Dubai CommerCity
Free Zone
MENA’s first dedicated e-commerce free zone, next to Dubai International Airport, with bonded Business and Logistics Clusters. Licences start from around AED 11,050, scaling to AED 20,000–35,000+ with warehousing. Minimum share capital is AED 1,000, with up to 20 activities permitted under a single licence.
IncHub Corporate Services Providers LLC is a duly licensed business operating in the United Arab Emirates, authorised to provide corporate and business setup consultancy services in accordance with its trade licence. The trade licence serves as official proof of the company’s legal registration and authorised business activities, demonstrating that IncHub operates as a licensed corporate service provider in the UAE.
What Is Dubai CommerCity?
Dubai CommerCity (DCC) is the MENA region’s first dedicated e-commerce free zone, purpose-built to combine digital commerce licensing with integrated logistics infrastructure rather than treating e-commerce as just another trading activity bolted onto a generalist free zone. Located in Umm Ramool, directly next to Dubai International Airport, DCC positions itself around access to more than 2 billion people within a two-hour flight, with proximity to the airport enabling fast regional order fulfilment and shorter delivery lead times.
DCC is organised into a Business Cluster and a Logistics Cluster, both operating as bonded zones, meaning foreign goods can enter without immediate duty payment while stored under supervision. This provides a meaningful customs advantage for inventory-heavy e-commerce operators. The zone supports more than 245 business activities under the ISIC 4 framework, with companies able to include up to 20 activities spanning four different industry groups under a single licence.
For businesses evaluating company setup in Dubai CommerCity, this combination of e-commerce licensing, bonded storage and airport connectivity makes DCC particularly relevant to businesses managing physical inventory and regional fulfilment.
Bonded Clusters Next to DXB
Business Cluster (Bonded)
E-commerce licensing and office facilities with bonded-zone customs status.
Logistics Cluster (Bonded)
Warehousing, fulfilment and last-mile infrastructure under bonded customs supervision.
Airport Adjacency / 2bn Reach
Umm Ramool next to DXB — 2 billion+ people within a 2-hour flight.
Who Is Dubai CommerCity For?
Dubai CommerCity is designed for businesses that need a combination of digital commerce licensing, inventory management and logistics infrastructure. A company setup in Dubai CommerCity may be suitable for:
Online Retailers & DTC Brands
Online retailers and direct-to-consumer brands needing integrated warehousing and fulfilment.
Multi-Vendor Marketplace Operators
Marketplace operators managing multi-vendor inventory and fulfilment flows.
Cross-Border E-Commerce
Cross-border e-commerce businesses serving the wider MENA and GCC region.
Bonded Inventory Operators
Companies needing bonded-zone customs deferral on imported inventory.
Last-Mile & E-Commerce Logistics
Last-mile delivery and e-commerce logistics service providers.
Less Natural Fit
Businesses without a genuine e-commerce or digital-trade component. Companies that need direct UAE mainland retail access without a distributor should weigh a mainland licence or hybrid structure against DCC’s free zone model.
What Dubai CommerCity Is Famous For
Dubai CommerCity is famous as MENA’s only free zone purpose-built specifically for e-commerce businesses that hold physical inventory. Its tenant base includes online retailers, marketplace sellers such as Amazon and noon, cross-border e-commerce operators and logistics businesses that need to store goods in the UAE duty-free before selling to GCC consumers, without committing to UAE customs duty at the point of import.
DCC solves the e-commerce cash-flow problem. Traditional UAE import customs can work against e-commerce economics: a business imports 1,000 units, pays 5% customs duty on all of them upfront, then sells 400 and needs to re-export 600. Reclaiming duty on returned goods can be slow and complicated. DCC’s bonded zone structure reverses this: goods enter the zone without duty payment, sit in inventory, and customs duty is only triggered when a specific unit is released to a UAE consumer. Unsold or re-exported goods do not incur UAE customs duty. For inventory-heavy e-commerce operators, this deferred-duty model can improve cash flow and reduce write-off exposure.
