The Dubai South Free Zone, previously known as Dubai World Central (DWC), was established in 2006 and rebranded in 2015. A dynamic community centred around Al Maktoum International Airport and in close proximity to the Jebel Ali Port, it offers a prime location for economic and logistic activities.
The Dubai South free zone development spans 145 sq. km and is the emirate’s largest single urban master development. Planned to offer a world-leading aviation and logistics ecosystem, Dubai South now includes eight districts that serve a variety of purposes:
The Dubai South area is at the centre of the UAE’s Vision 2030 to create an accessible, efficient business environment that will cement the UAE as a sustainable global business hub. The free zone provides a thriving business ecosystem with opportunities for start-ups, SMEs and large enterprises.
In addition to its business districts, Dubai South is also home to a collection of diverse residential projects. Expo Village was originally developed as the official residential community for Expo 2020 Dubai and accommodated thousands of international delegates during the six month-long global showcase. These residential assets were fully repurposed when Expo Dubai ended on March 2022.
Leading its appeal to prospective residents and tenants is the robust infrastructure network, which is fully delivered and includes a dedicated Dubai Metro station. This provides excellent connectivity to Dubai Investments Park, Ibn Battuta Mall and DMCC’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers, as well as to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport (AMI)
In May 2024, the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved plans for a new USD35 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (AMI), which will see it become the world’s largest airport.
Once fully operational, the expanded airport will consist of 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways, west and east processing terminals, an uninterrupted automated people mover system and an integrated landside transportation hub for roads, metro and city air transportation.
The airport will cover 70km2 allowing for a passenger handling capacity of 260 million and a cargo capacity as 12 million tonnes of cargo per annum. All operations at Dubai International Airport will be transferred to it in the coming years.
The development of Al Maktoum International Airport is set to be an integral part of Dubai’s economy, expecting to generate a requirement for housing for over a million people living and working in Dubai South.
Dubai South distinctive features
Corporate forms in Dubai South
In Dubai South, businesses can set up a Dubai World Centre Limited Liability Company (DWC-LLC) or existing businesses can open branch.
A DWC-LLC can have up to six shareholders and seven directors. The shareholders and directors can be located anywhere in the world. Non-UAE nationals can enjoy full ownership of the company. The minimum share capital of a DWC-LLC is AED300,000 (c. USD80,000).
Existing companies, both inside or outside the UAE, can also open a branch in the Dubai South Free Zone. The branch must be directly related to its parent company and carry out the same business activity. The parent company must appoint a general manager of the branch for its daily operations.
Business Licences in Dubai South
The Dubai South Free Zone currently offers the following types of business licence:
Sovereign can assist clients with incorporating a company or setting up a branch in Dubai South. We can also provide support with obtaining the business licence as per the relevant business activities, required approval to allow the company to become fully operational, visas and further post-incorporation processes to keep a company in compliance with Free Zone and UAE regulations.
Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
