Dubai CommerCity Free Zone (DCC)
2021
45K+
DCC
Physical Address
Dubai CommerCity, Umm Ramool, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai CommerCity Free Zone (DCC)
The first and only free zone in the MEASA region dedicated exclusively to digital commerce, offering a fully integrated e-commerce ecosystem with advanced logistics, warehousing, and digital infrastructure, strategically located next to Dubai International Airport
About Dubai CommerCity Free Zone
Established in 2020 as a joint venture between Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and Wasl Properties, Dubai CommerCity represents a pioneering approach to specialized economic zones by creating the region’s first dedicated ecosystem exclusively for e-commerce and digital trade. Developed in response to the accelerating global shift toward digital commerce, the free zone was conceptualized as a specialized environment where every aspect of infrastructure, regulation, and business support is optimized specifically for the unique requirements of online retail, digital distribution, and e-commerce operations. The master plan follows a purpose-built approach organized into three distinct clusters—the Business District for corporate operations, the Logistics District for fulfillment activities, and the Social District for networking and innovation—creating a unique operational morphology where digital commerce functions are seamlessly integrated across the physical-digital divide.
What distinguishes DCC from other free zones is its exclusive focus on e-commerce as a specialized economic sector requiring dedicated infrastructure and tailored business solutions. The zone’s infrastructure includes purpose-designed office spaces, specialized fulfillment centers, integrated digital systems, and comprehensive business support facilities—with enhanced digital connectivity, sophisticated logistics frameworks, advanced fulfillment technologies, and strategic market access supporting diverse e-commerce operations across multiple business models. This physical foundation is complemented by a specialized regulatory framework designed specifically for digital commerce, with streamlined processes for e-commerce licensing, digital compliance, cross-border trade, and online business development that address the unique requirements of organizations engaged in digital retail and electronic commerce.
Digital Commerce Ecosystem
DCC has developed into a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the complete spectrum of e-commerce operations—from global brands establishing regional online presence to specialized digital retailers, cross-border e-commerce platforms, and innovative direct-to-consumer businesses. This concentration of digital commerce expertise creates a dynamic environment where technological capabilities, logistics solutions, market access strategies, and digital innovation converge, facilitating sophisticated business models that leverage the strategic advantages of a purpose-built e-commerce ecosystem across multiple operational approaches and market strategies.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional e-commerce activities to encompass the full spectrum of digital commerce—from online retail and marketplace operations to digital marketing, content creation, and technology development. This diversity creates a complete digital business environment where various functions complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive e-commerce solutions that integrate online operations, fulfillment activities, and market development within a single strategic location. Supporting this core community is a sophisticated network of infrastructure including digital systems, logistics networks, business facilities, and service providers that enhance the functional capabilities of the entire ecosystem.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DCC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
Creative Industries
Design, arts and creative services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industries
Specialized Trading
Niche commodity and specialized trading
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose DCC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai CommerCity Free Zone (DCC) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
E-Commerce Specialization
Immersion in the region's first and only free zone dedicated exclusively to e-commerce and digital trade, with every aspect of infrastructure, regulation, and business support specifically optimized for online retail operations and digital commerce models.
Purpose-Built E-Commerce Infrastructure
Access to specialized facilities designed specifically for digital commerce including dedicated office spaces, purpose-built fulfillment centers, digital showrooms, and specialized infrastructure optimized for online retail operations.
Integrated Fulfillment Ecosystem
Comprehensive fulfillment environment with specialized warehousing, order processing facilities, inventory management systems, and logistics infrastructure specifically designed for e-commerce operations and digital retail models.
Strategic Location
Prime position between Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport with direct access to major highways and logistics corridors, providing exceptional connectivity for e-commerce fulfillment and digital commerce operations.
E-Commerce Regulatory Framework
Specialized regulatory environment with streamlined processes specifically designed for digital commerce, online retail, and e-commerce operations, creating a business-friendly ecosystem that facilitates digital trade while maintaining appropriate standards.
Digital Commerce Community
Concentration of e-commerce businesses, online retailers, digital service providers, and technology specialists creating a dynamic environment where complementary capabilities, specialized knowledge, and digital networks enhance operational effectiveness.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your e-commerce enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international digital retailers full control over strategic direction, operational management, and online business development within a globally-oriented digital commerce environment.
Cross-Border E-Commerce Facilitation
Specialized infrastructure and regulatory framework specifically designed to facilitate international online retail, global digital commerce, and cross-border e-commerce operations targeting multiple geographic markets.
E-Commerce Business Support
Comprehensive range of specialized services including e-commerce company formation, digital retail licensing, online business setup, and operational support designed specifically for digital commerce businesses.
Digital Innovation Environment
Vibrant ecosystem supporting e-commerce innovation, digital retail advancement, and online business development through specialized facilities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative opportunities.
Omnichannel Enablement
Specialized infrastructure supporting integrated retail models that combine online platforms, digital channels, and physical touchpoints into cohesive customer experiences and unified commerce strategies.