Online retailers and cross-border e-commerce operators; Amazon and noon marketplace sellers requiring UAE fulfilment; fashion e-commerce with high return rates; electronics e-retailers managing regional inventory; 3PL fulfilment companies; B2B platforms managing wholesale goods distribution across the GCC; health, beauty and wellness e-commerce; subscription box and recurring-delivery businesses.
Yes: Dubai CommerCity is listed as a Designated Zone under Cabinet Decision No. 59 of 2017 and its amendments. Qualifying B2B goods transactions within DCC and between DCC and other Designated Zones are outside the scope of UAE VAT when goods remain under Customs supervision and are not consumed. Services in DCC are subject to standard 5% UAE VAT regardless of Designated Zone status.
E-Commerce Licence: for businesses selling goods and services through
digital channels, websites, apps, marketplaces and social commerce.
Trading Licence: for general import, export and distribution activity
supporting e-commerce operations.
Logistics / Service Licence: for fulfilment, warehousing and last-mile
delivery service providers operating within the Logistics Cluster.
The base licence includes three activities from the same ISIC 4 industry group, with the option to add further activities or additional industry groups for an extra fee, up to a maximum of 20 activities across four groups.
License Types & Company Structures
A Dubai CommerCity company setup can be established through Free Zone Establishment/Company or Branch structures, with three dedicated licence types for e-commerce operations.
License Types Available
Company Structures
FZE / Company
Free Zone Establishment/Company – minimum 1 shareholder, up to a maximum of 50 shareholders.
Branch
An extension of an existing foreign or UAE company.
The minimum share capital required to establish a company in Dubai CommerCity is AED 1,000, notably lower than many comparable specialised Dubai free zones. Confirm the exact requirements for your specific licence and structure directly with Dubai CommerCity Free Zone Authority.
Setup Costs and Packages
When reviewing the Dubai CommerCity license cost 2026, the final amount depends on the business activity, licence package, facility requirements and selected infrastructure. Dubai CommerCity uses flexible pricing models with packages structured around business nature, size and activities, including pay-as-you-go options. Offices are available for lease only, not purchase.
Entry-Level E-Commerce Licence
From approx. AED 11,050.
Licence with Warehousing & Logistics
Approx. AED 20,000 to 35,000+.
Minimum Share Capital
AED 1,000.
Office Options
Lease only; multiple premises under one license permitted.
Dubai CommerCity Cost Calculator
Not sure what your business setup will cost? Receive a personalised, itemised quote based on your activity, licence and company structure—in under 2 minutes.
Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free consultation call.
How to Set Up a Company in Dubai CommerCity
The Dubai CommerCity company setup process generally involves the following steps. Each stage links to a full guide below.
Why Businesses Choose Dubai CommerCity
MENA’s First Dedicated E-Commerce Free Zone
Purpose-built for digital commerce, combining e-commerce licensing with integrated warehousing and last-mile delivery infrastructure under one authority.
Bonded Zone Status Across Both Clusters
Both the Business Cluster and Logistics Cluster operate as bonded zones: foreign goods enter without immediate customs duty payment — a material cash-flow advantage for inventory-heavy e-commerce operators.
Adjacent to Dubai International Airport
Umm Ramool next to DXB gives operators access to more than 2 billion people within a two-hour flight for fast regional fulfilment.
Up to 20 Activities Under One Licence
Up to 20 activities across four ISIC 4 industry groups under a single licence — flexibility without separate entity costs.
AED 1,000 Minimum Share Capital
Reduces initial capitalisation requirements for early-stage e-commerce operators.
When Dubai CommerCity May Not Be the Right Fit
No Physical Inventory Component
If your e-commerce business has no physical inventory or warehousing component, DCC’s bonded zone and logistics infrastructure adds cost without the operational value it was designed around; IFZA or Meydan may be lighter options for purely digital businesses.
Direct Mainland Retail Access Needed
If you need direct UAE mainland retail access without a distributor arrangement, you will need a complementary mainland structure regardless of your DCC licence.
Lowest Entry Cost, Digital-Only
If you need the lowest possible entry licence cost without warehouse requirements, SHAMS, AMC or UAQ FTZ may undercut DCC for digital-only e-commerce operations.
