# Dubai Setup Index

> Sourced, dated guides to setting up a company in Dubai and the UAE: 43 free zones, the Dubai mainland (DET) route, business activities by free zone, setup cost estimates and route comparisons. Every figure is dated and linked to its source; unpublished facts are marked as such, never estimated.

Use it to choose between UAE free zones and the Dubai mainland, check whether a business activity is listed and what it requires, and estimate setup costs with every unknown kept explicit. Regulated activities (finance, crypto, construction, healthcare and others) are covered with the regulator and approvals they need; it is not legal, tax or immigration advice.

Every page answers in markdown when requested with `Accept: text/markdown`, or at https://dubaisetupindex.com/md/<path>.

## Start here

- [Free zones](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones): every zone covered, with starting prices
- [Free zone prices by visa count](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/prices): dated 0–3 visa price matrix, each figure labelled package, calculator or licence only; public table, JSON download for signed-in accounts; CC BY 4.0
- [Dubai mainland](https://dubaisetupindex.com/mainland): official licence estimates, activity scopes, process
- [Business activities](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities): which free zones and mainland list an activity
- [Compare routes](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare): side-by-side comparisons
- [How company setup works](https://dubaisetupindex.com/how-it-works): the five stages and their published durations
- [Methodology](https://dubaisetupindex.com/methodology): how every figure is classified and dated

## Free zones

- [Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/abu-dhabi-airports): Abu Dhabi
- [ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/adgm): Abu Dhabi
- [Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ajman): Ajman
- [Ajman Media City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ajman-media-city): Ajman
- [Creative City Free Zone (Fujairah)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/creative-city-fujairah): Fujairah
- [Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dafza): Dubai
- [DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/difc): Dubai
- [DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dmcc): Dubai
- [Dubai Auto Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-auto-zone): Dubai
- [Dubai CommerCity](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-commercity): Dubai
- [Dubai Design District (d3)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-design-district): Dubai
- [Dubai Healthcare City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-healthcare-city): Dubai
- [Dubai International Academic City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-international-academic-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Internet City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-internet-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Knowledge Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-knowledge-park): Dubai
- [Dubai Maritime City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-maritime-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Media City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-media-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Outsource City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-outsource-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Production City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-production-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Science Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-science-park): Dubai
- [Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-silicon-oasis): Dubai
- [Dubai South Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-south): Dubai
- [Dubai Studio City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-studio-city): Dubai
- [Dubai Textile City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-textile-city): Dubai
- [Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/dubai-world-trade-centre): Dubai
- [Expo City Dubai Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/expo-city-dubai): Dubai
- [Fujairah Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/fujairah-free-zone): Fujairah
- [Gold and Diamond Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/gold-and-diamond-park): Dubai
- [Hamriyah Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/hamriyah): Sharjah
- [IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ifza): Dubai
- [Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/jafza): Dubai
- [Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/kezad): Abu Dhabi
- [Masdar City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/masdar-city): Abu Dhabi
- [Meydan Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/meydan): Dubai
- [Innovation City (formerly RAK DAO)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/rak-dao): Ras Al Khaimah
- [RAK Maritime City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/rak-maritime-city): Ras Al Khaimah
- [Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/rakez): Ras Al Khaimah
- [Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/saif): Sharjah
- [Sharjah Media City (Shams)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/shams): Sharjah
- [Sharjah Healthcare City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/sharjah-healthcare-city): Sharjah
- [Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/spc): Sharjah
- [Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/srtip): Sharjah
- [Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/uaq-ftz): Umm Al Quwain

