Starts from AED 27,240 (Mid-Range) — best for Businesses requiring direct access to the UAE local market, government contracts, and no restrictions on location or trade..
Starts from AED 19,600 (Mid-Range) — best for Media, creative, and consulting professionals who value a simple, all-inclusive package with flexi-desk facilities..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 27,240
Annual Renewal
AED 17,420
Year 1 Total
AED 19,600
Annual Renewal
AED 17,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
No Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
Freelancer
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 17,500
NoteIdeal for individual professionals and freelancers. The establishment card is included but its government fee is separate.
Baby Business
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 21,500
NoteSuitable for small startups planning to hire a few employees.
Business Pro
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 25,000
NoteAimed at established SMEs with a small team.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Fujairah Creative City offers a lower starting price point at AED 19600
Department of Economy and Tourism typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Fujairah Creative City allows up to 15 visas without requiring a physical office space
Neither jurisdiction is currently QFZP eligible
Both offer highly competitive, standard market positioning
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
DET targets a wide spectrum of industries, including trade, professional services, tourism, logistics, real estate, and manufacturing. Its primary investor profile ranges from individual entrepreneurs and SMEs to large multinational corporations seeking unrestricted access to the UAE's domestic market and international trade corridors. The jurisdiction is ideal for businesses that aim to trade directly with local customers, engage in government tenders, and establish a physical presence anywhere within the UAE without geographical limitations.
Key Advantages
Businesses prioritizing direct access to the UAE's local consumer and government sectors, requiring a physical retail or office presence anywhere in Dubai, or planning for a large, scalable workforce.
Global businesses with no plans for local UAE trade, solopreneurs seeking the lowest possible cost, or companies whose primary goal is to benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate for Qualified Free Zone Persons.
Fujairah Creative City targets a wide range of creative, media, events, and consulting industries. Its primary investor profile consists of freelancers, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking a low-cost, flexible, and remote setup without the need for a physical office in the UAE. It is particularly popular for service-based and digital businesses.
Key Advantages
Fujairah Creative City is the ideal choice for service-based entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital startups who prioritize the lowest possible cost, a fully remote setup process, and minimal ongoing compliance (no audit).
Businesses involved in heavy physical trading, logistics, or manufacturing that require warehouses, industrial units, or a VAT Designated Zone status for goods movement.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Fujairah Creative City is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 19,600. In the broader market context, Fujairah Creative City is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Department of Economy and Tourism typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Department of Economy and Tourism, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Department of Economy and Tourism: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Fujairah Creative City: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
Department of Economy and Tourism: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Fujairah Creative City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Businesses prioritizing direct access to the UAE's local consumer and government sectors, requiring a physical retail or office presence anywhere in Dubai, or planning for a large, scalable workforce.
Fujairah Creative City is the ideal choice for service-based entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital startups who prioritize the lowest possible cost, a fully remote setup process, and minimal ongoing compliance (no audit).
