Free zone company
Dubai Internet City company setup for tech companies
Dubai Internet City is a free zone for technology companies, established in 2000 and part of TECOM Group. Companies there are registered and licensed by the Dubai Development Authority. It suits software, cloud, AI, telecom and IT services firms that want an office among other technology companies. It does not license manufacturing.
At a glance Fact sheet
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Authority
- Dubai Development Authority (DDA). The district is a member of TECOM Group
- Location
- Dubai, with Dubai Internet City station on the metro Red Line
- Known for
- Software, AI, cloud, telecoms, IT services and regional technology offices
- Ownership
- Full foreign ownership
- Office options
- Commercial offices, co-working desks and the in5 Tech start-up centre
Overview
Dubai Internet City was created by decree in 2000 as a free zone for the technology sector. It is one of ten business districts developed by TECOM Group, each built around a single industry. The idea is simple: put software houses, telecom firms, hardware vendors and their service providers in one place, so they can hire, sell and partner close to home.
Two bodies are involved, and it helps to know which does what. TECOM Group develops the district and leases the space. The Dubai Development Authority, a Dubai government body, registers the companies and issues the licences. Everyday services for companies in the district run through axs, the online services platform of TECOM Group.
The zone is selective about activity. It welcomes software, artificial intelligence, cloud, network, e-commerce, data, IT services, telecom and blockchain businesses, and it points manufacturers to other zones. Fortune 500 companies, smaller firms and start-ups share the district. Caliph checks that your activity fits before you apply and prepares the file for registration.
Why tech companies choose Dubai Internet City
Neighbours in your own industry
Your clients, suppliers and future hires are often in the next building, because the whole district is licensed for technology.
A start-up route through in5 Tech
in5 Tech, the start-up centre based in the district, gives founders with an idea or an early product workspace, mentoring and access to investors.
A freelance option
The GoFreelance package lets an individual professional in technology, media or education work under a freelance permit instead of forming a company.
Metro and tram access
The district has its own station on the Red Line and is also reached by tram and bus, which helps when you recruit across Dubai.
Sister districts in the same group
TECOM Group also runs districts for media, education, science and design, so partners in related fields work under the same authority.
What to have ready for Dubai Internet City
- Passport copies for each founder and for the person who will manage the company
- A business plan that explains your technology product or service
- The proposed company name and activity
- Your Emirates ID and residence visa, if you already live in the UAE
- If the owner is a company or you are opening a branch: the parent's incorporation certificate, constitutional documents and a board resolution, attested where needed
- Your workspace needs: team size and the kind of office or desk you want
The Dubai Development Authority sets the final checklist for your company type and activity. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you.
How Dubai Internet City setup works
Activity fit check
Your consultant confirms that the business is a technology activity the district accepts, and flags anything that needs a second approval.
Company form chosen
You register a new free zone limited liability company (FZ-LLC) or a branch of an existing foreign or UAE company.
Application filed
Caliph prepares the application and the supporting documents and submits them for review.
Workspace agreed
You choose an office or co-working desks in the district and the lease is signed.
Licence issued
The Dubai Development Authority registers the company and issues the licence.
Visas and bank file
Your consultant handles the visa applications for the team and puts together what the bank needs to open the account.
Good to know
- The licence covers business carried out inside the free zone. Work elsewhere in the UAE needs a separate arrangement, which your consultant explains.
- The number of staff visas is linked to the space you lease, so the office decision and the hiring plan belong together.
- Leases in the district run for at least one year.
Questions people ask
Who licenses companies in Dubai Internet City?
The Dubai Development Authority, known as DDA. Dubai Internet City operates within the jurisdiction of DDA, which handles company registration and licensing for the TECOM Group business districts. TECOM Group itself develops the district and leases the offices.
What activities are allowed in Dubai Internet City?
The district is for technology businesses. It names software, artificial intelligence, cloud, virtual reality, network solutions, e-commerce, big data, IT services, telecommunications and blockchain among the fields it welcomes. Your consultant checks your specific activity against the current list before you apply.
Can I set up a manufacturing company in Dubai Internet City?
No. Dubai Internet City registers free zone limited liability companies and branches for technology activities and does not license manufacturing. It directs manufacturers to an industrial zone instead. If you design hardware here and build it elsewhere, Caliph helps you structure the two parts.
What company types can I register in Dubai Internet City?
There are two. You can incorporate a new free zone limited liability company, written FZ-LLC, or register a branch of an existing foreign or UAE company. Individuals who want to work alone can look at the freelance package instead of a company.
What is in5 Tech?
in5 is TECOM Group's platform for entrepreneurs and start-ups, and in5 Tech is its centre in Dubai Internet City. Founders with a business idea or an early product apply to join. Those accepted get workspace, mentoring, workshops, help with business setup and access to investors.
How is Dubai Internet City different from Dubai Silicon Oasis?
Dubai Internet City is an office district for software and technology services, licensed by the Dubai Development Authority, with no manufacturing. Dubai Silicon Oasis belongs to a different authority, DIEZ, and adds warehouses, light industrial units and homes. Hardware and assembly businesses usually look there first.
- Dubai Internet City: frequently asked questions
- Dubai Development Authority: TECOM Group
- Dubai Internet City: TECOM Group
Reviewed by Caliph Business Solutions on . Rules differ by activity and by authority. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you.
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