Compare DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, Shams, DWTC, RAKEZ, and more — side by side on cost, visa quota, permitted activities, Corporate Tax qualifying status, and best-fit use cases.
Best for: Professional services, consultants, freelancers, solo founders, and small service businesses wanting a Dubai address at low cost.
Best for: SMEs wanting flexible package options, multiple visa allocations, and a wide range of permitted activities in one licence.
Best for: Commodity trading, financial services, multinational subsidiaries. Most prestigious UAE free zone with the widest activity list and strong banking relationships.
Best for: Freelancers, media professionals, content creators, digital marketers, and service businesses on a tight budget. One of the lowest-cost free zones in the UAE.
Best for: Events, exhibitions, financial services, and professional firms that benefit from a Sheikh Zayed Road address and association with the World Trade Centre brand.
Best for: Manufacturing, light industrial, and trading companies that need physical warehouse or factory space alongside a free zone licence.
| Feature | Meydan | IFZA | DMCC | Shams | DWTC | RAKEZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Est. setup cost | AED 11,500+ | AED 12,900+ | AED 20,000+ | AED 10,500+ | AED 17,000+ | AED 9,000+ |
| Dubai address | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Sharjah | ✓ Yes | ✗ RAK |
| CT QFZP eligible | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Virtual office option | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Flexi | ✓ Yes | Flexi | Limited |
| Warehouse / industrial | ✗ No | ✗ No | Limited | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Multi-activity licence | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ 700+ | Limited | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bank account ease | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Moderate |
| Best for | Consultants, solo founders | SMEs, multi-visa | Commodities, MNC | Freelancers, media | Finance, events | Manufacturing |