Free zones in the UAE are specially regulated areas within each emirate that operate under their own rules (different from the mainland) and offer foreign investors a range of benefits, including simplified bureaucratic and administrative procedures, the opportunity to receive a 0% corporate tax, and the right to operate both in foreign markets and within the country (within the free zone), all at very low costs. There is a whole list of such specialized zones in each emirate, with their own advantages and requirements for registration of companies.
FTZ of the United Arab Emirates
Dubai
- Dubai Academic City – the main direction of activity - recruitment companies and educational institutions;
- Dubai Airport Free Zone – all kinds of business activity in the field of international trade are welcome;
- Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park – pharmaceutical and medical research, implementation and development of modern biotechnology;
- Dubai Cars & Automotive Zone – trade of second-hand and new vehicles;
- Dubai Design Centre – production of furniture and accessories, interior design;
- Dubai Flower Centre – support services for sale, purchase, storage and logistics of plants, fresh flowers and perishable goods;
- Dubai Healthcare City – health centers and health institutions;
- Dubai Industrial City – business activity in manufacturing sector;
- Dubai International Financial Centre– a financial centre with its own legal system based on English common law;
- Dubai Internet City – programming, telecommunications and information technology;
- Dubai Knowledge Village – educational and training institutions;
- Dubai Logistics City – transportation of goods and logistics;
- Dubai Maritime City – services in chartering and maritime transportation;
- Dubai Media City – advertisement activities and services in the field of media resources;
- Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre – trade in raw materials, precious materials and metals;
- Dubai Outsource Zone – consulting services and training;
- Dubai Silicon Oasis – optoelectronics, microelectronics as well as new materials and technologies;
- Dubai Studio City – film production, broadcasting and television;
- Dubai Techno Park – services in oil and gas sector and desalination technologies;
- Gold & Diamond Park – creation and sale of jewelry;
- International Humanitarian City – related services in the field of social assistance;
- International Media Production Zone – graphic and services in media sector;
- Jebel Ali Free Zone – a zone focused on trade, logistics, industry and international operations;
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Ajman
Ras-Al-Khaimah
Fujairah
Umm-Al-Quwain
Specialized clusters and industrial zones within existing free zones:
- Auto Spare Parts Zone – accessories and spare parts for motor vehicles;
- Building Material Zone – production and sale of construction materials;
- Dubai Aid City – charity funds, humanitarian and social assistance;
- Dubai Carpet Free Zone – production and sale of carpets;
- Dubai Energy City – transportation and production of energy resources;
- Dubai Textile City – textile manufacture and sale of fabrics;
- Heavy Equipment Truck Zone – construction and other heavy equipment.
- Checked / Updated: 05.17.2026
- Published on: 05.07.2014
- Author: Andrey Melnichuk
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