## Business activity groups

- [Advertising](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/advertising): 11 activities, the routes that list each
- [Agricultural](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/agricultural): 28 activities, the routes that list each
- [Appliances and machinery manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/appliances-and-machinery-manufacturing): 41 activities, the routes that list each
- [Applied studies](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/applied-studies): 17 activities, the routes that list each
- [Art production](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/art-production): 19 activities, the routes that list each
- [Auto spare parts trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/auto-spare-parts-trading): 5 activities, the routes that list each
- [Banks, finance & credit group](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/banks-finance-and-credit-group): 56 activities, the routes that list each
- [Block and building stones industry](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/block-and-building-stones-industry): 30 activities, the routes that list each
- [Broadcasting and communications](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/broadcasting-and-communications): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Building maintenance, surveillance and cleaning services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/building-maintenance-surveillance-and-cleaning-services): 13 activities, the routes that list each
- [Building materials trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/building-materials-trading): 50 activities, the routes that list each
- [Car registration & transfer services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/car-registration-and-transfer-services): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Car rent and passenger transport](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/car-rent-and-passenger-transport): 15 activities, the routes that list each
- [Casting of steel and iron](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/casting-of-steel-and-iron): 10 activities, the routes that list each
- [Chemicals trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/chemicals-trading): 20 activities, the routes that list each
- [Cleaning services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/cleaning-services): 10 activities, the routes that list each
- [Combing and upholstery](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/combing-and-upholstery): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Consultancy -B- Engineering](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/consultancy-b-engineering): 18 activities, the routes that list each
- [Consultancy -C- Petrol and Water](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/consultancy-c-petrol-and-water): 13 activities, the routes that list each
- [Consultancy -D- management, information and marketing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/consultancy-d-management-information-and-marketing): 28 activities, the routes that list each
- [Consultancy – Medical](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/consultancy-medical): 5 activities, the routes that list each
- [Consultancy –Technical](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/consultancy-technical): 19 activities, the routes that list each
- [Contracting and building works](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/contracting-and-building-works): 93 activities, the routes that list each
- [Cotton & metal nets & ropes manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/cotton-and-metal-nets-and-ropes-manufacturing): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Education](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/education): 23 activities, the routes that list each
- [Elecricals trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/elecricals-trading): 8 activities, the routes that list each
- [Electronics group](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/electronics-group): 24 activities, the routes that list each
- [Equipment and engines manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/equipment-and-engines-manufacturing): 40 activities, the routes that list each
- [Event organizers](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/event-organizers): 24 activities, the routes that list each
- [Exibition organizers](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/exibition-organizers): 10 activities, the routes that list each
- [Facility management](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/facility-management): 12 activities, the routes that list each
- [Finance consultants](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/finance-consultants): 9 activities, the routes that list each
- [Food industries](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/food-industries): 47 activities, the routes that list each
- [Foodstuff mills and packaging](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/foodstuff-mills-and-packaging): 18 activities, the routes that list each
- [Foodstuff trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/foodstuff-trading): 24 activities, the routes that list each
- [Fuel and petroleum products trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/fuel-and-petroleum-products-trading): 11 activities, the routes that list each
- [Furnitures trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/furnitures-trading): 13 activities, the routes that list each
- [Glass industries](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/glass-industries): 8 activities, the routes that list each
- [Halls and exibition](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/halls-and-exibition): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Handicraft workshops](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/handicraft-workshops): 15 activities, the routes that list each
- [Home appliances trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/home-appliances-trading): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Hospitals & recovery houses](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/hospitals-and-recovery-houses): 9 activities, the routes that list each
- [Information Technology](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/information-technology): 36 activities, the routes that list each
- [Institutes and education](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/institutes-and-education): 17 activities, the routes that list each
- [Insurance](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/insurance): 15 activities, the routes that list each
- [Investment](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/investment): 12 activities, the routes that list each
- [Laboratories](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/laboratories): 19 activities, the routes that list each
- [Legal services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/legal-services): 17 activities, the routes that list each
- [Light aircraft manufacturing & maintenance](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/light-aircraft-manufacturing-and-maintenance): 14 activities, the routes that list each
- [Machinery and equipement rental](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/machinery-and-equipement-rental): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacture of gold and precious stones cutting](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacture-of-gold-and-precious-stones-cutting): 5 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacture of medicines](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacture-of-medicines): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacture of motor vehicles, motorcycles & its spare parts](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacture-of-motor-vehicles-motorcycles-and-its-spare-parts): 25 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacture of petroleum products](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacture-of-petroleum-products): 9 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacturing of bags, shoes and leather products](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacturing-of-bags-shoes-and-leather-products): 5 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacturing of chemicals](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacturing-of-chemicals): 45 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacturing of garments and rugs](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacturing-of-garments-and-rugs): 18 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacturing of paper and paper products](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacturing-of-paper-and-paper-products): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Manufacturing of wood, wood products and Furniture](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/manufacturing-of-wood-wood-products-and-furniture): 20 activities, the routes that list each
