Base Metals & Metal Products
Steel, aluminium, fabrication, and metal product manufacturing.
Metals
Dubai Industrial City Free Zone
Get expert support to establish your industrial or manufacturing company in one of the largest industrial hubs in Dubai, Dubai Industrial City (DIC). We assist with licensing, leasing, registration, and visa procedures for smooth incorporation.
Excellent
License and activity selection
Document preparation help
Lease agreement assistance
Registration & licensing
Visa + establishment card
Excellent
About DIC
Industrial Hub in Dubai
Dubai Industrial City is a government-owned free zone created in 2004 to accelerate industrial growth in the UAE. Situated near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport, it covers 560 million sq ft and hosts 200+ companies across sectors like base metals, transport equipment, food & beverage, chemicals, and machinery.
DIC provides infrastructure including warehouses, flexi offices, open storage, and labour camps, with strategic access to regional and international shipping routes, making it an ideal base for light to medium manufacturing and logistics.
Why DIC
Why Choose Dubai Industrial City
DIC is ideal for light to medium manufacturing, logistics, and industrial firms targeting global trade and supply chains.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright with limited liability and no local sponsor requirement.
Zero Personal & Corporate Taxes
No personal income tax and tax advantages on qualifying industrial earnings.
Duty-Free Imports
Duty-free imports of raw materials and machinery for your production operations.
Strategic Location
Proximity to Jebel Ali Port and major highways for efficient logistics.
Extensive Industrial Facilities
Warehouses, flexi offices, open storage, labour camps, and industrial services.
Scalable Infrastructure
Flexible land and facility options that scale with your manufacturing needs.
Sectors
Key Sectors at Dubai Industrial City
DIC supports a broad range of manufacturing, industrial, and workshop activities.
Transport Equipment & Parts
Vehicle assembly, transport equipment, and spare parts production.
Transport
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Food processing, packaging, and beverage production facilities.
F&B
Chemicals & Mineral Products
Chemical processing, mineral products, and related manufacturing.
Chemicals
Machinery & Mechanical Equipment
Machinery, mechanical equipment, and industrial component production.
Machinery
Workshops & Repair Services
Industrial workshops, maintenance, and repair operations.
Workshops
License Types
DIC License Types
DIC offers licenses tailored to trading, industrial production, services, and branches.
Trading License
Permits import, export, wholesale, and distribution activities within the free zone.
- Import & export
- Wholesale
- Distribution
Service License
Covers consultancy, support services, logistics, and other light service providers.
- Consultancy
- Support services
- Logistics
Branch License
Allows branches of foreign or UAE firms to operate under parent company ownership without separate incorporation.
- Foreign or UAE parent
- Parent company ownership
- No separate incorporation
Trading License
Permits import, export, wholesale, and distribution activities within the free zone.
- Import & export
- Wholesale
- Distribution
Service License
Covers consultancy, support services, logistics, and other light service providers.
- Consultancy
- Support services
- Logistics
Branch License
Allows branches of foreign or UAE firms to operate under parent company ownership without separate incorporation.
- Foreign or UAE parent
- Parent company ownership
- No separate incorporation
Legal Forms
Legal Forms at DIC
DIC offers structures for new ventures and existing groups. Choose the setup that matches your ownership needs and operational scale.
Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC)
- LLC as an individual or corporate setup
- 1 to 50 shareholders with 100% foreign ownership
- Minimum capital requirement of AED 50,000
- Subject to license regulations
Branch of a Company
- Branch of a UAE or foreign company
- Legally tied to the parent company
- Operates from DIC under applicable laws
- No new incorporation required
Requirements
Required Documents for DIC Setup
Submitting complete and accurate documents helps ensure smooth processing within DIC. Requirements vary based on shareholder type and activity.
Shareholder Documents
- Individual: passport and UAE entry visa or Emirates ID, proof of address, CV or qualifications (if applicable)
- Corporate: certificate of incorporation or trade license
- Corporate: Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Corporate: board resolution for DIC registration
- Corporate: passport copies of representatives
Common Documents
- Completed application forms
- Business plan or activity summary
- Trade name reservation proof
- Signed lease agreement within DIC
Full setup
12-15
Working days
Timelines are indicative; visa processing and medical tests add 1-2 weeks.
Good to know Facility choice and visa quota are confirmed during leasing, based on the square footage you select.
Timeline
DIC Business Setup Timeline
Follow this general timeline to understand how the Dubai Industrial City setup process typically progresses.
- Day 1-3: Submit application, KYC, and documents
- Day 4-7: Initial approval and trade name reservation
- Day 8-12: Finalize lease and pay fees
- Day 13-15: License issuance and incorporation completed
Setup Process
Steps to Company Formation in Dubai Industrial City
Setting up your company in Dubai Industrial City involves a clear process simplified with expert guidance. Here is a step-by-step overview to get your industrial business operational efficiently and compliantly within the free zone.
Step 1
Business Consultation
Discuss your industry, business activities, and licensing needs with our specialists to identify the best setup plan.
Step 2
Trade Name Reservation
Select and reserve an approved trade name that complies with regulations to secure your brand identity.
Step 3
Document Preparation
Gather passports, proof of address, shareholder information, business plans, and lease agreements suitable for your license type.
Step 4
Application Submission
Submit your completed application and documents through the DIC portal and respond promptly to any queries.
Step 5
Facility Lease
Choose and lease a warehouse, yard, or office that matches your business needs and visa quota requirements.
Step 6
Payment and Licensing
Pay the required fees, complete final approvals, and receive your business license and incorporation certificate.
Step 7
Establishment Card and Visas
Apply for your establishment card, required for UAE residency visa sponsorship for investors and employees.
Step 8
Medical Fitness and Biometrics
Complete mandatory medical testing and biometric registration for visa stamping within the UAE.
Step 9
Bank Account Opening
Use your trade license and legal documents to open a corporate bank account to facilitate business operations.
Visas
Visa Allocation and Costs in Dubai Industrial City
Visa counts are based on leased space, typically 1 visa per 100 sq ft of leased area.
- Investor, employee, and manager visas available
- Family sponsorship options for spouses and dependent children
- Entry permit processing in 5 to 7 business days; visa stamping within 1 to 2 weeks after medical
- Establishment card mandatory annually for visa sponsorship
Pricing
Cost of Dubai Industrial City Setup
Setup costs vary by license type, facility size, and visa quota. Basic setup packages start around AED 57,000 for the first year; rent for office or warehouse space begins at AED 35,000 annually, depending on size and location.
Basic Package
From AED 57,000/year
An entry package covering license and a DIC base, suited to lean industrial and service activities.
Office / Warehouse Setup
Rentals from AED 35,000/year
A license with a dedicated office or warehouse and visas, suited to manufacturing and trading teams.
Industrial Land Setup
Plot & size based
Industrial land and larger visa quotas for factories, depots, and heavier production operations.
Our guidance covers
License & facility comparison
Comparing license and facility options to fit your activity.
Registration & licensing fees
Calculating total registration and licensing fees.
Visa & establishment card
Estimating visa and establishment card costs.
Bundled packages
Identifying savings via bundled packages and flexible workspace.
Tailored breakdown
Providing a tailored cost breakdown per business activity.
Note
All figures are indicative. Contact Riz & Mona to get your full Dubai Industrial City business setup estimate.
Get Started
Set Up Your Industrial Company in DIC
From license and facility selection to approvals, visas, and banking, we handle your Dubai Industrial City setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a clear, costed plan.
License & activity selection•Warehouse or industrial land•Trade license & incorporation•Visas & bank account