Port-Adjacent Logistics Hub Needed
If your logistics hub should be port-adjacent rather than airport-adjacent, Dubai South’s Al Maktoum Airport or JAFZA’s Jebel Ali Port may better serve high-volume sea freight e-commerce operations.
IncHub checks whether your e-commerce model genuinely benefits from DCC’s bonded zone and fulfilment infrastructure before recommending it over lower-cost alternatives for digital-only operators.
Dubai CommerCity vs Dubai South vs JAFZA vs IFZA
These free zones serve different e-commerce and logistics models. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches your inventory volumes and fulfilment geography.
| Factor | Dubai CommerCity | Dubai South | JAFZA | IFZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Dedicated e-commerce + bonded logistics | Aviation, logistics, general trade | Port trading, industrial, manufacturing | Cost-efficient office / digital setup |
| Key Access | DXB (Umm Ramool) | Al Maktoum Airport & Jebel Ali Port | Jebel Ali Port | Dubai (office-focused) |
| Entry-Level Cost | From AED 11,050 | From ~AED 8,500 | Premium | Competitive / low entry |
| Customs / Bonded | Bonded Business + Logistics Clusters | Bonded logistics options available | Port-based customs / industrial | Not inventory-bonded focused |
| Best For | Inventory-heavy e-commerce & marketplace sellers | Aviation, freight, large logistics | Sea-freight / port trading | Digital-only e-commerce, light ops |
IncHub holds direct relationships across Dubai’s free zones, helping you choose the one that best fits your sector and regulatory needs, not just the one with the strongest brand.
Compliance & Ongoing Obligations
Standard UAE federal compliance obligations that apply to all free zone companies (corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence renewal, visa renewal and FTA amendments) are documented in full in IncHub’s UAE Free Zone Compliance Guide. The Dubai CommerCity-specific obligations that differ between zones are listed below.
Audited Financials
Dubai CommerCity entities should confirm the annual audit requirement at setup; audited accounts will be requested by UAE banks as part of account opening and credit facility due diligence, and by QFZP assessment as a condition of maintaining free zone corporate tax treatment.
Bonded Zone Customs Compliance
Inventory stored in the Business or Logistics Cluster under bonded zone status must comply with UAE Customs supervision requirements; goods released from bonded storage into the UAE domestic market trigger import duty and VAT obligations at the point of release, not at the point of entry into the zone.
Annual License & Visa Renewals
Annual license renewal and timely renewal of employee and investor visas.
Corporate Tax & VAT Compliance
Corporate Tax and VAT compliance, including Designated Zone treatment for qualifying goods transactions.
UBO Disclosure & Accounting Records
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosure and maintenance of accounting records in line with UAE regulations.
Dubai CommerCity Compliance Guide
Standard UAE federal compliance obligations for free zone companies — corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence and visa renewal, and FTA amendments — covered in one detailed guide.
Want IncHub to manage compliance for your Dubai CommerCity company? Book a free review call.
Prefer to read it yourself first?
Read the Compliance Guide →What Our Clients Say
Watch how IncHub helped businesses set up in Dubai CommerCity, MENA’s dedicated e-commerce free zone.
Visa renewal can often feel complicated due to the multiple steps involved. However, my experience with IncHub was very smooth. They planned the process in advance, guided me at every stage, and ensured everything was completed on time. What I liked most was that I didn’t have to follow up everything was managed efficiently by their team.
Setting up my free zone company was not straightforward, especially when it came to choosing the right jurisdiction for my business model. Making the wrong decision could have resulted in unnecessary time and cost. IncHub provided clear and practical guidance, helping me select the most suitable free zone based on my activities.
Setting up a company in Dubai can get confusing, especially with so many free zones. I wasn’t sure what would suit my business, but IncHub made it simple. They guided me clearly, handled everything, and kept me updated throughout. The whole process felt very smooth. Definitely recommend speaking to them before you get started.
Setting up my free zone company through IncHub was seamless from start to finish. Their team handled everything — trade licence, immigration card, and office registration — within the promised timeline. No surprises on costs. If you’re serious about establishing in the UAE, IncHub is who you call first.
