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Dubai Humanitarian

World's Largest Humanitarian Logistics Hub in Dubai

Contact for pricing 5-14 working days setup 15 visas 4.6★ 0.1k reviews

What is Dubai Humanitarian?

Formerly International Humanitarian City. The world's largest humanitarian logistics hub near Al Maktoum Airport, hosting UN agencies, NGOs and non-profits. As a non-profit free-zone authority it also licenses commercial companies (FZ-LLC or branch).

World's largest humanitarian logistics hub near Al Maktoum Airport, hosting UN agencies (WFP, UNHCR, WHO) and international NGOs. As a non-profit free-zone authority it also licenses commercial companies (FZ-LLC or branch) alongside its UN/NGO members.

Key Features & Benefits

  • World's largest humanitarian hub
  • Tax-free for humanitarian entities
  • Hosts UN WFP, UNHCR, WHO, ICRC
  • Also licenses commercial entities (FZ-LLC or branch)

Pricing & Costs

Contact for pricing

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Dubai Humanitarian — Year 1 Fees

Last verified: May 2026

License Packages ⓘ

Contact for Pricing

AED 0/year
  • Contact the free zone directly for current license packages and pricing

Note. Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are typically eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ AED 0 – 0

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — verify directly with the freezone authority before making decisions. Last verified: May 2026

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days 100% Remote No Visit Required
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Dubai Humanitarian's approved list

Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Dubai Humanitarian

Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

Open for business.

License to Ready: typical timeline

From licence issuance through visa processing, bank account opening, and operational readiness. Estimates based on published rates and typical UAE freezone reported timelines as of May 2026.

Typically 47 days (range 27 days–66 days)License5–14 daysVisa7–21 daysBank14–28 daysReady1–3 days
as of May 2026

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Dubai Humanitarian.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

2/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening, IBAN issued at setup where supported.

★★ ★★★ Challenging Banking ease — methodology ★★★★★ Major banks actively onboard new entities; average opening <2 weeks ★★★★ Most major banks accept; 2–4 weeks ★★★ Some banks accept; 4–6 weeks ★★ Challenging to open; 6–10 weeks ★ Typically requires special structuring
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

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Why Dubai Humanitarian?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Dubai Humanitarian?

What makes this free zone stand out.

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. Fully remote setup available — no office visit required.

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 2/5 (Challenging). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Up to 15 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.

Dubai Location

Located near Jebel Ali, 30 minutes from central Dubai, adjacent to major logistics corridors

World's largest humanitarian hub

A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai Humanitarian.

Tax-free for humanitarian entities

A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai Humanitarian.

Recommended For
  • Humanitarian Logistics companies and businesses
  • Disaster Relief companies and businesses
  • Aid Distribution companies and businesses
Consider Alternatives If
  • Businesses with no humanitarian or logistics link
  • Retail or consumer-facing companies
  • Founders who want published, package-based pricing

Reviews

4.6★ (51 reviews)

Customer reviews and alternatives
Top Rated Service 2026 4.6 based on 51 reviews

Sourced from Google Maps — Last pulled May 2026

Reviews shown are unfiltered. Negative reviews often relate to third-party setup agencies rather than the freezone authority itself.

R AMIN March 2026

The International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai is an impressive center dedicated to global humanitarian efforts. Conveniently located and equipped with top-notch facilities, the IHC serves as a vital hub for international organizations. Its comprehensive ecosystem offers storage, training, and networking services, facilitating efficient aid delivery. The dedicated staff, strong partnerships, and emphasis on sustainability make the IHC an inspiring beacon of hope. Visiting this remarkable establishment was enlightening, and I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about contributing to the world of humanitarian aid.

Hazello ebare March 2026

so nice the place,but difficult no bus to go this area,but i like it.

Muzamil Hussain March 2026

Date::19/12/2016::

Tiemoko Kone March 2026

Very quiet place but so far from Dubai inhabited zones

sandheep saraswathi March 2026

The International Humanitarian City (IHC) was founded in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, through the merger of Dubai Aid City (DAC) and Dubai Humanitarian City (DHC). It is the one and only non-profit, independent, humanitarian free-zone Authority hosting a community of members comprised of UN organisations, international non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations, and commercial companies.

Review data as of 29 March 2026. For the latest reviews, visit Google Maps.

Find Dubai Humanitarian on Google Maps

View location, hours, photos, and real-time reviews from Google Maps.

See reviews on Google Maps Leave a review

Reviews shown on Google Maps are from verified visitors and updated in real-time by Google.

Is Dubai Humanitarian Right for You?

✅ Choose Dubai Humanitarian if you...

  • • humanitarian Logistics companies and businesses
  • • disaster Relief companies and businesses
  • • aid Distribution companies and businesses

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • businesses with no humanitarian or logistics link
  • • retail or consumer-facing companies
  • • founders who want published, package-based pricing

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Dubai Humanitarian.

How much does it cost to set up in Dubai Humanitarian?
Pricing for Dubai Humanitarian is available upon request. Contact the free zone directly for a detailed quotation based on your specific business requirements.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai Humanitarian?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Dubai Humanitarian?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package selection. Contact Dubai Humanitarian directly for details on visa quotas and costs.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Dubai Humanitarian license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Dubai Humanitarian?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Dubai Humanitarian?
Dubai Humanitarian is primarily a humanitarian logistics hub hosting UN agencies and international NGOs, but as a non-profit free-zone authority it also licenses commercial companies (FZ-LLC or branch). Office requirements depend on your licence type and activity. Contact Dubai Humanitarian directly to discuss eligibility and office options.
How do I open a bank account with a Dubai Humanitarian license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.

Related guides

Deeper reading on topics relevant to Dubai Humanitarian.

Official source

Dubai Humanitarian official website (dubaihumanitarian.ae) — membership/licence fees are quote-based; contact directly. Verified June 2026

Last verified: June 2026

Report incorrect data Verify at source →

FreezoneMatch provides comparison tools based on publicly available data. We are not affiliated with Dubai Humanitarian. Costs and regulations change — always confirm directly with the freezone authority before making decisions.

Sources: Dubai Humanitarian official siteDET (Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism)Google Maps reviews Last verified June 2026

Independent Advice

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Or contact Dubai Humanitarian directly

www.dubaihumanitarian.ae
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