- [Meat processing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/meat-processing): 9 activities, the routes that list each
- [Mechanical & engineering equipment trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/mechanical-and-engineering-equipment-trading): 133 activities, the routes that list each
- [Medical Clinic](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/medical-clinic): 77 activities, the routes that list each
- [Medicines trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/medicines-trading): 8 activities, the routes that list each
- [Metal containers & boxes manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/metal-containers-and-boxes-manufacturing): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Metals & its products trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/metals-and-its-products-trading): 14 activities, the routes that list each
- [Motor & motorcycles driving institutes](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/motor-and-motorcycles-driving-institutes): 5 activities, the routes that list each
- [Motor vehicle repairing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/motor-vehicle-repairing): 24 activities, the routes that list each
- [Other engineering services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/other-engineering-services): 47 activities, the routes that list each
- [Other metal indusries](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/other-metal-indusries): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Other Personal & trading services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/other-personal-and-trading-services): 39 activities, the routes that list each
- [Other Rental Services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/other-rental-services): 13 activities, the routes that list each
- [Other Trading Activities](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/other-trading-activities): 26 activities, the routes that list each
- [Outlet group](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/outlet-group): 12 activities, the routes that list each
- [Packing services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/packing-services): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Personal requisities manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/personal-requisities-manufacturing): 12 activities, the routes that list each
- [Personal requisities repairing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/personal-requisities-repairing): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Petroleum and metal extraction](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/petroleum-and-metal-extraction): 12 activities, the routes that list each
- [Pets nursery and trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/pets-nursery-and-trading): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Pipes and wires manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/pipes-and-wires-manufacturing): 17 activities, the routes that list each
- [Plastic industries](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/plastic-industries): 17 activities, the routes that list each
- [Postal services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/postal-services): 9 activities, the routes that list each
- [Printing and publishing services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/printing-and-publishing-services): 17 activities, the routes that list each
- [Ready made garments qroup](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/ready-made-garments-qroup): 37 activities, the routes that list each
- [Real estate](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/real-estate): 20 activities, the routes that list each
- [Recreation halls](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/recreation-halls): 8 activities, the routes that list each
- [Repairing of electrical & electronic appliances](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/repairing-of-electrical-and-electronic-appliances): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Repairing of equipments](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/repairing-of-equipments): 20 activities, the routes that list each
- [Representative office](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/representative-office): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Restaurants and coffee shops](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/restaurants-and-coffee-shops): 14 activities, the routes that list each
- [Roastry](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/roastry): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Sewage and cleaning services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/sewage-and-cleaning-services): 11 activities, the routes that list each
- [Ship building and repairing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/ship-building-and-repairing): 11 activities, the routes that list each
- [Social Work Activities](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/social-work-activities): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Sport Club](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/sport-club): 49 activities, the routes that list each
- [Sport equipment rental](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/sport-equipment-rental): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Sports equipment trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/sports-equipment-trading): 11 activities, the routes that list each
- [Stationary and books trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/stationary-and-books-trading): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Steel tool manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/steel-tool-manufacturing): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Structural steel manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/structural-steel-manufacturing): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Technical & professional workshops](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/technical-and-professional-workshops): 15 activities, the routes that list each
- [Textiles & products manufacturing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/textiles-and-products-manufacturing): 9 activities, the routes that list each
- [Tourism Activites](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/tourism-activites): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Trading in motor vehicles and motorcysles](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/trading-in-motor-vehicles-and-motorcysles): 16 activities, the routes that list each
- [Transport, shipping and storage](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/transport-shipping-and-storage): 105 activities, the routes that list each
- [Typing and translation](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/typing-and-translation): 7 activities, the routes that list each
- [Veterinary clinic](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/veterinary-clinic): 6 activities, the routes that list each
- [Waste collection and treatment](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/waste-collection-and-treatment): 21 activities, the routes that list each
- [Waste trading](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/waste-trading): 8 activities, the routes that list each
- [Water manufacturing and bottling](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/groups/water-manufacturing-and-bottling): 5 activities, the routes that list each

