IFZA and RAKEZ are two of the most commonly compared mid-to-lower-cost UAE free zones, both popular with small and medium businesses and solo founders, but they differ on emirate, activity breadth and address positioning.
Where they differ
IFZA is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, giving it a genuine Dubai registration — the core reason many founders choose it over a similarly priced free zone in another emirate. RAKEZ, based in Ras Al Khaimah, offers a broader activity list covering trading, industrial, service, media and education under one authority, which can mean one RAKEZ package covers more of a multi-activity business than IFZA's offering.
Cost comparison
Both are positioned in a similar mid-to-lower-cost bracket, generally below DMCC or DIFC, with the specific difference depending on activity and package rather than one zone being categorically cheaper. Model both with this site's Business Setup Cost Calculator for your specific activity, and see them compared directly for freelance permits in this site's Freelance Permit Cost Comparison.
Which one fits your business
If a genuine Dubai registration matters to your brand or client base, IFZA is the natural choice. If you want the broadest possible activity bundling or specifically need industrial/warehouse capacity, RAKEZ's breadth is the stronger fit. Neither is universally cheaper — compare both for your specific activity before deciding.