List of Free Zones in UAE (2026) | Complete Guide by Emirate

Consistently ranked the world’s number one free zone by the Financial Times’ fDi Magazine, DMCC has earned its reputation as a global commodities and trade hub. Located in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), it offers a premium business address alongside a thriving community of over 24,000 registered companies.

DMCC is particularly strong for businesses in precious metals, diamonds, energy, agri-commodities, and trade finance.

Key Highlights:

• World’s leading free zone for commodities trading

• Home to the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX)

• Strong regulatory compliance framework for international trade

• Flexible licensing across commercial, service, and industrial activities

• Access to co-working, retail, and residential infrastructure within JLT

Strategically located within Dubai International Airport (DXB), DAFZA is purpose-built for businesses where speed and global connectivity are non-negotiable. It is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE and a preferred base for aviation, logistics, e-commerce, and high-value goods companies.

Its on-airport location gives tenants a rare operational advantage, cargo can move from plane to warehouse within hours.

Key Highlights:

• Located inside Dubai International Airport (DXB)

• Ideal for aviation, logistics, e-commerce, and high-frequency import/export

• Offers state-of-the-art warehousing and office facilities

• Strong foreign direct investment (FDI) track record

• Seamless customs clearance with dedicated free zone protocols

Launched in 2000, Dubai Internet City was the UAE’s first technology-focused free zone and remains its largest ICT hub. Developed by TECOM Group, it was designed to attract the world’s leading tech companies, and it delivered. Microsoft, Google, IBM, Oracle, and Cisco all have a presence here.

DIC is the natural home for software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital innovation businesses.

Key Highlights:

• The region’s largest ICT and technology business park

• Home to global MNCs alongside high-growth startups

• Close proximity to Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park

• Strong ecosystem for data centres, e-commerce, and SaaS companies

• Supported by top-tier internet infrastructure and ISP access

If DIC is Dubai’s tech nerve centre, Dubai Media City is its creative powerhouse. Also developed by TECOM Group, DMC is the Arab world’s leading media hub, which brings housing broadcasters, publishers, PR agencies, digital media companies, and content creators under one roof.

Names like CNN, Reuters, MBC Group, Al Arabiya, Gulf News, and Forbes Middle East all operate out of DMC.

Key Highlights:

• The region’s premier media and content creation ecosystem

• Hosts global broadcasters, print, digital, and advertising firms

• Connected to Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Park

• Licensing available for media production, journalism, and public relations

• Excellent networking environment within an active creative community

Dubai Silicon Oasis is more than a free zone, it’s a fully integrated technology park and residential community, making it one of the most self-contained business destinations in the UAE. Managed by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), DSO is home to semiconductor companies, tech startups, and R&D operations.

It also houses the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), one of the region’s top startup incubators.

Key Highlights:

• Integrated tech park with residential, commercial, and retail facilities

• Strong focus on semiconductors, VLSI, and deep-tech industries

• Home to global firms like Intel, Schneider Electric, and Roche Diagnostics

• Hosts Dtec, a leading startup incubator and co-working hub

• Supported by du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company)

DIFC is in a league of its own. It operates as an independent jurisdiction with its own civil and commercial laws, courts, and regulatory body, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For financial services, legal firms, and fintech companies, it is the most credible and internationally recognised address in the Middle East.

It hosts Nasdaq Dubai, major global banks, and a concentration of wealth management and Islamic finance firms.

Key Highlights:

• Independent legal and regulatory jurisdiction (DFSA-regulated)

• Home to Nasdaq Dubai, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Emirates NBD

• Leading hub for fintech, wealth management, and Islamic finance

• DIFC Courts recognised internationally for arbitration and commercial law

• Premium addresses at the Gate Building and Index Tower

Dubai South is one of the UAE’s most ambitious urban and economic developments, a 145 sq km master-planned city built around Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest airport upon completion. It gained massive global visibility as the home of Expo 2020 Dubai (now Expo City Dubai).

It’s an ideal destination for aviation, aerospace, logistics, and e-commerce businesses looking to scale.

