JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)

About JAFZA

JAFZA opened in 1985 and remains the largest free zone in the country, home to more than 10,000 companies that together account for a significant share of Dubai's non-oil trade. It wraps around Jebel Ali Port, which handles more container traffic than any harbour between Rotterdam and Singapore.

This is where you incorporate when goods physically move. Warehousing, light industrial units, showrooms and serviced plots sit minutes from the quay, and DP World's logistics corridor connects the port to Al Maktoum International Airport for sea-to-air transfers measured in hours.

JAFZA offshore companies, a separate non-resident structure, are also registered here, and they remain a common vehicle for holding UAE real estate and international assets.

Licence types at JAFZA

• Trading licence. Import, export, distribution and storage of specified goods.
• Industrial licence. Manufacturing, processing and assembly with dedicated facilities.
• Service licence. Logistics services, consultancy and support activities.
• Offshore company. Non-resident holding vehicle registered under JAFZA Offshore regulations.

Offices and facilities

• Flexi desks
• Offices
• Warehouses from 313 sqm
• Serviced industrial plots

What JAFZA costs

Indicative first-year cost for a service licence with a flexi desk. Warehouse and plot leases quoted separately. Budget from AED 15,500 for the first year, then add visa allocations, medicals and Emirates ID per person, and workspace if you upgrade beyond the entry package. Renewals typically come in below year-one totals. Our costs page breaks down every line item, and your written quote fixes the numbers before you pay.