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Dubai · UAE Free Zone

Expo City Dubai Free Zone

Where Innovation Meets Legacy

Established2022
Companies500+
Area4.38 square kilometers
LocationDubai
Official website

Zone at a glance

Cost efficiency
Setup speed
Flexibility

Relative rating across UAE free zones, scored out of five.

Overview

About Expo City Dubai

Expo City Dubai Free Zone is built on the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai, transforming the iconic expo site into a thriving business hub focused on innovation, sustainability, and future technologies. The free zone offers world-class infrastructure and facilities designed to attract global businesses in emerging sectors.

Governing Authority:Expo City Dubai Authority

Location & Connectivity

Nearest Airport

Al Maktoum International Airport

5 km away

Address

Expo City Dubai, Dubai South, Dubai, UAE

Total Area

4.38 square kilometers

Nearby Landmarks

Al Wasl PlazaDubai Exhibition CentreTerra Sustainability PavilionDubai Metro Expo 2020 StationDubai South

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Sectors

Key Industries

Technology and Innovation
Sustainability and Clean Energy
Creative Industries
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Education and Research
Tourism and Hospitality

Ideal For

Tech startupsSustainable technology companiesInnovation labsResearch institutionsCreative agenciesEducational organizations

Licensing

License Types & Costs

Commercial License

For trading activities and commercial operations

Starting from
18,000AED

Activities Allowed

Import, export, distribution, trading of goods and services

Professional License

For service-based and professional activities

Starting from
16,000AED

Activities Allowed

Consultancy, professional services, technology services

Industrial License

For manufacturing and industrial activities

Starting from
22,000AED

Activities Allowed

Manufacturing, assembly, processing, industrial operations

Processing Time

5-7 working days

Annual Renewal

Same as initial license fee

Validity

1 year, renewable

Need help choosing the right license type?

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Residency

Visa Information

Shareholders, partners, managers, and employees of licensed companies

2 visas

Flexi Desk

4-6 visas

Private Office

8+ visas

Custom Office

Investor VisaPartner VisaManager VisaEmployee VisaDependent Visa
Processing:7-10 working days
Golden Visa Eligible

Investment

Estimated Costs

License Fee
From 16,000 AED
Visa (per person)
~4,500 AED
Office Space
From 12,000 AED/year
Estimated First Year Total
From 32,500 AED
Approximate, starting estimate

Costs vary based on business activity, office type, and number of visas required

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Assessment

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Built on prestigious Expo 2020 legacy with world-class infrastructure
  • Focus on innovation and sustainability attracts forward-thinking businesses
  • Excellent connectivity via Dubai Metro and major transportation hubs
  • Access to iconic venues and facilities for events and business activities
  • Strong government support for emerging technologies and innovation
  • Modern, sustainable buildings with advanced technology integration
  • Strategic location between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
  • Golden Visa eligibility for qualifying investors

Considerations

  • Higher costs compared to some other Dubai free zones
  • Relatively new with limited track record compared to established zones
  • May not be suitable for traditional business models
  • Limited industrial manufacturing capabilities

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Advantages

Why Choose Expo City Dubai?

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Zero corporate tax on qualifying income
Full repatriation of capital and profits
No currency or exchange restrictions
World-class infrastructure and connectivity
Streamlined business registration process

Best For

  • Innovation-focused businesses
  • Sustainability companies
  • Tech startups
  • Creative industries
  • Companies seeking prestigious location

Not Ideal For

  • Traditional manufacturing
  • Heavy industrial activities
  • Budget-conscious startups
  • Companies not focused on innovation

Last reviewed: December 2025. Figures are indicative and confirmed in a tailored quote.

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