Free zones in UAE (Dubai), explained against the Department of Economy and Tourism for the mainland, or the registrar of the chosen free zone (each free
Choosing where to base a company in UAE (Dubai) can mean the difference between a standard regime and a special economic zone with its own rules.
Rules differ sharply between the mainland and each free zone, and DIFC and ADGM are separate common-law jurisdictions with their own courts. A company here is recorded in the Department of Economy and Tourism for the mainland, or the registrar of the chosen free zone (each free zone, including DIFC and ADGM, keeps its own), and the guides below walk through which zones or special regimes exist, what they change about ownership, tax and customs, and the trade-offs against a standard setup for UAE (Dubai) specifically.
2026 comparison of Dubai's leading free zones, evaluating costs, visa allocations, and business activities to guide your choice.
Detailed overview of the steps to establish a free zone company in the UAE, including timelines for each stage of setup.
Thorough comparison of UAE company structures, focusing on ownership, licenses, and tax implications to help you decide.
