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Expo City Dubai vs Dubai South: Which Free Zone Fits?

Two neighbouring free zones, two different authorities. Compare cost, visas, workspace and the businesses each one suits.

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Expo City Dubai and Dubai South are neighbouring free zones in the south of Dubai, but they are run by different authorities and suit different businesses. Expo City Dubai Free Zone is the cheaper, packaged option for service, tech and sustainability companies; Dubai South is built for logistics, e-commerce fulfilment and aviation around Al Maktoum International Airport. Here is how they compare.

Expo City Dubai vs Dubai South at a glance

Expo City Dubai Free ZoneDubai South Free Zone
AuthorityExpo City Dubai Authority (ECDA)Dubai South
LocationThe former Expo 2020 Dubai siteAround Al Maktoum International Airport, with Logistics, Aviation and Business Park districts
Entry priceAED 12,520 a year (Business Hub Package 1); AED 9,020 for a freelance permit with visaBusiness Park packages from around AED 15,000–18,000 in year one with a flexi desk (quoted)
Visas4 on Business Hub Package 2; 6 free allocations on the Standard 6 Visa PackageDepends on the package and workspace you lease
WorkspaceCoworking, Future Forward Business Hub, Grade A offices, retail units, short-term leasesFlexi desks and offices in the Business Park, warehouses, land for build-to-suit
LogisticsNot a logistics zoneBonded sea-air corridor to Jebel Ali Port; airport-side warehouses
Short-term and eventsBusiness Operation and Event Operation permits; leases from 1 day to 12 monthsNot its focus
Best forFreelancers, startups, consultancies, tech and green businessesLogistics, e-commerce with inventory, aviation and cargo

Expo City prices are official 2026 packages, checked by Pro24 as an authorised channel partner. Dubai South prices vary by package and workspace, so we quote them case by case.

Are Expo City Dubai and Dubai South the same free zone?

No, and this is the most common confusion. Expo City Dubai sits in the same southern growth corridor as Dubai South, but its free zone is licensed and managed by Expo City Dubai Authority, not by Dubai South. Your licence, packages, fees and visa allocations come from whichever authority you register with, so pick deliberately.

Choose Expo City Dubai if…

  • You want the lowest entry cost for a company licence in a Dubai free zone address.
  • You plan to hire and want visa allocations built into the package (4 or 6).
  • You run a service, consultancy, tech or sustainability business. The Expo Green Licence exists for eligible green businesses.
  • You need short-term or event operations, or a Grade A office in a LEED-certified building.

Choose Dubai South if…

  • You hold inventory and need warehouses near cargo terminals.
  • You move goods between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum airport through the bonded corridor.
  • You are in aviation: MRO, leasing or flight operations.
  • You need land for a build-to-suit facility.

Full details: Expo City Dubai Free Zone business setup and Dubai South free zone. Comparing more zones? See Expo City vs DMCC, Expo City vs IFZA, Expo City vs Meydan.

Not sure which zone fits?

Tell us your activity, visa needs and whether you hold stock. We will recommend Expo City, Dubai South or another zone, with a fixed all-in quote.

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Expo City Dubai vs Dubai South: FAQs

Is Expo City Dubai part of Dubai South?
They are neighbours in the same southern part of Dubai, but Expo City Dubai Free Zone is licensed by Expo City Dubai Authority, separately from the Dubai South free zone.
Which is cheaper, Expo City Dubai or Dubai South?
For a standard company licence, Expo City Dubai usually is: packages start at AED 12,520 a year, while Dubai South Business Park packages are typically around AED 15,000–18,000 in year one with a flexi desk. Logistics setups in Dubai South are priced by warehouse size.
Which is better for e-commerce?
If you hold and ship inventory, Dubai South, for its fulfilment facilities, cargo access and bonded logistics. If you sell digital products or services online, Expo City Dubai is usually the cheaper base.
Can I move my company from Dubai South to Expo City Dubai later?
Moving between free zones is possible but involves a transfer or a new licence and visa transfers. Choosing the right zone at the start avoids that cost, so ask us before you register.
Source & review. Expo City Dubai facts and package prices from Expo City Dubai’s official business-setup pages and package sheets, checked October 2026 by Pro24, an authorised channel partner. Dubai South information from Pro24’s Dubai South setup work; confirm live prices before paying.