Dubai Airport Company Formation

Dubai Airport Company Formation (DAFZ) – Introduction

Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) serves as a vibrant business center that is strategically positioned at the core of international trade.  DAFZ provides an ideal gateway to the Middle East, benefiting from direct access to Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international airport, as well as unparalleled connectivity to Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East.

Today, Dubai Airport Freezone stands out as one of the most advanced and innovative free zones globally and within the UAE.

DAFZ also provides significant advantages that are tailored for businesses, such as a regulatory framework and a tax-free setting, complete ownership rights, full repatriation of profits and access to a variety of outstanding facilities.  Scroll down to see further details!

Some Impressive Facts about DAFZ

DAFZA is home to:

• >3000 registered companies
• >106,400 sqm warehouse space
• >190,000 sqm office space
• DAFZA employs >20,000 free zone employees!

Competitive Advantages: Why DAFZ Company Formation?

All the advantages of setting up a business in DAFZ collectively position DAFZ as one of the most appealing opportunities for economic growth globally.

Below are the benefits of establishing a business in DAFZ:

• Zero corporate tax;
• Zero income tax;
• VAT exempted;
• 100% foreign company ownership;
• 100% repatriation of capital & profits;
• Zero currency and employment restrictions;
• Swift and effective clearance for rapid cargo operations;
• Outstanding infrastructure on a global scale, with extensive cargo handling facilities and a dedicated logistics centre;
• Central location in Dubai and near Dubai International Airport, with convenient access to key areas;
• Platform for Smart Services providing many administrative services.

DAFZ Company Registration Process

DAFZ provides a variety of business set-up and administrative services for both new and current clients. The customized services are designed to facilitate and simplify daily business operations, allowing clients to concentrate on managing and expanding their businesses.

DAFZ’s one-stop-shop model offers business formation services that enable direct access to all essential government departments and private entities for establishing and operating a business in Dubai.

Additionally, clients can utilize a dedicated Government Service Centre, as well as banks, telecommunications firms and various other service providers.

There are three simple steps to set up a company in DAFZ.

 Step 1:  Select the License

DAFZ offers various License types:

Step 2:  Select the company type

DAFZ offers three types of companies:

 DAFZ Freezone Company

• A company that is set up in the Freezone;
• It is established with 1-50 shareholders (individual or non-individual);
• A minimum share capital of AED 1 (USD 0.27) is required.

DAFZ PLC

•  A public limited company with limited liability;
• Unlimited shareholders;
• A PLC is suitable for a company that wishes to list and / or offer shares (IPO) on a securities market.

 DAFZ Branch

• A foreign company can establish a branch of its existing company within DAFZ;
• Representative office;
• No share capital required.

 Step 3:  Select the type of suitable space:

• Office space;
• Warehouse;
• Other industrial;
• Cold storage.

DAFZ Services

DAFZ Visa Services 

•  Visas for business owners;
• Assistance to company directors, business owners and managers to secure visas for their families / dependents.
• Provision of support to business owners for the processing of residence visas, work permits and healthcare cards;
• Staff sponsorship visas;
• Family sponsorship visas;
• Healthcare cards for owners, family members and staff;

DAFZ Business Service Portal

DAFZ’s convenient online service portal is a platform that not only helps individuals to set-up a company, but is also a tool that provides all their needs after their business license is issued.  It is easily accessed  through smartphones and features more than 250 essential DAFZ services, with new services being added continually.

DAFZ Talent Pass License

With the DAFZ Talent Pass License, individuals can launch and manage their freelance businesses across various sectors, including arts, culture, education, media, marketing, consultancy and technology.

Holders of the DAFZ Talent Pass benefit from being part of a community of over 2,500 international companies spanning more than 20 sectors, providing numerous opportunities for significant growth.

Scality Global at DAFZ

Scality Global serves as a user-friendly and adaptable launchpad for establishing and expanding a company. It offers a comprehensive solution for technology startups and businesses aiming for growth.

Applications are exclusively considered from tech entrepreneurs and startups, who need to have a tech-related concept, MVP, or product to qualify.

Other Services at DAFZ

DAFZ Business Space

DAFZ provides a diverse array of adaptable solutions designed to meet all business requirements. From fully furnished offices and customizable office options to warehousing, light industrial units and retail spaces, all available on a long-term or short-term basis.

Office Space at DAFZ

DAFZ Square Business Centre

The DAFZ Square Business Centre is one of the best business hubs in the Middle East.  It is an ideal location for a variety of activities such as hosting corporate and other events, conducting interviews, holding board meetings, launching products, organizing press conferences, or delivering speeches.

The Business Centre at DAFZ provides a diverse selection of function rooms, boardrooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums and other event spaces that can be configured to suit any kind of business requirements.

Other Facilities at DAFZ

DAFZ Industrial Park

DAFZ Industrial Park, positioned strategically close to Dubai International Airport, caters to a diverse range of industries, making it the perfect option for businesses aiming to establish their presence in the Middle East.

DAFZ’s innovative warehousing technology guarantees the swift transportation of goods for import and export, while flexible leasing options provide maximum opportunities for high-growth businesses, all supported by fast and easy connections to the UAE, the region, and beyond. 

Bonded warehouses located in the industrial area allow companies to have enhanced control over their inventory during the complete cargo handling procedure.

 DAFZ Light Industrial Units (LIU)

DAFZ’s warehousing technologies facilitate a more controlled cargo handling process and enable rapid clearances, thanks to its strategic location near Dubai International Airport.

DAFZ offers high-quality, thermal insulated Light Industrial Units designed for rent, which are state-of-the-art and purpose-built. These units can serve as either a storage and distribution warehouse or a space for assembly and light manufacturing.

Flexible leasing arrangements for warehouses offer businesses greater opportunities to make choices aligned with their specific needs. Each unit, covering roughly 350 sq.m., includes both ground and mezzanine floor office spaces.

 DAFZ Square Retail Centre

The world-class design of the state-of-the-art DAFZ Square Retail Centre has been crafted to enhance functionality. Offering a variety of commercial spaces for rent, from pop-up leases to permanent retail locations, it provides outstanding visibility for brands.

DAFZ’s lively community comprises over 20,000 professionals and welcomes 1,000 daily visitors. This bustling environment, featuring abundant parking and retail shops, offers an exceptional chance for businesses to foster growth in Dubai’s retail sector while improving the lifestyle of the community.

 Other DAFZ Facilities

• Government Centres;
• Food courts;
• Banks;
• Other business support services.

DAFZ Contact Details

Dubai Airport Freezone
PO Box 491 Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Working Hours

Call Center: +971 600 532 392
8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Head Office: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

Monday – Friday

Key People

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Chairman
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni
Executive Chairman
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority

Amna Lootah
Director General

DAFZ Corporate Video

Dubai Airport Free Zone Map