Dubai South vs JAFZA: which should you choose?
Logistics economics without JAFZA pricing, next to Al Maktoum International and Expo City. The original UAE free zone, built around the region's largest port. For physical goods at scale.
| Criterion | Dubai South | JAFZA |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | AED 15,500 | AED 10,000 |
| Typical cost | AED 29,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Setup (days) | 5–12 | 10–25 |
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| Remote setup | Yes | No |
| Our rating | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
Our verdict
On our criteria, JAFZA wins for the most common profile. The original UAE free zone, built around the region's largest port. For physical goods at scale.
That said, Dubai South remains the right call if: e-commerce fulfilment, logistics and freight forwarding. Headline price should not decide this alone — visa quota and banking reception usually matter more.
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.