In a city where ambition and innovation converge, Dubai’s Meydan Free Zone has once again set a new standard for entrepreneurial agility. Introducing Fawri, a digital service that delivers a complete business license in just 60 minutes for AED 15,000.
This isn’t merely a convenience; it’s a paradigm shift in business setup, designed for the modern founder who values speed, simplicity, and seamless execution.
As the UAE’s first fully digital free zone, Meydan has reimagined the licensing process with Fawri, eliminating traditional hurdles. The service caters to solo entrepreneurs, providing all essential legal documents, including the business license, certificate of formation, share register, memorandum and articles of association, and lease agreement, within an hour.
The implications are profound: no more weeks of waiting or paperwork. Just a streamlined, digital-first approach that aligns with Dubai’s vision of a frictionless business ecosystem.
But efficiency is only part of the appeal. Once the license is issued, entrepreneurs can immediately proceed with visa applications and corporate bank account setup through Meydan’s integrated digital platform. The flexibility extends further. Businesses can combine up to three activity groups under a single license, allowing founders to operate across multiple sectors without added complexity.
Mohammad Bin Humaidan Al Falasi, Strategic Director of Free Zone Licensing at Meydan, said “Fawri ensures that business owners aren’t just licensed—they’re operational within the same day. This is about empowering founders with clarity, speed, and confidence from the very first step.”
The benefits are compelling with a 100% foreign ownership, no paid-up capital requirements, full repatriation of profits, and the freedom to lease office space anywhere in Dubai (with Department of Economy & Tourism approval).
This launch follows Dubai’s March 2024 announcement allowing free zone companies to operate on the mainland – a move that further enhances the emirate’s appeal as a business hub.
Dubai’s free zone scene and what it looks like
In addition to Meydan, the UAE boasts over 45 specialized free zones, where entrepreneurs are spoiled for choice when establishing their businesses. These tax-friendly hubs cater to nearly every industry imaginable, from finance to fashion, technology to trade.
In Dubai alone, powerhouses like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) anchor the region’s banking sector, while Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) dominates global trade. Tech innovators flock to Dubai Internet City and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71, creative minds to twofour54, and healthcare pioneers to Dubai Healthcare City. The gold and diamond trade thrives in Dubai Gold & Diamond Park, while manufacturing finds its home in Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone
Recent regulatory changes have made these zones even more attractive. The 2025 resolution allows free zone companies to expand into mainland Dubai with a simple DET license – meaning a tech startup in Dubai Silicon Oasis can now open a showroom in Dubai Mall, or a consulting firm in DIFC can service clients across the emirates.
This flexibility, combined with benefits like 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation, explains why free zones now host over 60,000 companies. For the discerning entrepreneur, these zones offer instant credibility, curated communities, and now, through the new regulations, unlimited growth potential.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Free Zone Setup
Step 1: Choose Your Free Zone
In line with the free zones mentioned above, pick an area that best suits your field of business. For finance, consider DIFC; for trade, DMCC; for tech, Dubai Internet City or Abu Dhabi’s Hub71. Media companies thrive in twofour54, while healthcare businesses excel in Dubai Healthcare City. Industrial ventures should explore RAKEZ or KIZAD.
Step 2: Engage a Business Setup Consultant
Reputable firms like PRO Partner Group, Creative Zone, or Virtuzone can guide you through the entire process. For tech startups, DIFC FinTech Hive offers specialized programs, while DMCC provides dedicated business support for trading companies.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your passport copies, business plan, and completed application forms. Most free zones now accept digital submissions through portals like DMCC’s online dashboard, making the process paperless and efficient.
Step 4: Select and Apply for Your License
Options range from instant licenses like Meydan’s 60-minute Fawri service to standard processing (3-5 business days). Companies like Virtuzone specialize in fast-tracking applications. Choose between commercial, professional, or industrial licenses based on your activities.
Step 5: Secure Your Business Space
You can decide between:
Virtual offices (from AED 5,000/year at providers like The Lobby)
Coworking spaces (from AED 8,000 at ASTROLAB or Nest)
Private offices (available in premium towers like those in DMCC)
Step 6: Complete Visa Processing
Most free zone packages include 1-3 visas. Setup experts like PRO Partner Group can help optimize your visa quota and handle medical examinations. The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Step 7: Open Your Corporate Bank Account
Many free zones have relationships with major banks like Emirates NBD or Mashreq to facilitate account opening. Your setup consultant can recommend the best banking options for your business type.
Step 8: Expand to Mainland (Optional)
Under 2025 regulations, free zone companies can now operate on the mainland by obtaining a DET license. This allows businesses to tap into wider markets while maintaining free zone benefits.
Why This Matters
The UAE’s free zone system combines efficiency with flexibility. From application to operation, the entire setup can be completed in as little as one week with proper guidance. With 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and now mainland access, these zones offer unparalleled advantages for global entrepreneurs.
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Images & Feature Image: www.meydanfz.ae, www.hub71.com, Pinterest