## Comparisons

- [IFZA or Meydan Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-meydan)
- [IFZA or Ajman Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-ajman)
- [Free zone or Dubai mainland](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/free-zone-vs-mainland)
- [IFZA or RAKEZ](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-rakez)
- [DMCC or IFZA](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dmcc-vs-ifza)
- [DIFC or ADGM](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/difc-vs-adgm)
- [RAKEZ or Ajman Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/rakez-vs-ajman)
- [IFZA or Sharjah Publishing City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-spc)
- [Sharjah Publishing City or SAIF Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/spc-vs-saif)
- [JAFZA or Dubai South](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/jafza-vs-dubai-south)
- [Meydan Free Zone or Sharjah Publishing City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/meydan-vs-spc)
- [ADGM or Ajman Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-ajman)
- [ADGM or Dubai Airport Freezone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dafza)
- [ADGM or Dubai Design District](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-design-district)
- [ADGM or Dubai Healthcare City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-healthcare-city)
- [ADGM or Dubai International Academic City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-international-academic-city)
- [ADGM or Dubai Internet City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-internet-city)
- [ADGM or Dubai Knowledge Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-knowledge-park)
- [ADGM or Dubai Media City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-media-city)
- [ADGM or Dubai Outsource City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-outsource-city)
- [ADGM or Dubai Production City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-production-city)
- [ADGM or Dubai Science Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-science-park)
- [ADGM or Dubai South Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-south)
- [ADGM or Dubai Studio City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-dubai-studio-city)
- [ADGM or Expo City Dubai Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-expo-city-dubai)
- [ADGM or IFZA](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-ifza)
- [ADGM or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-rak-dao)
- [ADGM or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-rakez)
- [ADGM or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/adgm-vs-srtip)
- [Ajman Media City Free Zone or DMCC](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-media-city-vs-dmcc)
- [Ajman Media City Free Zone or IFZA](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-media-city-vs-ifza)
- [Ajman Media City Free Zone or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-media-city-vs-srtip)
- [Ajman Media City Free Zone or Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-media-city-vs-uaq-ftz)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Ajman Media City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-ajman-media-city)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Dubai Airport Freezone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-dafza)
- [Ajman Free Zone or DIFC](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-difc)
- [Ajman Free Zone or DMCC](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-dmcc)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Dubai Healthcare City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-dubai-healthcare-city)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Jebel Ali Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-jafza)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-rak-dao)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-srtip)
- [Ajman Free Zone or Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ajman-vs-uaq-ftz)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or DIFC](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-difc)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Design District](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-design-district)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Healthcare City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-healthcare-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai International Academic City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-international-academic-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Internet City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-internet-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Knowledge Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-knowledge-park)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Media City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-media-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Outsource City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-outsource-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Production City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-production-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Science Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-science-park)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai South Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-south)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Dubai Studio City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-dubai-studio-city)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Expo City Dubai Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-expo-city-dubai)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or IFZA](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-ifza)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-rak-dao)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-rakez)
- [Dubai Airport Freezone or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dafza-vs-srtip)
- [DIFC or Dubai South Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/difc-vs-dubai-south)
- [DIFC or Expo City Dubai Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/difc-vs-expo-city-dubai)
- [DIFC or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/difc-vs-rak-dao)
- [DIFC or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/difc-vs-rakez)
- [DIFC or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/difc-vs-srtip)
- [DMCC or Dubai Textile City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dmcc-vs-dubai-textile-city)
- [DMCC or Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dmcc-vs-uaq-ftz)
- [Dubai Healthcare City or Dubai South Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-healthcare-city-vs-dubai-south)
- [Dubai Healthcare City or Expo City Dubai Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-healthcare-city-vs-expo-city-dubai)
- [Dubai Healthcare City or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-healthcare-city-vs-rakez)
- [Dubai South Free Zone or IFZA](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-south-vs-ifza)
- [Dubai South Free Zone or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-south-vs-rak-dao)
- [Dubai South Free Zone or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-south-vs-rakez)
- [Dubai South Free Zone or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/dubai-south-vs-srtip)
- [Expo City Dubai Free Zone or IFZA](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/expo-city-dubai-vs-ifza)
- [Expo City Dubai Free Zone or Jebel Ali Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/expo-city-dubai-vs-jafza)
- [Expo City Dubai Free Zone or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/expo-city-dubai-vs-rak-dao)
- [Expo City Dubai Free Zone or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/expo-city-dubai-vs-rakez)
- [Expo City Dubai Free Zone or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/expo-city-dubai-vs-srtip)
- [Fujairah Free Zone or Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/fujairah-free-zone-vs-kezad)
- [Fujairah Free Zone or Meydan Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/fujairah-free-zone-vs-meydan)
- [Fujairah Free Zone or Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/fujairah-free-zone-vs-spc)
- [Hamriyah Free Zone or Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/hamriyah-vs-kezad)
- [Hamriyah Free Zone or Meydan Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/hamriyah-vs-meydan)
- [Hamriyah Free Zone or Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/hamriyah-vs-spc)
- [IFZA or Innovation City](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-rak-dao)
- [IFZA or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-srtip)
- [IFZA or Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/ifza-vs-uaq-ftz)
- [Jebel Ali Free Zone or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/jafza-vs-rakez)
- [Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi or Sharjah Airport International Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/kezad-vs-saif)
- [Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi or Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/kezad-vs-spc)
- [Masdar City Free Zone or Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/masdar-city-vs-uaq-ftz)
- [Meydan Free Zone or Sharjah Airport International Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/meydan-vs-saif)
- [Innovation City or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/rak-dao-vs-rakez)
- [Innovation City or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/rak-dao-vs-srtip)
- [Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone or Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/rakez-vs-srtip)
- [Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park or Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare/srtip-vs-uaq-ftz)

