Overview
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the world’s largest and most interconnected free zone, located in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district of Dubai. Established in 2002, DMCC has been named the Global Free Zone of the Year multiple consecutive times by the Financial Times’ fDi Magazine. The zone hosts over 23,000 companies and provides a dedicated infrastructure for commodities trading alongside a broad range of commercial activities.
Key Sectors
DMCC specialises in precious metals and diamonds, energy trading, agricultural commodities, and general trading. Beyond commodities, the zone supports technology firms, professional services, financial advisory, consulting, marketing, and e-commerce businesses. The DMCC Tea Centre and DMCC Coffee Centre serve as dedicated trading platforms for those commodities.
Setup Process
Company formation in DMCC involves selecting a licence type, registering a trade name, preparing incorporation documents, securing office space (from flexi-desk to full-floor options in JLT), and submitting the application through the DMCC portal. The process is largely digital and can be completed within five to ten business days. DMCC provides dedicated relationship managers to guide applicants.
Costs and Licensing
DMCC licence fees start at approximately AED 50,000 for a new company registration, which includes the first-year licence fee and registration charges. Annual renewal costs are lower. Flexi-desk solutions start at around AED 15,000 per year, while dedicated offices in JLT towers vary based on size and location. Visa packages are available at additional cost per employee.
Benefits
DMCC offers zero percent corporate and personal income tax for qualifying free zone activities, 100 percent foreign ownership, full capital and profit repatriation, and access to the DMCC Tradeflow platform for electronic title transfer of commodities. The zone provides a purpose-built business community with extensive networking opportunities.
Ownership Rules
Foreign investors may hold 100 percent equity in DMCC-registered entities. No local service agent or sponsor is required. Companies can be structured as DMCC Free Zone Companies or branches of existing entities.
Tax Regime
Qualifying DMCC companies benefit from zero percent corporate tax under the UAE free zone tax framework. No personal income tax applies. VAT at five percent is applicable per federal regulation. DMCC companies engaged in qualifying commodities trading activities benefit from additional customs efficiencies.
Infrastructure
DMCC operates within the JLT district, which features over 80 commercial and residential towers, retail plazas, hotels, and green spaces arranged around artificial lakes. The DMCC also operates the Almas Tower, a dedicated diamond and commodities trading hub. The district connects to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Metro (DMCC station).
Ideal Investor Profile
DMCC is best suited for commodities traders, general trading companies, professional services firms, tech startups, and SMEs seeking an established free zone brand with a large business community, flexible office options, and strong connectivity in central Dubai.