Directory
Every UAE Freezone, Compared
The UAE has 50+ freezones across 7 emirates, each with different costs, industries, and benefits. Browse by emirate to find the right fit for your business.
What is a UAE Freezone?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate operates its own freezones — special economic zones designed to attract foreign investment with unique advantages not available on the mainland or offshore company setups.
Freezone Company
- 100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required
- 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax (qualifying)
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Trade internationally and with other freezones
- Sell to mainland consumers online (e-commerce, Shopify, etc.)
Mainland Company
- Trade freely across the entire UAE market
- 100% foreign ownership (since 2021 reforms)
- Bid on government contracts
- Subject to 9% corporate tax (above AED 375K profit)
- Higher setup costs and more complex licensing
Offshore Company
- Hold assets, IP, and international investments
- 0% corporate and income tax
- Full privacy — no public shareholder registry
- Cannot trade within the UAE
- No visa sponsorship or physical office
Most international entrepreneurs choose a freezone for its simplicity, speed, and tax efficiency. Each freezone is regulated by its own authority and specializes in certain industries. The directory below covers every freezone in the UAE, organized by emirate.
Dubai
29 freezonesThe commercial capital
Dubai is the UAE's business powerhouse and the most popular destination for foreign entrepreneurs. Home to 28+ freezones spanning technology, media, finance, logistics, and trade, Dubai offers world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a business-first regulatory environment.
Most diverse freezone ecosystem in the UAE
/Dubai_Airport_freezone_square.png)
/DIFC_freezone_square.png)
/DMCC_fz_square.png)
/DAZ_auto_zone_square.png)
/Dubai_design_district_square.png)
/dubai_flower_centre_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/Dubaihealthcare_fz__square.png)
/dubai_industrial_city_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/dubaiinternationalacademic_fz_square.png)
/dubaiinternet_fz_square.png)
/dubaiknowledge_fz_square.png)
/dubai_logistics_city_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/dubaimaritime_fz_square.png)
/dubaimedia_fz_square.png)
/dubaioutsource_fz_square.png)
/dubai_production_city_squarelogo.png)
/dubaiscience_fz_square.png)
/dso_fz_square.png)
/dubaisouth_fz_square.png)
/dubaistudio_fz_square.png)
/Dubai_textile_city_square.png)
/dubai_wholesale_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/dubai_world_trade_centre.png)
/golddiamond_fz_square.png)
/ifza_fz_square.png)
/internationalhumanitarian_fz__square.png)
/jafza_fz_square.png)
/meydan_fz_square.png)
Abu Dhabi
7 freezonesThe capital city
Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, is a fast-growing hub for finance, technology, energy, and innovation. It hosts premium freezones like ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) with its own English common law jurisdiction, as well as emerging hubs for clean tech and media.
Home to ADGM, the region's leading financial centre
/ADAFZ_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/ADGM_fz_square.png)
/icad_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/kezad_fz_square.png)
/masdar_fz_square.png)
/twofour54_fz_square.png)
Sharjah
6 freezonesThe cultural capital
Sharjah is the UAE's cultural hub and an increasingly attractive option for cost-conscious entrepreneurs. Its freezones offer significantly lower setup and operating costs than Dubai while maintaining proximity to Dubai's ports and airports, just 20 minutes away.
Up to 40% lower costs than Dubai, with easy access
/hamriyah_fz_square.png)
/shams_fz_square.png)
/saif_fz_square.png)
/sharjah_healthcare_square.png)
/spc_square.png)
/Sharjah_research_square.png)
Ras Al Khaimah
3 freezonesThe northern growth hub
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the fastest-growing emirates for business setup. It combines competitive pricing with efficient registration processes, making it a top choice for SMEs and startups that want a UAE presence without premium-emirate pricing.
Known for fast, affordable company formation
/rak_maritime_square.png)
/rakez_fz_square.png)
Ajman
2 freezonesThe compact emirate
Ajman is the smallest emirate by area but punches above its weight for business setup. Its freezones offer some of the most affordable licensing in the UAE, making it ideal for freelancers, small startups, and entrepreneurs testing the UAE market.
Among the lowest setup costs in the UAE
/Ajman-freezone _square.png)
/ajman_media_city_freezone_square.png)
Fujairah
3 freezonesThe east coast gateway
Fujairah is the only emirate on the UAE's eastern coastline, with direct access to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. It's a strategic choice for oil and gas, maritime, and trading companies, and offers competitive pricing compared to major emirates.
Strategic location for maritime and oil & gas industries
/creative_city_freezone_square.png)
/fujariah_freezone_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
/foiz_logo_square.png){kind=logo}
Umm Al Quwain
1 freezoneThe emerging option
Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is the UAE's quietest emirate but offers genuine value for businesses that don't need a Dubai or Abu Dhabi address. Setup costs are among the lowest in the country, making it a practical option for budget-conscious founders.
Ultra-competitive pricing for budget-conscious founders
/UAQ_fz_square.png)
Freezones in this emirate coming soon.
See all FreezonesFind freezones on the map
50+ freezones across all 7 emirates. Click any pin for details.
Still have questions?
Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest guidance to find the best fit for your business — completely free.
Not sure which freezone is right for you?
Take our 2-minute quiz and get matched to the best freezones based on your business activity, budget, and priorities.
Find My Freezone Match