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FREE ZONES / DUBAI / DSO

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai's integrated technology park — a live-work-play ecosystem purpose-built for tech and R&D companies.

Emirate

Dubai

Est.

2004

Cost/Year

AED 15,000 – 35,000 / year

Setup Time

1–2 weeks

Visas

Based on office space

Office

Physical offices, tech offices with lab space, and retail units available within the integrated community

About DSO

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a UAE government-owned free zone and technology park, established in 2004 as an integrated community combining business, residential, and retail within one self-contained destination. DSO is purpose-built for technology, R&D, and innovation companies, offering purpose-built tech offices, laboratory spaces, and a unique live-work-play environment. As the parent organisation of IFZA, DSO benefits from a strong government backing and is part of Dubai's Strategy for Innovation.

Ideal for

Technology companies, software developers, R&D firms, engineering companies, semiconductor and electronics businesses, tech startups, and companies needing lab or testing facilities.

Pros & Considerations

Advantages

  • Integrated live-work-play community — residential units within the free zone
  • Tech-focused infrastructure including labs and testing facilities
  • Government-owned — strong regulatory backing
  • Home of the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec)
  • Excellent transport links — Dubai Metro and major highways
  • Strong tech startup ecosystem and incubator presence
  • Parent organisation of IFZA — strong administration

Watch out for

  • Higher cost than IFZA or RAKEZ
  • Less suited for non-tech businesses
  • Located in outer Dubai — not as central as DIFC or DMCC
  • Physical office preferred for tech companies with lab requirements

Licence Types

Technology Industrial Service Trading

Popular Business Activities

Permitted activities vary — we confirm your specific activity before registration.

Software Development IT Consultancy Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning & Data Science Semiconductor Design Electronics Manufacturing Robotics & Automation Cybersecurity Cloud Computing Telecommunications R&D Laboratories Biotech Research Engineering Consultancy IoT Solutions Digital Transformation Fintech Development EdTech HealthTech + Hundreds more

Setup Process

1

Tech Activity Classification

Define your technology activities and determine required licence type (technology, industrial, or service).

2

Facility Selection

Choose between co-working (Dtec), serviced offices, or dedicated office/lab space within DSO community.

3

Application Submission

Submit application with business plan, ownership details, and technology activity description.

4

Licence Issuance

Licence issued within 1–2 weeks upon document approval and facility lease.

5

Operational Setup

Lab or office fit-out, utility connections, employee visas, and bank account setup.

Cost Breakdown

Licence fee (annual) AED 15,000 – 35,000 / year
Registration / one-time fees AED 2,000–5,000 (one-time)
Visa cost (per person) AED 3,500–5,500
Emirates ID (per person) AED 370
Medical test (per person) AED 300–600
goCorp service feeIncluded Advisory — get a quote
Bank account setup Advisory — get a quote

Licence fees are competitive. Physical offices in DSO towers are available at Dubai's mid-range prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started

Set up in DSO today

Free consultation, full quote, and end-to-end formation support. Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks.

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Quick Specs

Emirate

Dubai

Founded

2004

Setup Timeline

1–2 weeks

Annual Cost

AED 15,000 – 35,000 / year

Visa Allocation

Based on office space. DSO offers residential units within the community — companies can sponsor employees who live on-site.

Office Requirement

Physical offices, tech offices with lab space, and retail units available within the integrated community. Flexi-desk also available.

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