INDEX PAGE A Guide to Setting up a Business in Dubai Free Zones Introduction to Free Trade Zones Free Zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Free Zones in Dubai • Different Free Zones in Dubai • Dubai Academic City • Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) • Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park Free Zone (DuBiotech) • Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone • Dubai Design District • Dubai Gold and Diamond Park Free Zone • Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone • Dubai Industrial City (DIC) Free Zone • Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Free Zone • Dubai Internet City (DIC) Free Zone • Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) Free Zone • Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone • Dubai South Free Zone (DSFZ) • Dubai Logistics City (DLC) Free Zone • Dubai Media City (DMC) Free Zone • Dubai Maritime Authority City (DMCA) Free Zone • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone • Dubai Outsource City (DOC) Free Zone • Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Free Zone • Dubai Studio City Free Zone • Dubai TechnoPark Free Zone • Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority) • Dubai Production City (International Media Production Zone) • Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority • Economic Zones World (EZW) Free Zone • Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) Free Zone • Meydan Free Zone • International Humanitarian City (IHC) Free Zone Why Set Up a Business in Dubai Free Zones? How Can Commitbiz Help? How Can We Benefit You? Contact Details To date, the Free Zones in the UAE have been effective in attracting a large number of foreign investors and FOi. The share of the Free Zones in non-oil exports has amplified significantly along with the net exports from the Free Zones. The advan­ tages offered by various Free Zones of the UAE include: Quick Approval Procedures 100% Tax Exemption Abundant and Inexpensive Energy An independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) oversees each free zone and is the agency accountable for issuing FTZ business licenses and assisting companies with establishing their business in the FTZ. Located along the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai was earlier mainly renowned for its oil industry, but the scenario has changed in the last two decades. Dubai is now a global city and a popular business hub at par with western nations, due to its diverse business model that drives the economy in the region. To attract foreign investment and empower the economy, free zones have been set up in Dubai that reward foreign nationals with lucrative incentives for setting up their business in the Emirates. The Free Zone Authority in Dubai is the government organization that handles registration formalities and issues business licenses to non-resident companies or foreign-owned businesses for company for­ mation in Dubai free zones. Business setup in Dubai free zone brings a sea of opportunities for network­ ing, collaborating, and extensive growth in the business. The appealing tax regime and many incentives offered by the free zone authorities make Dubai the most preferred nation by an investor for company formation. Dubai Academic City Dubai Academic City (DAC) is a free zone established in the year 2006 by TECOM Investments and covers an area of almost 129 million square feet. It aims to make Dubai an education hub, an initiative the Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is also a part of. DKV has got an extensive network connection with multi-na­ tional universities worldwide. Down the line, after the initiation of DAC, DKV and DAC joined their hands to boost and bring a positive slope in the educational sector. Dubai Academic City also embraces Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) that includes nearly 28 international universities and provides a platform for almost 450 courses, with a strength of 24,000 learners. According to a report published in 207 7, DIAC holds the largest number of branch campuses in the world. They also have an incubation centre that encourages budding entrepreneurs and their business partners to present their business ideas. Types of Companies in Dubai Academic City As mentioned, the centre provides opportunities for foreign investors to build and grow their business. Let's have a look at the types of companies that can be incorporated within DAC. 1. Free Zone Limitedliability Company Such companies possess their own legal identity. The amount of incorporation depends upon the nature of the business. 2. Branch of a Foreign or Home Company DAC welcomes any foreign or home company to initiate its branch in DAC campus. 3. Freelancing This provides a platform to individuals who want to be a freelancer professional and after that can establish their sole proprietor company on their name. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority {DAFZA) Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) a place for 1600 companies from all around the globe carrying out their operations in the UAE. Established in 1996, DAFZA is a strategic plan of the UAE government towards an investment-driven economy. Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the fastest-growing free zones in Dubai. There are various business industries present in DAFZA, like aviation, freight & logistics, IT & telecommu­ nications, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food & beverage, jewellery, and cosmetics. Dubai Airport Free Zone is located next to Dubai International Airport, which provides numerous amenities to the industries established in DAFZA. International investors reap great benefit from the dynamic growth of this Dubai Free Zone, through the free trade zone's excellent tax and investment incentives. Permissible Legal Entities in DAFZA DAFZA permits 2 types of legal entities to establish their operation in this Dubai free zone: 1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE) A Free Zone Establishment must fulfil the following requirements: It should have between 1 to 50 shareholders [a shareholder can be an individual or a corporate body] The minimum capital required is AED 1,000 Each share should be in the denomination of AED 1,000 2. Branch Office of an Existing Company Any foreign company can open its branch office in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), for which no minimum capital is required. Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park Free Zone (DuBiotech) Dubai is a spectacular city of innovation and technology which has free zones for the development of every sector of the city. DuBiotech is a Dubai Free zone which was established to develop biotechnology and research. The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) was launched in the year 2005 by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, making it a world attraction for biotechnology and phar­ maceutical companies. This is the first free zone which is built and dedicated to the research and development of life science methods. DuBiotech invites and encourages companies and investors from all around the globe to form their biotech and other related companies in this free zone and contribute their work. Permissible Business Entities in DuBiotech DuBiotech is one of the best spots for bio-manufacturing companies. Such companies can set up their business in this Dubai Free Zone under any of the following 3 legal business forms: m Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) A free zone limited liability company should have a minimum capital of AED 50,000, but for a company falling under one of these segments, the minimum capital required is AED 300,000: • Manufacturing and Production Activity under the Therapeutics Segment • Manufacturing and Production Activity under the Food Segment • Manufacturing and Production Activity under the Agricultural, Forestry & Horticulture Segment • Manufacturing and Production Activity under the Environment Segment • Manufacturing and Production Activity under the Medical/Scientific Devices or Equipment Segment • Manufacturing and Production Activity under the Specialty Supplies Segment Branch of a UAE Based Company The company should be registered under the UAE government, and the individual or corporate person should be a resident of the UAE. There is no requirement of minimum capital. • Branch of a Foreign Company Any foreign-based company can open their branch in the DuBiotech free zone without any minimum capital. The individual or corporate person need not be a resident of the UAE . In these sectors, companies have the following business licensing options: • Marketing license • Industrial Activity license • Warehousing license • Import and Re-export license • Consultancy license • Service Activities license • Community Organizations license Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone Dubai Cars and Automotive City were established in April 2000 with an aim to re-export used cars to the Asian and African markets. Also known as DUCAMZ, it is located in Ras Al Khor. It has easy access to the regional airport and seaport, including Dubai International Airport and the Jebel Ali Port as well as modern highways which link the Middle East countries. The total size of this free zone is 8 million sq. ft, making DUCAMZ free zone the most extensive free zone of its kind. They offer comprehensive infrastructure to meet the high demands in the automotive industry, providing competent highway connectivity and boosting all mod cons necessary to relocate cars within and outside the region. The vehicles sold by DUCAMZ are divided into two categories: Left-hand drive vehicles to be exported to the Right-hand drive vehicles dedicated to African local markets and fall under the regulations of countries mostly. the UAE Procedure to Set Up a Business in DUCAMZ Jebel Ali free zone authorities