Downtown Dubai skyline at sunset
Free zone guide

Dubai CommerCity business setup next to Dubai International Airport

Dubai CommerCity is a Dubai free zone dedicated to digital commerce, located in Umm Ramool next to Dubai International Airport and operating under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA). We check your activity against the zone's official list, prepare and submit your application, and flag any approvals your products or mainland plans need before you commit.

WhatsApp an adviserBook a consultation
Overview

How Dubai CommerCity company setup works

Dubai CommerCity is a free zone built for digital commerce, sitting in Umm Ramool next to Dubai International Airport. It describes itself as the first and leading free zone dedicated exclusively to digital commerce in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The zone says its airport location is designed for fast e-commerce fulfilment across the UAE.

Dubai CommerCity operates under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA), which also brings together Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The zone was established as a joint venture between DIEZA and Wasl Asset Management Group.

The zone is organised into three clusters. The Business Cluster holds Smart Desks, coworking space and offices; the Logistics Cluster holds warehouses, a fulfilment centre and last-mile delivery; and the Social Cluster holds retail units, kiosks, restaurants, a food hall and event venues. Dubai CommerCity states that the Business and Logistics Clusters are bonded zones and that an onsite customs team supports clearance.

You can set up a Freezone Company (FZCO), a Public Limited Company (PLC) or a branch of an existing company, under an e-commerce, trade, general trading, service or industrial license. We look at your products and where your customers are first, because selling to UAE shoppers raises different questions from selling abroad.

Setup planner

Is your activity on Dubai CommerCity's official list?

Search your activity to see whether Dubai CommerCity lists it and which approvals it names, then get a setup plan in 4 short steps. A consultant sends your quotation.

Get my setup planOr browse the activity finder
Who it's for

Who Dubai CommerCity suits

  • 01

    Online sellers holding stock

    Brands and retailers that want warehousing, fulfilment and last-mile delivery beside Dubai International Airport.

  • 02

    Digital commerce service firms

    Platform, technology, logistics and consulting businesses that serve online sellers from a Business Cluster office.

  • 03

    Groups opening a Dubai base

    Existing companies adding a branch or a regional brand presence, which the zone says it supports.

Our part

What we do, and what we don't

Clear boundaries, so you know exactly what you're paying for and who decides each step.

Included

  • A check that Dubai CommerCity lists your exact activity, and which approvals it names
  • A comparison with one or two other zones, if another fits you better
  • Application forms prepared, typed and submitted to Dubai CommerCity
  • Document checks, plus translation and attestation guidance for corporate shareholders
  • Follow-up with the zone until it makes a decision
  • Post-license guidance on your establishment card, visas and corporate tax registration

Not included

  • We don't issue Dubai CommerCity licenses; the zone's authority decides.
  • We don't decide bank account applications; banks apply their own policies.
  • Work outside the free zone needs separate approvals; we explain the options, the authorities decide.
  • We don't give legal or tax advice on complex group structures; a licensed adviser can.
Documents

Documents you'll need

  • Passport copies for all shareholders and the manager
  • Emirates ID and residence visa copies, if you live in the UAE
  • Your chosen activities and a shortlist of trade name options
  • A short business plan or activity description, if the zone asks for one
  • For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents, a board resolution and a good standing letter, attested for UAE use

Dubai CommerCity sets its own document list; we confirm it for your activity before you apply.

Fees and timing

Two fees, shown separately

  • Government fees, paid at cost

    Set by Dubai CommerCity and paid at cost. Your consultant sends a written quotation with every fee before you pay.

  • Global Sky PRO service fee

    Quoted in writing before we start, so you know the full cost up front.

  • Timing

    Depends on your activity, any approvals and how quickly documents and attestations are ready. We give you a realistic plan once your activity is confirmed.

Process

How it works, step by step

Each step shows who does what, so you always know where things stand.

  • You
  • Global Sky PRO
  • Authority

  1. Step 1: Tell us your activity and plans

    You

    Share what you will do, where your customers are, how many visas you need and what workspace suits you.

  2. Step 2: Check Dubai CommerCity's official list

    Global Sky PRO

    We confirm your exact activity is on Dubai CommerCity's list, note any approval it needs and compare other zones if they fit better.

  3. Step 3: Approve your quotation

    You

    Your consultant sends a written quotation with every zone fee and our service fee. Send the documents on your checklist.

  4. Step 4: Prepare and submit

    Global Sky PRO

    We type the application, check every document for consistency and submit the file to Dubai CommerCity.

  5. Step 5: Zone review and decision

    Authority

    Dubai CommerCity reviews the application, may ask for more information and decides whether to issue the license.

  6. Step 6: License and next steps

    Global Sky PRO

    Once the license is issued, we guide you through the establishment card, residence visas and corporate tax registration.

Good to know

Details that save time

Dubai CommerCity license types and company structures

Dubai CommerCity lists five license types plus a dual license with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The e-commerce license lets a business trade goods and services online and manage digital transactions, while the trade and general trading licenses cover import, export, re-export, storage and distribution.

The zone's FAQ also mentions a freelance license for individuals and says one license can hold up to 20 activities from four industry groups. An FZCO can have 1 to 50 shareholders, individual or corporate; a PLC is designed for businesses that want to list shares; and a branch represents an existing company.

  • E-commerce license: online trade in goods and services and digital transactions
  • Trade license: import, export, re-export, storage and distribution of specified products
  • General trading license: the same trading activities across multiple industries
  • Service license: consulting, advisory and other professional services named on the license
  • Industrial license: light manufacturing, packaging and assembly inside the zone
  • Dual license with DET: lets a Dubai CommerCity company apply for a DET license without separate physical office space

Workspace, warehouses and fulfilment

Dubai CommerCity's workspace runs from a Smart Desk, a ready-to-use workstation with shared lounge and pantry access, through coworking space and premium offices to shell-and-core and fitted offices. Offices are leased, not sold, and the zone says one license can cover several premises.

The Logistics Cluster is what sets the zone apart from office-only free zones. It offers dedicated warehouses, shared third-party warehousing managed by logistics providers, a fulfilment centre that handles order processing, packaging and shipping, and last-mile delivery. The zone does not publish a visa quota for each workspace type, so we confirm visa numbers for your space before you sign.

Selling to the mainland from Dubai CommerCity

A Dubai CommerCity company can trade within the free zone and internationally, but selling directly to customers on the UAE mainland needs an extra step. The UAE government portal says direct mainland sales may need a local distributor or additional approvals or arrangements, and that all e-commerce licenses also need approval from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

In Dubai, Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 lets DET authorise a free zone company to work outside its zone through a branch in the emirate, a branch operating out of the free zone, or a temporary permit of up to six months, each with the zone's approval. Dubai CommerCity lists this resolution on its legislation page and offers its own dual license with DET. We explain which route fits your sales model before you apply.

Dubai CommerCity vs DAFZA vs Dubai mainland for e-commerce

All three routes can work for an online business; the difference is logistics focus versus direct access to UAE customers. Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ, still widely searched as DAFZA) both sit beside Dubai International Airport, both are part of DIEZA, and both list an e-commerce license and a dual license with DET. A Dubai mainland license from DET reaches UAE customers directly, but it needs a commercial license that includes an e-commerce activity, plus TDRA approval.

  • Dubai CommerCity: a zone dedicated to digital commerce, with bonded Business and Logistics Clusters, fulfilment and last-mile services
  • DAFZ: an airport free zone hosting businesses from more than 20 sectors, with office, warehouse or industrial space and cold storage
  • Dubai mainland: a DET commercial license with an e-commerce activity, for selling directly to UAE customers
  • eTrader: a Dubai license for UAE and GCC nationals living in Dubai who sell through social media; it cannot open a shop or issue visas

Who regulates what at Dubai CommerCity

Dubai CommerCity handles your free zone company, license and premises, but other bodies regulate parts of an online business. The zone operates under DIEZA; DET decides any dual license, mainland branch or temporary permit; and the UAE government portal says every e-commerce license also needs TDRA approval.

  • Dubai CommerCity, under DIEZA: company registration, the free zone license, premises and the bonded Business and Logistics Clusters
  • Department of Economy and Tourism (DET): the dual license and mainland routes under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025
  • TDRA: approval for e-commerce licenses, according to the UAE government portal
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023 on Modern Technology-Based Trade: the federal law that governs online selling
  • Product regulators: the portal says sellers must obtain approvals for any regulated or restricted products

Questions to answer before you choose Dubai CommerCity

Headline offers rarely tell the whole story. We answer these for your activity before you decide.

  • Is your exact activity on Dubai CommerCity's official list, or only something close to it?
  • Does the activity need approval from another regulator first?
  • Which workspace options are available, and how many visas does each allow?
  • What does renewal involve each year, and which costs recur?
  • Will most of your customers be in the zone, abroad or on the mainland?
Compare zones

Other free zones to compare

If this zone doesn't fit your activity, visas or budget, one of these may. Each guide is checked against the zone's own website.

Swipe to see all 8 zones

Logos and names are trademarks of their owners, shown only to identify each free zone. Facts are from each zone's own website, checked on 4 November 2026.

FAQs

Dubai CommerCity: your questions

Short answers here. Your situation may differ, so ask us before you decide.

Still have a question?

An adviser replies during opening hours, Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00.

Ask on WhatsApp
Where is Dubai CommerCity located?

Dubai CommerCity is in Umm Ramool, Dubai, next to Dubai International Airport. The zone says the location is designed for fast e-commerce fulfilment across the UAE. It also states that its Business and Logistics Clusters are bonded zones, where foreign goods can enter without immediate duty payment and be stored under supervision, which matters if you import stock before selling it.

Source: Dubai CommerCity: FAQ

Who runs Dubai CommerCity?

Dubai CommerCity operates under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA), which also brings together Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The zone was established as a joint venture between DIEZA and Wasl Asset Management Group. Dubai CommerCity decides on your company application; Global Sky PRO prepares and submits it for you and follows it up until the zone decides.

Source: Dubai CommerCity: about

What licenses does Dubai CommerCity offer?

Dubai CommerCity lists e-commerce, trade, general trading, service and industrial licenses, plus a dual license with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Its FAQ also mentions a freelance license for individuals. The zone says one license can include up to 20 activities from four industry groups, so we check that every activity you need is on the zone's official list before you apply.

Source: Dubai CommerCity: license types

What is the Dubai CommerCity dual license with DET?

It is the zone's route for working on the Dubai mainland. Dubai CommerCity says its dual license enables registered companies to apply for a Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) license without the need for physical office space. DET still decides that application, and mainland work from any Dubai free zone also falls under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, which requires the zone's approval.

Source: Dubai CommerCity: license types

Does Dubai CommerCity have warehouses and a fulfilment centre?

Yes. Dubai CommerCity lists dedicated warehouses, shared third-party warehousing managed by logistics providers, a fulfilment centre and last-mile delivery. The zone says its fulfilment centre handles order processing, packaging and shipping for e-commerce and retail businesses, with inventory tracking and fast dispatch. It also says an onsite customs team supports clearance. We confirm which option suits your order volumes before you commit.

Source: Dubai CommerCity: our facilities

How much does Dubai CommerCity company setup cost?

It depends on your activities, the license term, your workspace or warehouse and how many visas you need. Dubai CommerCity itself says pricing depends on the size of the business and its activities. Rather than a headline figure, your consultant sends a written quotation with every zone fee and our service fee shown separately, so you can compare options before you pay anything.

Source: Dubai CommerCity: FAQ

Related
Get started

Talk to us about dubai CommerCity

Send your details and we'll reply with the documents you need and every fee involved.

Send your enquiry

Takes a minute. We reply with the next steps and every fee involved.

Licenses are issued by the relevant authority (DET for Dubai mainland, or the chosen free zone authority). Global Sky PRO prepares and submits your application. Last reviewed 31 October 2026 by the Global Sky PRO team.

Official sources

Get free consultation