Key Highlights:

• Built around Al Maktoum International Airport

• Dedicated districts for logistics, aviation, business, and e-commerce

• Home to Expo City Dubai, a post-Expo innovation and events hub

• Smart city infrastructure designed for long-term sustainability

• Strong investment potential in both commercial and residential real estate

Meydan Free Zone provides one of the most flexible and affordable entry points into the Dubai business ecosystem. Backed by the Meydan Group, it’s particularly popular with entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses looking for a prestigious Dubai licence without high overheads.

It allows business owners to operate from anywhere while holding a valid UAE trade licence and visa.

Key Highlights:

• Low setup costs with flexible co-working and virtual office options

• Multiple licence types: commercial, service, and media

• Visa eligibility for shareholders and employees

• Ideal for startups, consultants, and remote entrepreneurs

• Central Dubai location with links to DIFC and Downtown Dubai

IFZA has quickly grown into one of Dubai’s most popular free zones, especially among international investors and small-to-medium enterprises. Operating out of Dubai Silicon Oasis, it offers a straightforward company formation process, competitive pricing, and a wide range of business licence categories.

Its streamlined approach makes it a top choice for offshore company setups and international business companies (IBCs).

Key Highlights:

• Fast and affordable company formation process

• Offers commercial, service, and industrial licences

• Supports Memorandum of Association (MOA) and share capital structuring

• Assistance with corporate bank account opening and visa processing

• Popular with foreign investors setting up international business companies

Built on a 45-year legacy, DWTC sits at the heart of Dubai’s central business district on Sheikh Zayed Road, making it one of the most prestigious business addresses in the region. It is the home of some of the world’s biggest trade events, including GITEX, Arab Health, and Gulfood, giving businesses here a unique front-row seat to global commerce.

DWTC is well-suited for companies in trading, professional services, events management, fintech, and virtual assets.

Key Highlights:

• Offers seven distinct licence types including commercial, professional, general trading, event management, e-commerce, family office, and virtual assets

• Over 1,200 licensed business activities available with streamlined visa and permit procedures

• Unique dual-licence option allowing businesses to operate as both a free zone and onshore entity from the same location

• Adjacent to Dubai Metro, government offices, and major financial institutions

• No minimum share capital requirement and competitive setup packages

Launched in 2002, Dubai Healthcare City is the world’s largest healthcare free zone, spanning two phases. The first is dedicated to healthcare and medical education in Oud Metha, and the second focuses on wellness in Al Jadaf. It operates under its own regulatory authority with quality standards accredited by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).

DHCC is the go-to destination for hospitals, clinics, medical education providers, diagnostic labs, and wellness businesses looking to operate in a fully regulated healthcare environment.

Key Highlights:

• Home to hospitals, outpatient centres, specialised clinics, and diagnostic laboratories across 150 medical specialties

• Licensed specialists from nearly 90 countries, strengthening its position as a medical tourism hub

• Governed by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) with its own independent regulatory arm

• Both clinical and non-clinical commercial licences available

• Strong government backing and a central Bur Dubai location

Launched in 2003, Dubai Knowledge Park is the world’s only free zone exclusively dedicated to human resource management and learning excellence. Developed by TECOM Group, it was designed to help the UAE transition to a knowledge-based economy by building a world-class hub for education, training, and HR professionals.

DKP is ideal for training institutes, HR consultancies, academic bodies, assessment companies, and education-related startups.

Key Highlights:

• Home to more than 500 companies, including global names in education, training, and consultancy

• Supports freelancer permits for HR professionals, trainers, and educators

• Part of TECOM Group, sharing a connected ecosystem with Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City

• Licences available for consultancy, executive search, R&D, management development, and skills training

• Fully serviced business centres and flexible office solutions

Dubai Science Park is the region’s first free zone community serving the entire value chain of the science, health, and pharma sectors. Located in Al Barsha South, it is a thriving science and innovation campus that brings together pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, medical device manufacturers, and healthtech startups under one roof.

Global giants like Pfizer, Medtronic, Olympus, and Mettler Toledo all have a presence here, a testament to the zone’s world-class credentials.

