Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum Airport Free Zone)
The airport city of the future — adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, the world's largest airport in development.
Emirate
Dubai
Est.
2006
Cost/Year
AED 18,000 – 60,000+ / year
Setup Time
2–4 weeks
Visas
Based on facility size and zone
Office
Multiple zones — aviation, logistics, commercial, and exhibition (Expo City Dubai)
About DWC
Dubai World Central (DWC), also known as Dubai South and the Al Maktoum International Airport Free Zone, is built around Al Maktoum International Airport — designed to eventually become the world's largest airport with a capacity of 220 million passengers. DWC is a purpose-built aerotropolis offering aviation, logistics, commercial, and residential zones. While Al Maktoum is still ramping up operations (currently serving cargo and some passenger flights), its proximity to JAFZA and Expo City Dubai makes DWC a strategic long-term location for aviation, logistics, and commercial businesses.
Ideal for
Aviation companies, aircraft leasing firms, logistics operators, warehouse operators, e-commerce fulfilment centres, and businesses positioning for long-term growth around the future world's largest airport.
Pros & Considerations
Advantages
- Adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (future world's largest)
- Expo City Dubai location — world-class development
- Part of Dubai South mega-development — long-term strategic location
- Near JAFZA (Jebel Ali Port) — combined air & sea logistics
- Competitive land pricing vs Dubai city zones
- Government investment makes long-term infrastructure robust
Watch out for
- Al Maktoum Airport still in expansion — current cargo/pax volumes lower than DXB
- Remote location (45 min+ from Dubai city centre)
- Premium pricing relative to available current airport infrastructure
- Long-term play — full potential realised when Al Maktoum reaches capacity
Licence Types
Popular Business Activities
Permitted activities vary — we confirm your specific activity before registration.
Setup Process
Zone Selection
Choose the relevant DWC zone — Aviation, Logistics, Commercial, Exhibition, or Residential.
Activity & Licence Planning
Define business activities aligned with chosen zone's permitted uses.
Facility Lease
Office, warehouse, or plot lease within the selected zone.
Licence Issuance
Trade licence issued within 2–4 weeks.
Operations
Airport access registration, customs clearance setup, visa and banking arrangements.
Cost Breakdown
| Licence fee (annual) | AED 18,000 – 60,000+ / 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 |
Varies significantly by zone (aviation, logistics, commercial, residential) and facility size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started
Set up in DWC today
Free consultation, full quote, and end-to-end formation support. Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks.
Get a free quote Talk to an expertQuick Specs
Emirate
Dubai
Founded
2006
Setup Timeline
2–4 weeks
Annual Cost
AED 18,000 – 60,000+ / year
Visa Allocation
Based on facility size and zone. Aviation zone companies can sponsor significant headcount.
Office Requirement
Multiple zones — aviation, logistics, commercial, and exhibition (Expo City Dubai). Physical presence required for most activities.
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