## Setup and compliance guides

- [Restaurant, café and cloud kitchen](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/food-business)
- [Real-estate brokerage](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/real-estate-brokerage)
- [Property management](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/property-management)
- [Clinic and telehealth](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/clinic-and-telehealth)
- [Training institute and individual tutor](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/training-and-tutoring)
- [Gym and fitness studio](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/gym-and-fitness)
- [Salon](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/salon)
- [Recruitment and outsourcing](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/recruitment-and-outsourcing)
- [Travel agency](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/travel-agency)
- [Logistics and freight](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/logistics-and-freight)
- [Holding company](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/holding-company)
- [Freelance permit versus company](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/freelance-or-company)
- [Corporate tax and Small Business Relief](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/corporate-tax-and-small-business-relief)
- [Qualifying Free Zone Person (0% corporate tax)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/qualifying-free-zone-person)
- [VAT](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/vat)
- [Accounting, bookkeeping and audit](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/accounting-bookkeeping-and-audit)
- [ESR, ownership records and AML](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/esr-ubo-and-aml)
- [Residence and family sponsorship](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/residence-and-family-sponsorship)
- [Banking checklist](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/business-bank-account)
- [Company closure checklist](https://dubaisetupindex.com/guides/company-closure)

## Founders by country

- [Australia](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/australia)
- [Belgium](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/belgium)
- [Canada](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/canada)
- [China](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/china)
- [Czechia](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/czechia)
- [Egypt](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/egypt)
- [France](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/france)
- [Germany](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/germany)
- [India](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/india)
- [Netherlands](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/netherlands)
- [Pakistan](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/pakistan)
- [Poland](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/poland)
- [Russia](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/russia)
- [Saudi Arabia](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/saudi-arabia)
- [Slovakia](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/slovakia)
- [Spain](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/spain)
- [United Kingdom](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/united-kingdom)
- [United States](https://dubaisetupindex.com/from/united-states)