Key Highlights:

• Covers pharma, health and wellness, life sciences, environmental sciences, and energy sciences

• Purpose-built laboratory spaces for R&D, diagnostics, testing, and manufacturing

• Hosts D/Quarters, a unique co-working space for healthtech innovators and scientific entrepreneurs

• Aligned with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030

• Light industrial units available for manufacturing, logistics, and storage

Formerly known as the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), Dubai Production City was established in 2003 as a free zone dedicated to print and media production. It hosts businesses in publishing, printing, packaging, and content creation with smart infrastructure and flexible spaces. Developed by TECOM Group, it has since evolved into a dynamic mixed-use community that balances commercial, residential, and creative spaces.

DPC is a natural fit for media production companies, publishers, graphic designers, packaging firms, and content creators.

Key Highlights:

• Supports film, video, photography, media production, broadcasting, e-commerce, graphic design, and event management

• Boutique studios, sound stages, and light industrial units available for lease

• 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits

• Hosts in5, a business incubator offering licences, visas, workspace, and investor access for media and tech startups

• Well connected via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road with proximity to Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Village

Dubai International Academic City is the world’s largest dedicated hub for higher education institutions, providing a purpose-built campus environment for universities and academic bodies from across the globe. It operates as a sister community to Dubai Knowledge Park and shares the same TECOM Group ecosystem.

DIAC is the preferred base for international universities, branch campuses, and academic research institutions looking to establish a presence in the Middle East.

Key Highlights:

• Home to over 25 international universities from more than 10 countries

• Hosts branch campuses of institutions from the UK, India, Australia, France, and beyond

• Dedicated infrastructure designed for large-scale academic operations

• Strong student visa support and residential facilities within the community

• Close links to Dubai Knowledge Park for collaborative education and HR initiatives

Dubai CommerCity is the first and only free zone in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region dedicated entirely to e-commerce. A joint venture between DAFZA and property firm Wasl, it was built to give online businesses the infrastructure, logistics, and regulatory environment they need to scale across the region.

Strategically located near Dubai International Airport and connected to major highways, land ports, and seaports, it enables swift and cost-effective e-commerce distribution across the MENA region and beyond.

Key Highlights:

• Spread across approximately 2.1 million square feet with three dedicated clusters: Business, Logistics, and Social

• Dedicated e-commerce, general trading, service, and commercial licences available

• Logistics cluster features 105 warehouse units equipped with modern fulfilment technology

• Efficient customs clearance and a one-stop regulatory setup for online traders

• Ideal for MENA and South Asia market entry for global e-commerce brands

Established in 2013, Dubai Design District is a planned creative community dedicated to design, fashion, architecture, and culture. Developed by TECOM Group, d3 has quickly become the Middle East’s premier creative hub, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.

It is home to over 385 business partners including Dior, Burberry, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Foster + Partners, alongside emerging local talent and independent studios.

Key Highlights:

• Hosts major creative events including Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Design Week, and Sole DXB

• Licences available for fashion, luxury, interior design, arts, e-commerce, beauty, and event management

• Home to in5 Design Innovation Center, offering prototyping labs, 3D printers, fashion labs, and investor access for startups

• Premium offices, studios, co-working spaces, and retail boutiques in a waterfront setting

• Freelancer permits available for creatives in design, fashion, and media

Established in 2000 and located in Ras Al Khor, DUCAMZ was created with the objective of re-exporting used vehicles to Asian and African markets. Administered by JAFZA, it is a highly specialised zone that caters exclusively to the automotive trade. With over 8 million square feet, it is the largest free zone of its kind in the world.

It is an unmatched destination for automotive dealers, re-exporters, insurance providers, and vehicle logistics companies.

Key Highlights:

• Spans 8 million sq. ft. with comprehensive infrastructure tailored to the automotive industry

• Handles both left-hand drive vehicles for local and regional markets and right-hand drive vehicles destined for African markets

• Easy access to Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port for seamless vehicle movement

• Supervised by JAFZA, which handles licensing, administration, customs clearance, and support services

• Permitted activities include vehicle trading, insurance, banking, and automotive maintenance

KEZAD is the largest industrial and trade free zone in Abu Dhabi. Originally launched in 2012 as KIZAD and rebranded in 2022, it spans over 410 square kilometres in the Taweelah area. Managed by AD Ports Group and directly integrated with Khalifa Port, it gives businesses access to over 1,000 port-to-port connections worldwide.