Most consultants only react when you approach them, but Inchub is different. They track your renewal timelines and remind you in advance. The execution was smooth, and everything was done exactly when it should be. If you want it done right the first time, Inchub is the way to go.
I had a very positive experience with Inchub for my license renewal. What stood out the most was their follow-up system — I was reminded well before the expiry date, which gave enough time to plan everything properly. The team handled the entire process efficiently, and the renewal was completed without delays.
Inchub handled the entire business setup process smoothly — everything was clearly explained, and the execution was efficient from start to finish. They have also assisted and guided us when there were AML compliance notifications from the authority. Overall, a reliable partner for end-to-end corporate services.
We had a bit of a challenge when it came to opening the labor file and processing new visas. There were a few complications along the way. That’s where Inchub really stepped in. Their team handled the entire process clearly and kept us updated throughout without us having to follow up constantly. Very reliable team.
Our experience with Inchub has genuinely exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the team has been extremely professional, approachable, and proactive. They’ve supported us across multiple areas — including corporate services, corporate tax filing, and visa renewals — all managed in a structured manner.
We worked with Inchub on a share amendment, which was quite complex. Their team guided us through each step, managed the process efficiently, and ensured everything was handled correctly despite the challenges. They also handle our accounting and VAT filing smoothly. A reliable and professional team.
We’ve been working with Inchub across multiple areas. They initially helped us with setting up both our offshore and free zone company, guiding us clearly. Since then, they’ve assisted us with annual renewals on time, and they manage our accounting and VAT filings efficiently. A highly dependable partner.
I’ve been working with Inchub for several years, and the experience has been consistently positive. Their services are reliable and efficient. They’ve supported me across multiple areas — from managing trade license renewals to assisting with business bank account opening. Having everything under one team saved a lot of effort.
Managing compliance alongside running a business can get overwhelming. Inchub takes care of our accounting, VAT, CT filings, and license renewal, which has saved us a lot of time and effort. Everything is handled efficiently and professionally. IncHub operates across every discipline and maintains high quality.
We’ve been working with Inchub for our ongoing compliance and business support. They handle everything from maintaining our company’s good standing to managing renewals on time, along with accounting and VAT filings. A very smooth experience, and they are definitely a reliable partner.
We have engaged Inchub for ongoing compliance support. They handle our company’s good standing, ensure renewals are completed on time, and manage accounting and VAT filings efficiently. The team is proactive, well-organized, and keeps everything on track without the need for constant follow-ups.
We worked with Inchub for setting up our offshore holding company. They facilitated the entire process smoothly, including the company formation and opening the corporate bank account. They also manage our accounting and bookkeeping. It’s helpful to have one team handling both setup and ongoing requirements.
We engaged Inchub for setting up our RAK ICC foundation. They supported us throughout the entire formation process, including documentation, and guided us at every step. They also assisted with opening the bank account, which was handled smoothly. The team was very organized and efficient.
We worked with Inchub for both our license renewal and visa renewal. The entire process was handled very smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Everything was completed right on time without any complications. Their structured approach and clear communication make them very easy to work with.
Setting up a company in the UAE can feel complex. With Inchub, the entire process was handled seamlessly. They took care of everything — from the trade license and immigration card to visa application and even opening the company bank account. The team managed the entire process efficiently.
We’ve been working with Inchub since day one for license renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, and visa processing. The experience has been very smooth. One thing that stands out is how responsive their team is. Whenever we need support, they’re quick to respond and guide us clearly.
How IncHub Can Help You Set Up in Dubai CommerCity
IncHub supports online retailers, marketplace operators and e-commerce logistics businesses through the full DCC setup, from ISIC 4 activity classification and cluster facility selection through to bonded zone customs compliance and designated zone VAT structuring that DCC’s business model requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Set Up Your Dubai CommerCity Company?
IncHub supports online retailers, marketplace operators and e-commerce logistics businesses through the full DCC setup — from ISIC 4 activity classification and cluster facility selection through to bonded zone customs compliance and designated zone VAT structuring. One partner, from application to fully operational.