Dubai CommerCity: the e-commerce free zone built for online retail, fulfillment & AI-for-retail
Dubai CommerCity (DCC) is the MENA region's first dedicated e-commerce free zone. Sitting in Umm Ramool, roughly 3 km from DXB International Airport, it issues packages from AED 23,000, keeps 100% foreign ownership and bundles in customs-bonded warehousing plus AI partnerships with VTEX, qeen.ai, Portmind and QuikBot. Incorporation runs 7 to 10 working days.
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Why Dubai CommerCity matters in Dubai's free-zone landscape
Dubai CommerCity is a USD 1 billion (AED 3.2 billion) joint venture between the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) and Wasl Asset Management Group. Launched in April 2021 in the Umm Ramool district, it is the first free zone in the Middle East, Africa and Southern Asia (MEASA) region designed end-to-end around digital commerce.
The zone spans 2.1 million sq ft and is split into three purpose-built clusters: a Business Cluster for HQs and offices, a Logistics Cluster with customs-bonded fulfillment buildings, and a Social Cluster with retail and F&B. That clustering is what makes DCC structurally different from a generalist zone: an online retailer can keep its trade license, its inventory and its last-mile partner inside a single regulated perimeter, with DXB cargo terminals only minutes away.
Since 2024 the operator has signed a string of MoUs with e-commerce and AI players, including VTEX (Middle East hub), Aramex + QuikBot Technologies for autonomous final-mile delivery, and qeen.ai + Portmind for AI-driven storefront optimisation and customs automation. The result is the densest concentration of e-commerce infrastructure currently licensed in Dubai.
What you can run under a Dubai CommerCity license
DCC is narrow on purpose: it licenses the value chain around online retail. Founders fall into five clusters and we'll map yours during the consultation.
E-commerce sellers & D2C brands
Online retail across fashion, beauty, electronics, FMCG. Sell through your own storefront, Amazon, Noon or social channels under a dedicated e-Commerce license.
Marketplace & platform operators
Multi-vendor marketplaces, B2B platforms, headless commerce vendors. VTEX anchored its Middle East hub at DCC in 2025.
Last-mile & fulfillment logistics
Warehousing, pick-and-pack, returns processing, last-mile delivery. Aramex and QuikBot run autonomous final-mile trials on site.
Payments & e-commerce fintech
PSPs, BNPL, embedded payments, checkout optimisation. Ziina and similar fintechs anchor the payments stack inside the zone.
AI & data for retail
Agentic AI, customs and shipping automation, computer-vision robotics. DCC has formal partnerships with qeen.ai, Portmind and QuikBot under its AI adoption programme.
What you actually get with Dubai CommerCity
The entitlements that come with every DCC license. What separates a dedicated e-commerce zone from a generalist one.
100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor required.
100% repatriation of capital and profits.
0% corporate tax on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP), subject to substance.
3 km from DXB International Airport: same-day air-freight in and out.
Customs-bonded warehousing inside the Logistics Cluster: import, store and re-export without paying duty until goods leave the zone.
On-site fulfillment buildings with pick-and-pack, returns and last-mile dock space.
Direct integrations with VTEX, qeen.ai, Portmind and QuikBot through DCC partnerships.
Visa quota that scales with package: from 3 visas on a Smart-Desk up to dozens on a dedicated unit.
No currency restrictions on inbound or outbound transfers.
Bank account referrals to UAE retail and digital banks experienced with e-commerce MCC codes.
Pick the DCC license that matches your model
Three license families cover the e-commerce value chain. Pricing scales with package, visa quota and warehousing footprint.
Most picked
e-Commerce
The flagship license. For D2C brands, online retailers and marketplaces.
- Sell goods online via website, app or marketplace
- Multi-channel: own storefront, Amazon, Noon, social
- Eligible for customs-bonded warehousing on site
- Pairs natively with the QFZP 0% regime
- Smart-Desk packages from AED 23,000
Service
For agencies, SaaS and AI vendors serving the e-commerce ecosystem.
- E-commerce consulting, performance marketing, CRO
- SaaS, headless commerce, payments, analytics
- AI & data services for retail
- IT and software development
- Smart-Desk packages from AED 22,000
Trading
For import/export, wholesale and physical-goods distribution.
