Manufacturing licence in the UAE

Industrial licences require physical premises, environmental clearance and usually municipal approvals. Costs are driven by land and utilities rather than by the licence fee, which makes the cheap-zone comparison irrelevant here.

What to know first

Environmental and municipal approvals are mandatory and can be slow.
Industrial land leases are long-term commitments with significant fit-out costs.
Product standards and conformity marking apply to goods sold in the GCC.

Suitable free zones

KEZAD

Abu Dhabi

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

Est. from: ≈ AED 20,000
Setup: 10–30 d
Max visas: ∞

HFZA

Sharjah

Heavy industry, oil and gas, and deepwater port access.

Est. from: ≈ AED 14,000
Setup: 7–20 d
Max visas: ∞

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: ∞

RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah

The best balance of price, breadth and credibility outside Dubai.

From: AED 6,000
Setup: 2–7 d
Max visas: ∞

100% remote setup

SAIF Zone

Sharjah

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

Est. from: ≈ AED 14,500
Setup: 5–15 d
Max visas: ∞

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