Dubai South Free Zone

Overview

Dubai South Free Zone is a government-backed economic zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest airport upon full completion. Spanning 145 square kilometres, Dubai South is designed as a self-contained city with residential, commercial, logistics, and aviation districts. The freezone sits at the intersection of major road networks and the Expo 2020 legacy site, positioning it as a key growth corridor for Dubai’s future.

The freezone has tailored its offerings toward e-commerce, logistics, and light trading companies, with packages that undercut most established Dubai freezones on price. Its modern digital infrastructure supports fast company formation and visa processing.

Ideal For

Dubai South is an excellent choice for e-commerce businesses, logistics operators, import-export traders, and technology startups seeking an affordable Dubai licence. If you sell products online and need fulfilment infrastructure, or if you are building a logistics operation that benefits from airport proximity, Dubai South delivers strong value. It also works well for freelancers and small teams that want a Dubai presence without premium pricing. See our best freezone for e-commerce guide for a detailed comparison.

Setup Process

Company formation at Dubai South is one of the fastest in the UAE, often completed within three to five business days. The process is largely digital: submit your application online, upload documents, select your package and office type, and receive your licence electronically. Visa processing follows standard GDRFA timelines but benefits from Dubai South’s efficient internal processing.

Costs

First-year costs range from AED 12,000 to AED 30,000 depending on licence type, visa allocation, and office choice. Freelancer and e-commerce packages start at the lower end, while trading licences with warehouse access sit higher. Dubai South is one of the most cost-effective options in Dubai. For a full breakdown, see our cheapest UAE freezones guide.

Pros and Cons

Dubai South’s pricing makes it one of the best value propositions in Dubai, especially for e-commerce and logistics. Proximity to Al Maktoum Airport and the Expo district ensures strong future growth, and the government’s long-term commitment to the area provides confidence in infrastructure development.

The main drawback is distance from central Dubai. The area is still developing, meaning fewer restaurants, services, and networking opportunities compared to established zones like DMCC or DAFZA. The business community is smaller, which can limit organic networking.

Related Freezones

Consider JAFZA for established port-based logistics, IFZA for budget-friendly Dubai licensing, or DAFZA for Dubai International Airport proximity.