- Import, export and re-export of permitted goods
- Wholesale and B2B distribution
- Access to the customs-bonded Logistics Cluster
- Multi-activity license available
- Packaging, light assembly and re-packaging allowed
Notable names established at Dubai CommerCity
DCC hosts global luxury retail, commerce platforms, last-mile logistics, payments and AI vendors. Here are representative names from the ecosystem.
Luxury Retail
Chalhoub Group
Regional partner for the world's leading luxury brands, with omnichannel and e-commerce operations anchored in Dubai.
SaaS
VTEX
Global enterprise commerce platform, opened its first Middle East hub inside DCC in November 2025 to serve UAE and GCC brands.
Last-mile
Aramex
Regional logistics leader; partner on the QuikBot Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery trial running on site at DCC.
Fintech
Ziina
UAE-licensed payment platform, representative of the payments stack growing inside the zone.
AI
qeen.ai
Agentic AI for e-commerce; signed a strategic partnership with DCC during Dubai AI Week 2025 to deploy AI agents to SME tenants.
AI
Portmind
AI-powered Sail platform for shipping and customs automation, partnered with DCC in April 2025 for tenant-wide rollout.
Robotics
QuikBot Technologies
Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery Platform-as-a-Service, trialling autonomous delivery robots at DCC under a December 2024 MoU.
E-tailer
Mumzworld
Leading mother-and-child e-tailer in the region; representative of the D2C category native to DCC.
Inside Umm Ramool: 3 km from DXB International Airport
DCC sits in Umm Ramool, sandwiched between DXB and the Ras Al Khor industrial belt. Cargo terminals are minutes from the Logistics Cluster.
- 3 km (~9 min drive) to DXB International Airport cargo terminals
- 15 min to Downtown Dubai & Business Bay
- 20 min to Jebel Ali Port via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Three clusters on site: Business, Logistics, Social
Smart-Desk
Hot-desk address included with starter packages
Fulfillment hubs
Customs-bonded warehousing in the Logistics Cluster
Meeting rooms
Bookable on site in the Business Cluster
Retail & F&B
On-site Social Cluster with cafes and showrooms
How we incorporate your Dubai CommerCity company in 7–10 working days
Six steps from first call to issued license. We handle four of them; you only act on two.
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Scope activities with us
30-minute call to confirm your e-commerce model and pick e-Commerce, Service or Trading.
Pick the legal form
FZCO (one or several shareholders), FZE (single shareholder), or branch of an existing company.
Reserve trade name & package
We submit name approval and lock the package: Smart-Desk, dedicated office, or fulfillment unit in the Logistics Cluster.
KYC & document collection
You send passport, address proof and bank reference. We compile the application file for DCC review.
Sign the MoA electronically
We share the Memorandum of Association via secure e-sign. No notary visit required.
Pay & receive license
Final invoice is settled, DCC issues the trade license and incorporation pack within 7–10 working days.
Four realities first-time e-commerce founders miss
Setup timeline
License in 7–10 working days. Residence visa adds 2–3 weeks (medical, Emirates ID, stamping). Budget 5–7 weeks end-to-end if visa is in scope.
Office requirements
A Smart-Desk address inside DCC is included with starter packages. A dedicated office or fulfillment unit in the Logistics Cluster is a paid upgrade and is mandatory above the Smart-Desk visa cap.
QFZP & corporate tax
UAE corporate tax is 9% above AED 375,000 net profit. DCC entities can keep 0% on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP). B2C sales to mainland UAE consumers fall outside qualifying income and are taxed at 9%.
Audit requirements
DCC requires audited financial statements for license renewal. Budget AED 5,000–10,000/year for a licensed UAE auditor, plus VAT registration if turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
What's inside our Dubai CommerCity all-in-one package
One transparent fee covers company formation, residence visa and UAE banking. From AED 27,545: 1 year, 2 visas, Smart-Desk address inside DCC.
