Logistics and freight licence in the UAE

Freight forwarding, warehousing, courier and supply chain services. Zone choice follows your physical flows: Jebel Ali for sea, Dubai South or DAFZA for air, the northern emirates for cheaper warehousing where transit time is less critical.

What to know first

Freight forwarding requires specific approvals beyond a general trade licence.
Customs brokerage is separately licensed.
Dangerous goods handling needs additional certification.

Suitable free zones

JAFZA

Dubai

The original UAE free zone, built around the region's largest port. For physical goods at scale.

From: AED 10,000
Setup: 10–25 d
Max visas: ∞

Dubai South

Dubai

Logistics economics without JAFZA pricing, next to Al Maktoum International and Expo City.

From: AED 15,500
Setup: 5–12 d
Max visas: ∞

100% remote setup

SAIF Zone

Sharjah

An established trading and light-industrial zone at Sharjah Airport.

From: AED 14,500
Setup: 5–15 d
Max visas: ∞

KEZAD

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's industrial engine, wrapped around Khalifa Port.

From: AED 20,000
Setup: 10–30 d
Max visas: ∞

DAFZA

Dubai

Airside logistics for high-value, low-volume goods — pharma, electronics, aviation parts.

From: AED 35,000
Setup: 7–20 d
Max visas: ∞

Let's talk about your actual case

A twenty-minute call. We will also tell you if the UAE is the wrong answer for you — it often is.

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WhatsApp · hello@plug2uae.com