Is Dubai Design District a Free Zone?

By Alice Nichols

Is Dubai Design District a Free Zone?

Dubai Design District, also known as d3, is a vibrant and innovative hub for the design and creative industries in the Middle East. It is home to a diverse community of professionals including artists, designers, architects, and entrepreneurs.

One common question that arises when considering setting up a business in d3 is whether it is a free zone or not. Let’s explore this topic in detail.

What is a Free Zone?

Before we delve into whether Dubai Design District is a free zone or not, let’s first understand what exactly a free zone means. A free zone is a designated area within a country where businesses can operate with certain privileges and benefits that are not available outside the free zone.

These benefits typically include tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, simplified incorporation processes, and repatriation of profits.

Dubai Design District – A Free Zone?

The answer to whether Dubai Design District is a free zone or not is YES. d3 was established as one of Dubai’s strategic initiatives to promote the growth of the design and fashion industries within the region.

It was created as a free zone specifically tailored to meet the requirements of these creative industries.

Being located in d3 provides several advantages for businesses operating in this field. Some key benefits include complete foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, no corporate or personal income taxes for up to 50 years, and simplified incorporation procedures.

These incentives make Dubai Design District an attractive destination for both local and international entrepreneurs looking to establish their presence in the design industry.

Types of Licenses in Dubai Design District

To operate a business in Dubai Design District, you will need to obtain an appropriate license based on the nature of your business activities. d3 offers several types of licenses to cater to different creative sectors. Some of the main license categories include:

  • Design License: This license is suitable for companies engaged in design-related activities such as architecture, interior design, product design, and graphic design.
  • Fashion License: This license is designed for businesses involved in fashion-related activities including clothing design, manufacturing, retail, and fashion accessories.

  • Art License: Artists, art galleries, and studios can obtain this license for carrying out their creative endeavors.

It’s important to choose the right license category that aligns with your business activities to ensure compliance with the regulations set by Dubai Design District Authority.

In Conclusion

Dubai Design District is indeed a free zone that offers a wide range of benefits and incentives to businesses operating within its premises. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and focus on fostering creativity and innovation, d3 provides an ideal environment for companies in the design industry to thrive.

So if you are considering setting up a business in the field of design or fashion in Dubai, d3 could be the perfect choice for you.

Sources: