To avail amazing tax benefits and be a part of great infrastructure, you can set up a business anywhere in Dubai – either on mainland or in a free zone area. While freezone companies are restricted to certain geographical areas, mainland companies are permitted to set up business anywhere outside free zones.
Mainland
Sheikh Zayed Road:
The iconic 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road cuts through the heart of Dubai and has the coast running parallel to it. Skyscrapers adorn the highway on both sides, providing a large number of office spaces with great infrastructure and high connectivity. This stretch houses famous landmarks of Dubai such as World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers and several high-end hotels and restaurants and the metro’s red line runs alongside.
Business Bay:
Dubai’s centrally-located business district is spread across 80 million sq ft. Large retailers are setup here, alongside big international corporations. It has a good network of roads and related infrastructure and the area sees high footfall thanks to its proximity to Burj Khalifa. For high-end restaurants and fine-dining set-ups, presence of lots of European and American expats makes Business Bay a good place to start a hospitality venture.
Deira:
It is the oldest part of Dubai and was the commercial centre in the past, before the development on Sheikh Zayed Road began. This, coupled with the fact that a majority of the labourers live in this area, makes it cheaper for new and small-scale business to set shops in Deira. Gold traders also naturally gravitate here as it is in the closest proximity of the gold souk – where dozens of gold shops have sprung up over the years.
Bur Dubai:
Sitting along the western side of Dubai creek, Bur Dubai is a highly-populated district, famous for its textile industry. While BurJuman and the neighboring Al Ras district is suitable for garment traders, those interested cheap computer accessories and hardware market Al Fahidi district in Bur Dubai is the best place to be. There is no place better than Karama for smaller eateries and restaurants chains, thanks to the high number of expats from Asia in this vicinity.
Al Quoz:
If you want to set up a warehouse, you need not look further than Al Quoz. Sandwiched between the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, this area is a manufacturing hub owing to the presence of a large number of warehouses and low rents.
Al Qusais:
Al Qusais warehouses and industrial units usually run at full occupancy, reflecting how coveted this area is to businesses. Its proximity to the Dubai International Airport and neighbouring emirate of Sharjah, makes this a highly-connected logistics hub.
Free Zones
Jabel Ali Free Zone:
The Dubai metro line and feeder bus services make the oldest free zone area in UAE highly accessible. JAFZA is located close to the Jebel Ali Port and Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Multi Modal Corridor:
DMCC is close to the Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina. It is serviced by two metro lines as well as the Dubai tram.
Dubai Media City:
DMC is a commercial hub targeting media companies.
Dubai International City:
DIC is home to internet and communications technology companies.
Dubai International Financial Centre:
The world's leading financial services companies are located in DIFC.
Dubai Airport Free Zone:
Transport and logistics companies and those involved in import and export prefer to set up their business in Dubai Airport Free zone.
Some of the other free zones in Dubai are Dubai World Central, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Healthcare City, International Humanitarian City, Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Logistics City, EnPark, Dubai Cars & Automotive Zone, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Knowledge Village, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Creative Clusters Authority.