most cost-effective mainland licensing option in the UAE, especially for trading and professional services.
Ask The Experts
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 2,650. In the broader market context, Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah is officially positioned as "Budget".
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. Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
Dubai South Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Department of Economic Development - Ras Al Khaimah: 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.
Startups and SMEs looking for the most cost-effective mainland licensing option in the UAE, especially for trading and professional services.