Free zones have become one of the most dynamic business environments in the UAE, attracting commercial licenses and company setups since the end of the pandemic in 2020. The sector saw a remarkable growth rate of nearly 200%, recording 140,000 new licenses, boosting the cumulative number from less than 70,000 licenses in early 2021 to over 210,000 by the end of November 2024.
As of November 2024, free zone licenses currently represent 22.3% of the total commercial licenses registered across the UAE. Data from the Economic Register indicates a 22% increase in the cumulative number of free zone licenses for 2024, compared to 172,500 licenses at the end of 2023.
Dubai continues to maintain the largest share of free zone licenses in the country, with approximately 53%, totaling more than 112,000 licenses by November 2024. Since the beginning of this year, nearly 16,000 new licenses have been issued in Dubai’s free zones.
The licenses are distributed across 15 free zones in Dubai, including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Meydan, Dubai South, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Airport Freezone, Humanitarian City, CommerCity, COMAS, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Textile City, and the Gold and Diamond Park.
Ras Al Khaimah ranks second in terms of free zone licenses, with approximately 47,000 licenses. Sharjah follows closely, with a total of 40,500 licenses issued across four free zones. Abu Dhabi has recorded about 10,500 licenses across five free zones, with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) holding the largest share of companies. The remaining licenses are distributed across investment zones in Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
This significant growth in the number of licenses registered in the free zones highlights the importance of these areas as a key driver of economic growth in the UAE. With Dubai continuing to lead this sector, it is expected to attract even more investors and companies looking to benefit from the facilities and ideal investment environment provided by the free zones.
Dubai is not only a business hub, but also a global platform that combines advanced infrastructure and exceptional services, meeting the needs of businesses across various sizes and sectors.