The zone is built for heavy industry, manufacturing, and logistics. Core sectors include aluminium, steel, food processing, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. It was selected as a hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is projected to contribute up to 15% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP by 2030.

Key Highlights:

• Largest industrial and logistics free zone in Abu Dhabi and the broader MENA region

• Directly integrated with Khalifa Port offering 1,000 global port connections

• Core sectors include aluminium, steel, food processing, polymers, and pharmaceuticals

• Home to Emirates Aluminium (EMAL), one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters

• Multimodal connectivity via sea, air, road, and the Etihad Rail network

• Selected as a hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative

• Dual licence option for companies operating in both the free zone and domestic market

Masdar City Free Zone is the UAE’s most sustainable free zone. Located five minutes from Zayed International Airport, it is the flagship project of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and was built to serve as a global hub for clean technology, renewable energy, and sustainable innovation.

The zone is home to over 1,000 companies including Siemens Energy, IRENA, and G42 Healthcare. It is also one of the world’s largest clusters of LEED Platinum certified buildings and functions as a live testbed where companies can pilot and commercialise smart city and clean energy solutions in a real urban environment.

Key Highlights:

• The UAE’s only free zone built entirely on renewable energy

• Home to over 1,000 companies including Siemens Energy, IRENA, and G42 Healthcare

• Purpose-built for clean technology, renewable energy, AI, and smart urban development

• One of the world’s largest clusters of LEED Platinum certified buildings

• Five minutes from Zayed International Airport and 20 minutes from central Abu Dhabi

• Licences available across commercial, service, industrial, and research and innovation categories

• Hosts The Catalyst, one of the region’s only cleantech focused venture investors

twofour54 is Abu Dhabi’s dedicated media and entertainment free zone. Named after the city’s geographical coordinates, it was founded in 2008 under the Media Zone Authority with a clear mission: to develop world-class Arabic content and position Abu Dhabi as a leading creative capital in the region.

The zone is home to over 400 companies including CNN, Fox, Sky News Arabia, Ubisoft, and Cartoon Network Studios. It covers film, TV, gaming, digital media, music, and publishing, and has supported major international productions including Dune, Mission: Impossible, and 6 Underground.

Key Highlights:

• Abu Dhabi’s only dedicated media and entertainment free zone

• Home to over 400 companies including CNN, Fox, Sky News Arabia, and Ubisoft

• Hosts the first CNN Academy outside the United States

• Covers film and TV production, gaming, digital media, music, and publishing

• Freelancer permits available for qualifying media and entertainment professionals

• State of the art production facilities including studios, sound stages, and an outdoor backlot

• Part of ADNEC Group with direct access to Yas Island’s creative and hospitality ecosystem

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone is the emirate’s aviation and logistics free zone. Strategically positioned across Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain Airport, and Al Bateen Executive Airport, it gives businesses direct access to key air freight corridors connecting the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The zone is built for companies in aviation, aerospace, cargo, freight forwarding, and high-value logistics. Major tenants include FedEx, DHL, TNT, and Aramex, making it one of the most active air cargo hubs in the region.

Key Highlights:

• Operates across three airports: Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain, and Al Bateen Executive

• Purpose-built for aviation, aerospace, cargo, and freight forwarding businesses

• Home to global logistics leaders including FedEx, DHL, TNT, and Aramex

• On-airport access enabling fast customs clearance and rapid cargo movement

• Licences available for aviation services, logistics, trading, and professional services

• Flexible office and warehousing solutions within airport premises

• Strong connectivity to international markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa

ICAD is Abu Dhabi’s purpose-built industrial city. Managed by the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp), it spans over 40 square kilometres and is designed to support the emirate’s ambition to diversify its economy away from oil dependency.

The city is divided into multiple zones, each catering to specific industrial categories including oil and gas, engineering, construction materials, food processing, and heavy manufacturing. It is one of the most established industrial destinations in the UAE and a key pillar of Abu Dhabi’s industrial development strategy.