E-Commerce Knowledge Hub
Access to specialized expertise, industry insights, digital commerce knowledge, and e-commerce best practices through community engagement, professional development, and knowledge sharing initiatives.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
Start your commodities trading journey in DCC with expert guidance from Inlex Partners
Setup Process
A streamlined 24-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai CommerCity Free Zone (DCC)
E-Commerce Consultation
1 day
Engage with Dubai CommerCity specialists to discuss your digital retail objectives, e-commerce strategy, online business model, and growth projections. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the unique advantages of a purpose-built e-commerce ecosystem and the specific facilities within DCC most suitable for your online operations.
Digital Business Model Assessment
2-3 days
Conduct a preliminary review of your proposed e-commerce activities, online retail approach, and digital business model to ensure alignment with DCC's specialized infrastructure and to identify the optimal license type and facility configuration for your specific digital commerce requirements.
E-Commerce License Selection
1-2 days
Determine the most appropriate license category based on your specific e-commerce activities, digital retail focus, and online business model, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your digital commerce operations.
Company Name Reservation
2-3 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions, digital brand considerations, and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Facility Requirements Analysis
2-3 days
Evaluate your specific operational needs including office space, fulfillment requirements, digital infrastructure, and specialized facilities based on your e-commerce business model and online retail approach.
Facility Tour & Selection
1 day
Visit available facilities within Dubai CommerCity to assess specific options, evaluate infrastructure, and identify the optimal physical location for your e-commerce operations across the Business, Logistics, and Social Districts.
E-Commerce Compliance Briefing
1 day
Receive comprehensive briefing on relevant e-commerce regulations, digital compliance requirements, online retail guidelines, and industry standards specific to your digital business activities within DCC and target markets.
Initial Application Submission
1-2 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed e-commerce activities to initiate the formal review process with Dubai CommerCity Authority.
E-Commerce Business Plan Submission
2-3 days
Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing your digital retail strategy, online market approach, e-commerce growth projections, and specific objectives for your establishment in DCC, with particular attention to your digital commerce model.
Document Submission
2-3 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, e-commerce qualifications, and operational specifications through the DCC application portal.
Application Review
3-5 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by DCC authorities who evaluate e-commerce alignment, digital business viability, and compatibility with the free zone's specialized focus on digital commerce.
Initial Approval
2-3 days
Receive initial approval for your establishment in Dubai CommerCity, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your specific e-commerce activities and digital business model.
Facility Lease Agreement
1-2 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected facility within Dubai CommerCity, specifying e-commerce requirements, digital infrastructure needs, and operational specifications for your online business activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the online payment portal.
License Issuance
3-5 days
Receive your Dubai CommerCity business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified e-commerce activities and digital business functions.
E-Commerce Systems Integration
5-10 days
For online retailers - establish necessary integration between your e-commerce platforms, digital systems, and the specialized infrastructure available within Dubai CommerCity to optimize your online operations.
Fulfillment Setup
7-14 days
For e-commerce operations with physical products - configure your fulfillment systems, inventory management, order processing, and logistics operations within your DCC facility.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-5 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, digital specialists, e-commerce professionals, and support personnel.
Facility Handover
1-2 days
Receive access to your leased facility, including basic infrastructure, utility connections, digital systems, and standard configurations as specified in your lease agreement.
Digital Infrastructure Setup
5-10 days
Establish specialized digital infrastructure including enhanced connectivity, e-commerce systems, online retail platforms, and other technical utilities required for your specific digital business model.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your e-commerce business including digital payments, transaction processing, and online revenue management.
Staff Visa Processing
10-15 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team members, e-commerce specialists, digital professionals, and support personnel, with consideration for specialized qualifications and expertise requirements.
E-Commerce Launch Preparation
5-10 days
Finalize preparations for your online retail operations including digital systems configuration, e-commerce platform optimization, fulfillment process testing, and operational readiness assessment.
Commencement of Operations
1-3 days
Launch your e-commerce activities, digital retail operations, and online business functions following completion of all setup requirements, system configurations, and operational readiness assessments.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (6 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
E-commerce business plan
Detailed business plan outlining your e-commerce strategy, digital retail approach, online market positioning, and growth projections specific to your activities in Dubai CommerCity, with particular attention to your digital commerce model and online sales strategy.
Permitted Activities
E-Commerce Operations
Establishment and management of online retail platforms, digital marketplaces, and electronic commerce operations for direct-to-consumer sales and digital distribution
Digital Retail
Online retail operations for consumer products, specialty goods, branded merchandise, and various product categories through digital sales channels and e-commerce platforms
Cross-Border E-Commerce
Management of international online sales operations, global digital retail, and cross-border e-commerce activities targeting multiple geographic markets through digital channels
E-Commerce Fulfillment
Provision of specialized logistics services, order processing, inventory management, and fulfillment operations specifically optimized for e-commerce business models
Digital Marketing Services
Delivery of online marketing solutions, digital promotion strategies, e-commerce advertising, and specialized digital marketing services for online businesses
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Dubai CommerCity, Umm Ramool, Dubai, United Arab Emirates