Company formation
- Trade name reservation
- License issuance (e-Commerce, Service or Trading)
- Memorandum of Association drafting + e-signature
- Smart-Desk address inside the Business Cluster
- Establishment card
- Corporate Tax & VAT registration
- Activity selection (up to 3 included)
Residence visa
- Entry permit issuance
- Medical fitness test coordination
- Emirates ID application & biometrics
- Visa stamping inside passport
- Status change inside the UAE
- Valid 2 years, renewable
Banking
- Business and personal account introductions
- E-commerce-friendly PSP shortlist (Stripe, Telr, Checkout.com)
- Document pack prepared to bank-ready standard
- Follow-up support until account is opened
- Backup option with a UAE digital bank
DIY vs working with us
On your own
Compare 45+ providers
Rules, prices and procedures all over the place
Check trade-name availability
Submit the request and wait for approval
Fill admin forms & files
Errors = delays or fines
Gather supporting documents
Missing or incorrect = rejection or fines
Chase extra approvals
Miss one and you trigger penalties or delays
Shop prices and locations
Hidden costs likely
Handle the payments
Procedural errors = fines or delays
Run the visa process
Strict steps and timelines, fine risk
Shop UAE banks cold
High rejection risk
Track compliance yourself
VAT & renewals → penalties if missed
Time sink
Stress, errors, financial risk
Recommended
With us
An optimal structure
Tailored to your goals
Trade name reserved
Fast and approved
Dedicated personal support
By your side at every step
Compliant, validated file
Optimised to pass first time
Easier networking
Targeted introductions
Optimised investment
No unnecessary costs
End-to-end support
Fast and stress-free
Single point of contact
Clear, personalised follow-up
Bank account opening
Fast and simplified
Zero stress, total peace of mind
We look after everything
100% business focus
We handle the rest
Teams we've set up at Dubai CommerCity
"Thank you so much for your support; the process was smooth and the assistance from all the local organizations was a great help. Everything went perfectly! Thank you to the whole team!"
"When I decided to start my business in Dubai, my primary concern was finding trustworthy people capable of handling all the necessary steps professionally. Thanks to Ga Nui and Malik's support, I was able to move forward with confidence and dedicate all my energy to developing my business, without worrying about the administrative aspects. I wholeheartedly recommend Ga Nui and Malik for their professionalism, availability, and the quality of their support."
"Creating my company in Dubai was supported throughout the entire process — preparing for my move abroad, setting up the company, obtaining my Emirates ID, local business number, and opening bank accounts — and the team remains available afterward to answer any questions. I especially want to thank Joïcia, who handled my case and was always responsive, available, and professional. Thanks also to Franck for his assistance with the bank accounts. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate any longer and go for it; they will guide you."
Dubai CommerCity: frequently asked questions
DCC packages span AED 23,000 to AED 62,000 depending on license type, visa quota and footprint. Our complete all-in price starts at AED 27,545 for a Smart-Desk with 2 visas.
- Service / e-Commerce Smart-Desk, 2 visas: from AED 27,545
- e-Commerce + dedicated office, 6 visas: AED 45,000–62,000
- Logistics Cluster fulfillment unit: quoted on footprint
DCC is purpose-built for online retail. You get customs-bonded warehousing, fulfillment buildings, and direct partnerships with VTEX, qeen.ai, Portmind and QuikBot, none of which exist at a generalist zone. If your model is service-only, IFZA or Meydan will be cheaper. If you ship physical goods cross-border, DCC pays back the premium fast.
Yes, if you qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP): maintain adequate substance in the zone, derive income from qualifying activities (B2B trading, e-commerce to non-mainland customers, services to other free-zone or foreign clients), and file audited accounts.
B2C sales delivered to mainland UAE consumers are non-qualifying and taxed at 9% above the AED 375,000 threshold.
The Logistics Cluster sits inside the free-zone customs perimeter. You can import goods, store them and re-export them without paying UAE import duty. Duty is only triggered when goods leave the zone into mainland UAE. For cross-border e-commerce (selling into KSA, Egypt, India), this is the structural advantage.
Yes for the license itself. KYC, MoA and license issuance are handled remotely through our team and DCC's e-signature flow. You only need to travel for the residence visa (medical, Emirates ID, stamping). A 5 to 7 day trip is enough.
Plan 4 to 8 weeks after the license is issued. E-commerce MCC codes get extra compliance scrutiny, so we prepare a bank-ready file with traffic, supplier and PSP evidence, and introduce you to two pre-qualified UAE banks.
Other free zones worth considering
Each free zone serves a different model. If Dubai CommerCity isn't quite the right fit, these are the closest alternatives.
Book your free 30-minute consultation
We'll tell you within 30 minutes whether Dubai CommerCity is the right free zone for your e-commerce model, and if it isn't, which one is.
