Activity Permissions / General Trading
Verified permission status across 10 UAE zones and jurisdictions, including additional licence requirements where a sector regulator sits on top of the zone's own registration.
JAFZA general trading permitted; DZ status for import/export
Preferred logistics hub. Jebel Ali Port access. DZ status means no customs duty on goods in transit.
DMCC general trading permitted; commodity-specific advantages
DMCC adds value for commodity trading: gold, diamonds, energy, agri.
DED general trading licence permits all non-restricted goods
Required for retail trade and direct consumer sales. Cannot use free zone for mainland retail.
IFZA general trading permitted
Cost-effective for import/re-export without needing DZ. No physical warehouse required.
KEZAD general trading; industrial and logistics focus
Abu Dhabi logistics hub. Khalifa Port access. Strong for industrial goods.
RAKEZ general and commodity trading permitted
Budget logistics option with industrial land availability.
SAIF Zone general trading; air cargo proximity
Proximity to Sharjah International Airport benefits air-freight dependent traders.
Hamriyah FZ permits general and industrial trading
Sharjah industrial zone. Port access. Good for heavy goods and manufacturing-adjacent trading.
DAFZA general trading with air cargo focus
Proximity to Dubai International Airport. High-value goods, pharma, perishables benefit from air cargo access.
ADDED general trading licence for Abu Dhabi mainland
Required for retail trade in Abu Dhabi. ADGM and free zones cannot hold Abu Dhabi mainland retail licences.