Key Highlights:

• Managed by ZonesCorp, Abu Dhabi’s specialised economic zones authority

• Spans over 40 square kilometres across multiple dedicated industrial clusters

• Core sectors include oil and gas, engineering, construction materials, and food processing

• Fully serviced plots and built-to-suit facilities available for industrial operators

• Strategic location between Abu Dhabi city and the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway

• Supports both free zone and non-free zone industrial businesses

• Aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Operation 300bn industrial development strategy

Hamriyah Free Zone is the UAE’s second largest industrial free zone. Located on Sharjah’s northern coastline with its own deep-water port, it is the top choice for heavy industry, oil and gas, maritime businesses, and large-scale manufacturing operations. Business registration here can be completed in under an hour, making it one of the fastest setups in the country.

The zone attracted over 900 companies in 2024 alone, particularly in iron, steel, and advanced manufacturing, and has won back-to-back global awards at the fDi Global Free Zones of the Year.

Key Highlights:

• UAE’s second largest industrial free zone with its own deep-water port

• Core sectors include oil and gas, steel, iron, maritime, and heavy manufacturing

• Home to over 6,500 businesses from 163 countries

• Business registration can be completed in under one hour

• Large industrial plots, warehouses, and staff accommodation available at competitive rates

• Direct sea, air, and land access for regional and international trade

• Winner of multiple global awards at the fDi Free Zones of the Year 2024

Shams is one of the fastest-growing and most affordable free zones in the UAE. Launched in 2017, it was designed as a creative and media hub but has evolved into one of the most flexible free zones in the country, welcoming businesses across digital media, e-commerce, marketing, IT, and general trading.

It is particularly popular with freelancers, content creators, consultants, and startups looking for a cost-effective UAE trade licence with visa eligibility. Packages start from AED 5,750 covering up to six business operations.

Key Highlights:

• One of the UAE’s most affordable free zones with packages from AED 5,750

• Covers digital media, e-commerce, IT, marketing, consulting, and general trading

• Up to six business activities permitted under a single licence

• Remote company setup available from anywhere in the world

• Freelancer permits available for creatives and independent professionals

• Regular workshops, training sessions, and networking events for media businesses

• Fast processing with strong visa support for shareholders and employees

Sharjah Publishing City is the world’s first free zone dedicated to publishing, printing, and the book trade. Launched under the Sharjah Book Authority, it reflects the emirate’s deep cultural commitment to literature and knowledge. Despite its publishing focus, SPC now supports over 1,500 business operations including consultancy, wholesale, retail, and general trading.

A standout feature is its dual-licence option, which allows businesses to hold both a free zone and a mainland licence simultaneously, giving them maximum operational flexibility across the UAE.

Key Highlights:

• World’s first free zone dedicated to publishing, printing, and the book trade

• Supports over 1,500 business operations across diverse sectors

• Unique dual-licence option for free zone and mainland operation simultaneously

• Up to five business operations from different sectors under one licence

• Backed by the Sharjah Book Authority and the emirate’s cultural ecosystem

• Ideal for publishers, authors, consultants, and content businesses

• Competitive pricing with flexible packages for startups and SMEs

SRTIP is Sharjah’s dedicated innovation and R&D ecosystem. Established in 2016 and located adjacent to University City, it was built to bridge the gap between academia, government, and industry. It supports startups, SMEs, and multinationals focused on piloting, commercialising, and scaling research-driven technologies.

Business setup packages start from AED 5,500, making it one of the most cost-effective options for tech and innovation companies in the region. It also offers dedicated packages for women entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights:

• Sharjah’s flagship innovation and R&D free zone, launched in 2016

• Located next to University City for strong academic collaboration

• Focused on green tech, AI, advanced manufacturing, and science-based industries

• Company formation from AED 5,500 with flexible workspace options

• Private offices, flexi-desks, and co-working spaces available

• Dedicated business setup packages for women entrepreneurs

• Supports pilots and proof-of-concept projects within a live innovation environment

Sharjah Healthcare City is the emirate’s dedicated healthcare and wellness free zone. Located close to Sharjah International Airport, it provides a fully integrated environment for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation centres, and pharmaceutical research facilities.

