Compare DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for Manufacturing & Industrial setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre vs Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for Manufacturing & Industrial: DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre starts at AED 49,004 (92% bank approval) and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park at AED 5,510 (85%). On Year-1 cost, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 49,004 | 3-5 days | Easy | Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition | |
| AED 5,510 | 5-10 days | Moderate | R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships |
Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition
Manufacturing licences in UAE free zones grant access to industrial plots, pre-built warehouses, and labour accommodation. Environmental approvals from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment or the free zone authority are required before commencing production. Industrial licences typically require a higher minimum capital investment than commercial licences.
Manufacturing of goods within a free zone qualifies as a qualifying activity with a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Goods sold domestically attract 5% VAT, while re-exports from designated zones may be zero-rated.
Manufacturing companies benefit from working capital facilities, machinery financing, and letters of credit for raw material imports. Banks will request detailed production capacity data, supply contracts, and off-take agreements. Environmental compliance documentation is increasingly important for account opening.
DMCC allows light manufacturing within its JLT premises and offers industrial licensing that connects tenants to the broader DMCC industrial zone near Jebel Ali for heavier production requirements.
Jan 2025: All new companies registered as FZCO
H1 2025: 1,100+ new company registrations
Crypto Tower planned: 17-storey landmark in JLT
AI Centre launched September 2024 with 110+ companies
Company setup in DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre starts from AED 49,004 per year.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre processes company registrations in 3-5 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 92%. Banking difficulty is rated Easy.
Most UAE free zones including DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre for cost-conscious founders and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park if r&d and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships.
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