UAE jurisdiction directory
Compare 18 verified operating profiles, locations, licence categories and entity formats before discussing the route that fits your activity.
01
IFZA is a Dubai-based business setup ecosystem for companies establishing in the UAE. Its official materials position it for micro, small and medium enterprises while also serving local ventures and international businesses.
Official source: IFZA — Business Setup & Registration Services in UAE · August 2026 · https://ifza.com/en/set-up-your-business/
02
DMCC is a Dubai government authority and international centre for trade, commerce and innovation. Its official company-formation process is fully digital and supports Individual, Subsidiary and Branch structures.
Official source: DMCC — About · August 2026 · https://dmcc.ae/about
Official source: DMCC — Set up a new business · August 2026 · https://dmcc.ae/business/set-up-a-new-business
03
Meydan Free Zone presents a fully digital route to establishing a free-zone company in Dubai. Its official materials address freelancers, startups and established businesses that want remote setup and the flexibility to combine activity groups.
Official source: Meydan Free Zone — Official Homepage · August 2026 · https://www.meydanfz.ae/
Official source: Meydan Free Zone — How to Choose the Right Business License · August 2026 · https://www.meydanfz.ae/blog/guide-to-choosing-business-license
04
Dubai South is an integrated city and business ecosystem with aviation, logistics and free-zone operations. Its official materials address companies and investors connected to logistics, distribution, innovation and a diverse business community.
Official source: Dubai South — Home · August 2026 · https://www.dubaisouth.ae/en/home
05
DIFC is a financial free zone and business platform in Dubai for financial and non-financial firms. Its official setup page also identifies AI, FinTech and innovation firms, plus retail and leisure businesses.
Official source: DIFC — Establish a Business · August 2026 · https://www.difc.ae/business/establish-a-business
06
JAFZA is DP World's flagship free zone and a customs-bonded trade and logistics ecosystem in Jebel Ali. Its official licence page addresses trading, services, industry and logistics across a broad range of sectors.
Official source: JAFZA — Business License · August 2026 · https://www.jafza.ae/business-setup/business-license/
07
DAFZA is a Dubai free-zone business community next to Dubai International Airport. Its official setup material addresses startups, established companies and branches across a wide range of activities.
Official source: DAFZA — Business Setup Process · August 2026 · https://www.dafz.ae/business-setup/process/
08
Dubai Media City is a media and entertainment community offering business services, workspaces, studios and sound stages. Its official FAQ addresses freelancers, startups, SMEs and large enterprises across media and creative activities.
Official source: Dubai Media City — FAQs · August 2026 · https://dmc.ae/connect/faqs
09
Dubai Internet City is a Dubai business district and community focused on technology and the digital economy. Its official FAQ identifies company and branch formats plus a dual-licence option under the Dubai Development Authority framework.
Official source: Dubai Internet City — FAQs · August 2026 · https://www.dic.ae/connect/faqs
10
Dubai Healthcare City is a healthcare and wellness free-zone ecosystem in Dubai. Its official materials describe Phase 1 around healthcare and medical education and Phase 2 around wellness.
Official source: Dubai Healthcare City — The City · August 2026 · https://dhcc.ae/about/the-city
11
Dubai Design District, known as d3, is a Dubai hub for design, fashion and culture. Its official materials address designers, creatives, startups, students, entrepreneurs and organisations in those sectors.
Official source: Dubai Design District — About · August 2026 · https://dubaidesigndistrict.com/discover/about-us
Official source: Dubai Design District — Setup Your Business · August 2026 · https://dubaidesigndistrict.com/offerings/setup-your-business
12
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone is a company formation and licensing hub connected to the Dubai World Trade Centre. Its official profile addresses entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, multinationals and businesses across multiple industries.
Official source: DWTC Free Zone — Official Page · August 2026 · https://www.dwtc.com/en/free-zone/
13
Sharjah Media City, known as Shams, is a free zone in Sharjah dedicated to media and creativity. Its official profile addresses startups, SMEs, companies, freelancers, content creators and creative entrepreneurs.
Official source: Shams — About · August 2026 · https://www.shams.ae/en/about-shams
14
SAIF Zone is a designated free zone and business hub in Sharjah. Its official materials address SMEs and multinational companies through trade, service and industrial licence routes.
Official source: SAIF Zone — About · August 2026 · https://www.saif-zone.com/en/about-us/
Official source: SAIF Zone — Business Setup · August 2026 · https://www.saif-zone.com/en/business-set-up/
15
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park is a free-zone innovation ecosystem with business setup, research facilities and innovation infrastructure. Its official profile addresses startups, SMEs, researchers, enterprises, investors and innovation companies.
Official source: SRTIP — Freezone Business Setup · August 2026 · https://srtip.ae/freezone-business-setup/
16
RAKEZ is a multi-sector investment hub in Ras Al Khaimah with free-zone and non-free-zone options. Its official setup page addresses startups, established companies, entrepreneurs, freelancers, SMEs and industrial enterprises.
Official source: RAKEZ — Start a Business · August 2026 · https://rakez.com/en/Start-a-Business
17
ADGM is an international financial centre in Abu Dhabi with an independent regulatory environment and legal jurisdiction. Its official setup page addresses financial and non-financial firms, retail and technology-led innovation businesses.
Official source: ADGM — Setting Up · August 2026 · https://www.adgm.com/setting-up
18
KEZAD is a group of economic and industrial zones in Abu Dhabi with Free Zone and Domestic Economic Zone facilities. Its official materials address startups, distributors, re-exporters, warehousing operations, industrial projects, SMEs and large-scale businesses.
Official source: KEZAD — Free Zone · August 2026 · https://www.kezadgroup.com/en/business-facilities/free-zone
Official source: KEZAD — Sectors · August 2026 · https://www.kezadgroup.com/en/sectors
Choose the right jurisdiction type
A free-zone company is licensed by its free-zone authority and is primarily structured for activity within that jurisdiction and international business, subject to the selected licence and any mainland permissions.
Official source: Meydan Free Zone — Business Registration in Free Zone, Mainland and Offshore · August 2026 · https://www.meydanfz.ae/blog/business-registration-freezone-mainland-offshore
A mainland company is established outside a free zone and can trade with individuals and businesses across the UAE and internationally, subject to its licence and any additional approvals.
Official source: Invest in Dubai — Setting up a mainland company · August 2026 · https://www.investindubai.gov.ae/en/business-setup/mainland-companies
An international company route is registry-led and used for cross-border business, holding, investment or wealth-planning structures rather than direct UAE-market operations.
Official source: RAK ICC — About Us · August 2026 · https://www.rakicc.com/about-us/
Official source: Meydan Free Zone — Business Registration in Free Zone, Mainland and Offshore · August 2026 · https://www.meydanfz.ae/blog/business-registration-freezone-mainland-offshore
Compare before you incorporate
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