Investors can lease land plots for construction or occupy ready-built healthcare facilities within the zone. SHCC complements Dubai Healthcare City in serving the wider Northern Emirates healthcare market.

Key Highlights:

• Dedicated free zone for hospitals, clinics, labs, and wellness providers

• Land plots available for custom construction of healthcare facilities

• Supports R&D centres, pharmaceutical research, and medical education

• Close to Sharjah International Airport for patient and medical tourism access

• Covers both clinical and non-clinical healthcare business operations

• Ideal for healthcare investors targeting the Northern Emirates market

• Part of Sharjah’s broader strategy to diversify into healthcare services

Ajman Media City is Ajman’s dedicated creative and media free zone. Launched as part of the Ajman 2021 Plan, it has grown into a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital businesses looking for a modern, affordable, and fast setup in the UAE. Over 12,000 businesses have chosen AMC as their launch base.

The zone is particularly attractive for content creators, influencers, digital marketers, and media companies. It is also one of the few free zones in the United Arab Emirates that offers a dedicated Social Media Influencer licence, which is mandatory for all brand promoters and influencers operating commercially in the UAE.

Key Highlights:

• Over 12,000 businesses registered, making it one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE

• Covers film and TV production, gaming, digital media, music, publishing, and consulting

• One of the only free zones providing a dedicated Social Media Influencer licence

• Multiple tiered packages available with zero visa, one, two, or three visa options

• Company registration can be completed remotely in as little as one to two working days

• Visa processing typically takes around two weeks

• Licences available for trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, and IT activities

RAK Maritime City is Ras Al Khaimah’s dedicated maritime and industrial free zone. Located on the Arabian Gulf coastline with its own port facilities, it was built specifically for ship repair, boat building, offshore services, and marine manufacturing businesses.

The zone offers large industrial plots, dry docks, and purpose-built facilities for heavy maritime operations, making it one of the few free trade zones in UAE purpose-built for the marine industry.

Key Highlights:

• UAE’s only free zone dedicated to maritime and marine manufacturing

• Facilities include dry docks, ship repair yards, and heavy industrial plots

• Covers offshore services, boat building, marine equipment, and logistics

• Direct access to the Arabian Gulf coastline and port facilities

• Competitive land lease rates for industrial and maritime operators

• 100% foreign ownership with zero corporate tax

• Strong connectivity to regional and international shipping routes

RAK ICC is the UAE’s leading offshore company registry. It is not a traditional free zone but a dedicated offshore jurisdiction that allows companies to be incorporated in the UAE without a physical office or UAE residency requirement. It is the top choice for holding companies, asset protection structures, and international businesses seeking a UAE-registered entity.

Over 20,000 companies are registered with RAK ICC, making it one of the most active offshore registries in the Middle East.

Key Highlights:

• UAE’s most popular offshore company registry with over 20,000 registered companies

• No physical office or UAE residency required for incorporation

• Ideal for holding companies, asset protection, and international business structures

• 100% foreign ownership with full confidentiality of shareholder information

• Cannot conduct business within the UAE but can hold assets, own property, and open bank accounts

• Recognised in over 100 countries for international business purposes

• Fast incorporation with minimal documentation requirements

Creative City Fujairah is the emirate’s media and creative free zone. Launched in 2007, it was one of the first free zones in UAE outside of Dubai to specifically target media, communications, and creative professionals. It is a popular and affordable option for freelancers, consultants, and media businesses looking for a UAE licence outside the major emirates.

Over 5,000 businesses are registered here across media, consulting, sports, education, and technology sectors.

Key Highlights:

• One of the UAE’s earliest media and creative free zones, launched in 2007

• Over 5,000 registered businesses across media, consulting, and tech

• Covers broadcasting, publishing, marketing, PR, sports management, and education

• Freelancer permits available for individual professionals

• Affordable packages with fast remote registration available

• Multiple visa options for shareholders and dependents

• Ideal for consultants, content creators, and media professionals