Dubai South
Free Zone
Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) is a 145-square-kilometre free zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport. Business licenses start from approximately AED 8,500 per year, and its dedicated Aviation District makes it a strong choice for aviation-related businesses. Since the launch of the Dubai South Business Hub in September 2025, businesses can obtain same-day digital licensing. Under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, Dubai South companies can also operate in mainland Dubai, subject to the applicable regulations.
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 South?
Dubai South Free Zone, formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is a master-planned business hub built around Al Maktoum International Airport. Covering more than 145 square kilometres, it was launched in 2006 to support aviation, logistics, trade, and commercial businesses. Company formation and licensing are managed by the Dubai South Free Zone Authority.
The development includes dedicated districts such as the Logistics District, Aviation District, and Business Park, giving businesses access to modern infrastructure and excellent transport links. In September 2025, Dubai South also introduced the Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH), a digital platform that streamlines company formation, visa processing, banking support, and compliance services.
Airport-Centred Business Hub
Al Maktoum International Airport
Built around the future largest airport, ~37km from DXB, spanning 145 sq km.
Logistics, Aviation & Business Park
Dedicated districts plus residential and exhibition zones.
Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH)
Launched September 2025 for same-day company formation and licensing.
Who Is Dubai South For?
Dubai South is well-suited for businesses that rely on logistics, aviation, or international trade, including the following.
Freight Forwarding & Logistics
Freight forwarding, logistics, cold-chain, and last-mile delivery companies.
Aviation, MRO & Aerospace
Aviation businesses, including MRO, aerospace manufacturing, aircraft parts trading, and ground handling.
E-Commerce Warehousing & Fulfilment
E-commerce companies that require warehousing and fulfilment facilities.
General Trading & Services
General trading and service businesses looking for an affordable Dubai free zone company setup.
Startups via DSBH Fast Setup
Startups seeking a fast, digital company formation process through the Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH).
Less Natural Fit
Businesses in financial services, commodities, or digital assets may find other Dubai free zones more suitable due to their specialised regulatory frameworks.
What Is Dubai South Famous For?
Dubai South is best known for its strategic location between Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, making it one of the UAE’s leading hubs for aviation, logistics, and e-commerce. The free zone is popular with companies involved in import and export, warehousing, freight forwarding, and regional distribution. Its proximity to Expo City Dubai also makes it attractive for businesses involved in exhibitions and international trade.
Dubai South’s key industries include air freight and cargo logistics, freight forwarding and customs services, third-party logistics (3PL) and warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment and distribution, cold-chain logistics, aviation, MRO and aerospace services, aircraft parts trading, ground handling and airport support services, and general trading. Global companies such as DHL, Amazon Logistics, Aramex, and FedEx have operations in Dubai South, highlighting its role as a major regional logistics hub.
Parts of Dubai Aviation City within Dubai South qualify as a VAT Designated Zone under Cabinet Decision No. 59, although this status does not apply across the entire development. Businesses should confirm their VAT treatment based on their location and activities. VAT registration remains mandatory once the applicable UAE registration threshold is met.
License Types & Company Structures
Dubai South Free Zone offers a range of business licenses and company structures to suit different industries.
License Types Available
Company Structures
FZE
Free Zone Establishment – a company with a single individual or corporate shareholder.
FZCO
Free Zone Company – a company with two or more shareholders.
Branch Office
An extension of an existing UAE or foreign company.
Dubai South applies no fixed statutory minimum paid-up capital. A Dubai South company holds its own legal identity and can operate in mainland Dubai, subject to the applicable regulations under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025. Confirm the exact requirements for your specific license and structure directly with Dubai South Free Zone.
Setup Costs and Packages
Dubai South is one of the more affordable government-backed free zones in Dubai. License costs vary based on the business activity, district, and facility requirements, with logistics and aviation businesses typically incurring higher costs. As pricing is updated periodically, confirm the latest fees for your specific license and business requirements.
DSBH Digital License (Business Park, flexi-desk)
From AED 12,500 / year.
DSBH License + 1 Visa
Approx. AED 19,000 (Year 1, all-in).
Service / E-Commerce License
From approx. AED 8,500 to 12,890.
Logistics District License (with warehouse)
Often AED 35,000 to 50,000+.
Aviation District License
Activity and facility dependent, typically the highest tier.
Dubai South 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 South Free Zone
Setting up a Dubai South Free Zone company is a straightforward process. Each stage links to a full guide below.
Why Businesses Choose Dubai South
Prime Location Around Al Maktoum Airport
Ideal for logistics, aviation, trading, and e-commerce businesses built around Al Maktoum International Airport.
Specialised Business Districts
Dedicated districts for commercial, logistics, and aviation companies.
Fast DSBH Digital Formation
Fast digital company formation through the Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH).
Direct Access to Expo City Dubai
Supporting trade, exhibitions, and business networking.
Bonded Logistics & Customs Duty Deferral
Bonded logistics facilities that can help eligible businesses defer customs duties on imported goods until they enter the UAE market.
Flexible Office & Warehouse Options
Flexible office and warehouse options to suit startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.
When Dubai South May Not Be the Right Fit
Large-Scale Port-Based Trading
Large-scale port-based trading businesses may find Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) more suitable due to its direct access to Jebel Ali Port.
DXB Air-Cargo Dependent
Businesses that depend on Dubai International Airport for air cargo may benefit more from Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA).
Office-Based Services Only
Consulting, technology, and digital service businesses without logistics or warehousing needs may prefer free zones focused on office-based businesses.
Abu Dhabi Port-Based Logistics
Companies targeting the Abu Dhabi market with port-based logistics may find Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) a better fit due to its proximity to Khalifa Port.
Dubai South delivers the greatest value for businesses that require company formation near Al Maktoum International Airport, particularly those operating in logistics, aviation, freight forwarding, e-commerce fulfilment, and supply chain management.
Dubai South vs JAFZA vs DAFZA
These leading Dubai free zones serve very different business models. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches what your business actually needs, not just the most recognisable name.
| Factor | Dubai South Free Zone | JAFZA | DAFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Aviation, logistics, e-commerce | Port trading, industrial, manufacturing | Air cargo, aviation, perishables |
| Key Access | Al Maktoum Airport & Jebel Ali Port | Jebel Ali Port | Dubai Intl Airport (DXB) |
| Entry-Level Cost | From AED 8,500 | Premium | Premium |
| Location | Dubai South (Al Maktoum) | Jebel Ali | DXB, Dubai |
| Best For | Logistics, aviation, freight, e-commerce fulfilment | Large-scale port trading, manufacturing | Time-sensitive air freight |
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
Businesses operating in Dubai South Free Zone must comply with UAE regulations and free zone requirements, including corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, and license and visa renewals. Key obligations are listed below.
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 registration where applicable.
UBO Disclosure & Accounting Records
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosure and maintenance of accounting records in line with UAE regulations.
Annual Audited Financial Statements
Annual audited financial statements, as required by the Dubai South Free Zone Authority.
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)
Businesses carrying out relevant activities must meet the applicable ESR reporting requirements under current UAE regulations.
Aviation District Approvals
Aviation businesses operating in the Aviation District must comply with industry-specific regulatory requirements and maintain the necessary aviation approvals.
Dubai South 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 South 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 South, Dubai’s aviation and logistics 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Set Up Your Dubai South Company?
IncHub provides end-to-end support for Dubai South company formation, helping entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international investors establish their businesses efficiently. Our team assists with choosing the right license, company structure, and business facility while ensuring compliance with Dubai South Free Zone Authority requirements. One partner, from application to fully operational.