## For agents

- [MCP server](https://dubaisetupindex.com/docs/mcp): 23 tools at https://dubaisetupindex.com/api/mcp, OAuth 2.1: reads, plus start_application to draft a setup application the user approves on the site
- [Skill](https://dubaisetupindex.com/skill.md): when to use this site and how to quote it
- [Full reference](https://dubaisetupindex.com/llms-full.txt): skill, MCP reference and methodology in one file
- [OpenAPI](https://dubaisetupindex.com/openapi.json): the JSON records, no key needed; CC BY 4.0
- [Free zone index (JSON)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/data/free-zones.json)
- Free zone price matrix (JSON): /data/free-zone-prices.json — sign-in required, CC BY 4.0, attribution required; the same rows are public at https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/prices and its markdown
- [Activity search index (JSON)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/search-index.json)
- [Sitemap](https://dubaisetupindex.com/sitemap.xml)

## Licence and access

The data is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/): any quote or reuse carries "Source: Dubai Setup Index (dubaisetupindex.com), licensed CC BY 4.0" with a link to the page on https://dubaisetupindex.com and its updated date.
For bulk or repeated access use the MCP server, OpenAPI and /data JSON listed above. Bulk scraping of pages, or scripted use of /estimate, breaks the terms (https://dubaisetupindex.com/terms#automated-access).
Search and AI crawlers may crawl as https://dubaisetupindex.com/robots.txt allows.

## Quoting rules

1. A starting price is the cheapest published package for one visa count and term. It is not the cost of setting up a company. Say what it includes.
2. Compare like with like: same visa count, same licence term, same inclusions. The Dubai mainland estimate is licence fees only and is priced by owners, not visas — never set it against a free-zone package as if they were the same thing.
3. An unknown stays unknown. A fact returned as `{ "kind": "unknown" }` or "Not published" can mean not found, unverified or published but non-comparable; read its reason and do not estimate, average or fill it, and do not add up a total around it.
4. Estimator subtotals are known components only. Quote `pricedSubtotalAed` with its exclusions and unresolved lines; `selectedTotalAed` is null whenever anything is unknown, and the full first-year total is always null.
5. A setup route from the chooser or a comparison is a possible route, not confirmed eligibility. The exact activity, premises and approvals decide.
6. Cite with the response's `attribution.citation` (or the Citation block of a markdown page). Quoting any figure requires a resolvable link to the response's `attribution.url`; reproduce `attribution.citation` verbatim. Keep the figure's unit, what it covers (licence only, package, government fee) and the updated date with it. A starting price is not a total setup cost, and an unknown amount stays unknown.
7. Say whose figure it is. `sourceType` `official` is the authority's published figure; `approved-partner` is the authority's package read through registered-partner access and not publicly listed; `first-party` (`priceNature: "first-party-package"`) is Dubai Setup Index's own package price or planning range, never an authority calculator result; `quoted` is the authority's figure sent to Dubai Setup Index on request (dated, not on a public page).
8. This is directory information, not legal, tax or immigration advice.
9. Every dataset on Dubai Setup Index — the pages' figures, every /data JSON record, the free zone price matrix, the CSV exports and every MCP response and resource — is licensed CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Any use or transformation must carry the attribution "Source: Dubai Setup Index (dubaisetupindex.com), licensed CC BY 4.0" with a link to the page and its updated date (the response's `attribution.attributionText`). A figure sourced from a third party (Invest in Dubai, DET, a free zone authority or a partner's quote) keeps its source citation — the source named in the record, with its URL and checked date — alongside the licence attribution. Every MCP tool result is CC BY 4.0 too; its compact `attribution` leaves the licence text to this rule: attribute it as "Source: Dubai Setup Index (dubaisetupindex.com), licensed CC BY 4.0. <attribution.url>, updated <the date in attribution.citation>." Resources and /data JSON carry the finished string as `attribution.attributionText`.