Overview
Dubai South is a master-planned economic zone spanning 145 square kilometres around Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Designed as the centrepiece of Dubai’s aviation and logistics future, Dubai South encompasses a free zone district, a logistics corridor, an aviation district, and residential and commercial communities. The zone also borders Expo City Dubai, the legacy site of Expo 2020.
License Types
Dubai South issues commercial licenses for trading, service licenses for professional and consulting firms, industrial licenses for manufacturing and light industry, logistics licenses for warehousing and distribution, and e-commerce licenses. A freelancer permit is also available for individual professionals seeking a cost-effective presence.
Costs
Dubai South offers some of the most competitive packages in Dubai. Freelancer permits start at approximately AED 7,500 per year. Standard business licenses begin around AED 12,750, covering the trade license and initial visa allocation. Warehouse and logistics spaces are priced based on size, with rates designed to attract volume operations.
Setup Process
Business setup in Dubai South involves choosing a license type and activity, reserving a trade name, submitting incorporation documents (passport copies, application form, business plan summary), selecting office or warehouse space, and completing visa formalities. The process is handled through the Dubai South e-portal and typically takes three to five business days.
Benefits
Dubai South offers 100 percent foreign ownership, zero percent corporate and personal income tax on qualifying activities, full capital and profit repatriation, customs bonded facilities, and direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport cargo operations. The zone is positioned as a key node in Dubai’s logistics network connecting air, sea, and road freight.
Location and Infrastructure
Dubai South is situated in the Jebel Ali area near the E11 highway, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Jebel Ali Port. The zone includes the Business Park, Logistics District, Aviation District, Humanitarian City, and the Residential District. Its proximity to Expo City Dubai adds access to event and exhibition infrastructure.
Key Sectors
Dubai South supports logistics and supply chain management, aviation services, e-commerce fulfilment, light manufacturing, humanitarian logistics, technology development, and general trading. The zone is a strategic hub for companies whose operations depend on multimodal transport connectivity.
Ideal Setup Profile
Dubai South is best suited for logistics operators, e-commerce businesses, aviation service providers, manufacturers, and trading firms that require large-format facilities near airport and seaport infrastructure at competitive rates.