About Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is a Dubai government free zone authority established in February 2009 under Ruler's Decree No. 5, located in Nad Al Sheba near Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City. It sits within the Meydan district, also known for hosting the Dubai World Cup horse race and a five-star hotel, giving companies registered there a well-known Dubai address alongside its regulatory role as a licensing authority.
Meydan Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required, and offers a fully digital, remote registration process — company formation, corporate bank account opening, and residence visa applications can all be completed online without visiting the UAE in many cases. The zone supports over 2,500 business activities across three main licence categories: Consulting licences for professional and advisory services, Commercial licences for trading and light manufacturing, and Media licences for digital, creative, and content-related businesses, with up to three activity groups permitted under a single licence. A standard digital trade licence is typically issued within a day, while the zone's "Fawri" instant licence option can be issued in under 60 minutes for founders who need to be operational immediately, with a money-back guarantee if delayed.
Meydan Free Zone-registered companies are structured as Free Zone Limited Liability Companies (FZ-LLC), with no minimum paid-up capital requirement and no obligation to lease a physical office — most businesses operate on a flexi-desk basis. As of a 2026 regulatory update, Meydan Free Zone companies can also register a branch directly with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) under Resolution 11/2025, allowing free zone businesses to legally operate onshore in the mainland without converting their company structure or adding a local sponsor, while retaining 0% corporate tax treatment on qualifying free zone income.
Setup packages start from around AED 12,500, with a guaranteed corporate bank account included through access to more than 26 local and international banking partners. Investor visas start from around AED 4,000 and employee visas from AED 3,500, with residence visas typically valid for two years and renewable. Meydan Free Zone does not offer warehouse facilities, positioning it primarily toward consulting, trading, and media businesses rather than logistics or manufacturing operations that require physical storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I get a licence from Meydan Free Zone?
A standard digital trade licence is typically issued within a day, and the Fawri instant licence option can be issued in under 60 minutes, with a money-back guarantee if delayed.
Do I need a local sponsor to set up in Meydan Free Zone?
No, Meydan Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or Emirati partner required.
Can a Meydan Free Zone company operate on the UAE mainland?
Yes, as of Resolution 11/2025, Meydan Free Zone companies can register a branch directly with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to legally operate onshore without converting their company structure or adding a local sponsor.
What is the starting cost for company formation?
Company formation starts from around AED 12,500 for a standard digital trade licence, which includes 100% ownership, up to three activity groups, and a flexi-desk.
Does Meydan Free Zone offer warehouse space?
No, Meydan Free Zone does not offer warehouse facilities, making it better suited to consulting, trading, and media businesses than logistics or manufacturing operations requiring physical storage.
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