Compare Dubai Science Park and Masdar City Free Zone for Research & Development setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
Dubai Science Park vs Masdar City Free Zone for Research & Development: Dubai Science Park starts at AED 18,540 (89% bank approval) and Masdar City Free Zone at AED 7,000 (87%). On Year-1 cost, Masdar City Free Zone is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 18,540 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Life sciences, biotech, pharma R&D, scientific research | |
| AED 7,000 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Sustainability and clean tech focus, Abu Dhabi innovation hub |
Life sciences, biotech, pharma R&D, scientific research
Oct 2015: TECOM merged DuBiotech & EnPark into Dubai Science Park
Dec 2021: Rebranded as Dubai Science Park, expanding scope beyond biotech
Feb 2026: DSP community exceeds 350 companies
Jan 2025: New co-working spaces and startup programs launched
Company setup in Dubai Science Park starts from AED 18,540 per year.
Dubai Science Park processes company registrations in 3-5 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 89%. Banking difficulty is rated Moderate.
Most UAE free zones including Dubai Science Park allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
Dubai Science Park does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
Both zones are evenly matched. Choose Dubai Science Park if: Life sciences, biotech, pharma R&D, scientific research. Choose Masdar City Free Zone if: Sustainability and clean tech focus, Abu Dhabi innovation hub.
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