Dubai Flower Centre
2006
40+
DFC
Physical Address
Dubai Flower Centre, Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Flower Centre
A specialized free zone dedicated to the import, export, and processing of flowers and ornamental plants, featuring advanced temperature-controlled facilities and logistics support
About Dubai Flower Centre
Established in 2006, Dubai Flower Centre represents a visionary approach to floral commerce in the Middle East. This specialized free zone was conceived to position Dubai as a pivotal hub in the global flower trade, connecting major production regions in Africa, Europe, and Asia with consumer markets worldwide. Located strategically at Dubai International Airport, the centre capitalizes on Dubai’s geographic advantage as a natural connection point between flower-growing regions and international markets.
The facility encompasses 25,000 square meters of temperature-controlled space specifically engineered to maintain the delicate cold chain essential for preserving the freshness and extending the vase life of cut flowers and ornamental plants. Every aspect of the infrastructure has been designed with floral preservation in mind, from specialized loading docks that minimize exposure to Dubai’s heat to advanced humidity control systems that create the optimal environment for different varieties of flowers.
Floral Industry Ecosystem
Dubai Flower Centre has cultivated a comprehensive ecosystem that supports every facet of the floral industry. Beyond basic storage and handling, the centre houses specialized facilities for bouquet assembly, arrangement creation, packaging, and value-added processing. This integrated approach allows businesses to transform raw floral imports into market-ready products within a single facility.
The centre has attracted a diverse community of floral businesses, including international flower importers, wholesale distributors, floral designers, and horticultural technology companies. This concentration of industry expertise has established the facility as not merely a logistical hub but a knowledge center for floral innovation, market trends, and best practices in handling delicate perishable products.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DFC free zone
Agricultural
Agricultural and farming operations
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Service
Support and service industries
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 DFC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Flower Centre a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Specialized Cold Chain Infrastructure
Access to purpose-built cold storage facilities with multiple temperature zones (2-8°C for most cut flowers, 8-12°C for tropical varieties, and 0-2°C for bulb flowers), ensuring optimal preservation conditions for different flower varieties throughout their journey.
Strategic Floral Trade Location
Positioning at the crossroads of major flower producing regions (Kenya, Ethiopia, Netherlands, Colombia) and consumer markets (Middle East, Asia, Europe), reducing transit times and extending the marketable life of perishable floral products.
Integrated Phytosanitary Services
On-site plant health inspection facilities and expedited phytosanitary certification processes, streamlining compliance with international regulations for plant material movement across borders.
Specialized Flower Handling Equipment
Access to specialized equipment including vacuum coolers, hydration systems, bouquet-making machinery, and sleeve-wrapping stations designed specifically for professional flower processing and packaging.
Floral Industry Knowledge Hub
Immersion in a community of floral experts, providing access to industry intelligence, seasonal trend forecasting, and best practices in flower handling that enhance product quality and market competitiveness.
Reduced Flower Wastage
Advanced climate control systems and handling protocols that significantly reduce flower wastage (by up to 30% compared to conventional facilities), improving profit margins and sustainability in the floral supply chain.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your floral business without local partner requirements, giving international flower traders and floral designers full control over their operations, sourcing decisions, and distribution strategies.
Customs Duty Exemption
Exemption from import and export duties for flowers and floral supplies, significantly reducing operational costs in an industry with typically thin margins and highly perishable inventory.
Seasonal Flexibility
Operational structures that accommodate the highly seasonal nature of the flower business, with flexible space leasing options that can scale up during peak periods (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, wedding seasons).
Direct Airside Access
Privileged positioning with direct access to airport cargo facilities, minimizing the critical time flowers spend outside the cold chain during loading and unloading, thereby extending vase life and quality.
Flower Auction Connectivity
Digital infrastructure connecting businesses to major international flower auctions and trading platforms, enabling real-time participation in global flower markets without physical presence in production countries.
Sustainable Floral Practices
Access to advanced water recycling systems, biodegradable packaging options, and organic waste composting facilities that support environmentally responsible practices in the floral industry.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 17-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Flower Centre
Floral Business Consultation
1-2 days
Meet with Dubai Flower Centre specialists to discuss your specific floral business model, product types, volume projections, and seasonal patterns. This specialized consultation helps determine appropriate cold storage requirements and facility specifications for your particular flower varieties.
Cold Chain Assessment
2-3 days
Undergo an evaluation of your cold chain requirements based on the specific flower varieties you'll handle. Experts will recommend appropriate temperature zones, humidity levels, and handling protocols to maximize flower freshness and vase life.
Facility Tour & Selection
1 day
Tour the temperature-controlled facilities to select appropriate spaces for your operations. This includes cold storage units, processing areas, and office space, each with specific temperature and humidity settings suitable for different flower types.
Phytosanitary Briefing
1 day
Receive a comprehensive briefing on UAE phytosanitary regulations, import requirements, and quarantine procedures for different flower origins. This essential step ensures compliance with agricultural safety standards and pest prevention protocols.
Business Name Reservation
2-3 days
Submit your proposed floral business name for approval and reservation. The name should reflect your floral specialization while complying with UAE naming conventions and trademark regulations.
Application Submission
1-2 days
Complete and submit the comprehensive application package including all required documentation, floral business plan, cold chain management protocols, and facility requirements specific to your flower varieties.
Technical Review
4-6 days
Your application undergoes specialized technical review by floral industry experts who assess the viability of your business model, cold chain management plan, and compliance with international flower handling standards.
Initial Approval
2-3 days
Receive initial approval for your floral business license and facility allocation. This preliminary approval outlines specific conditions related to flower types, volumes, and handling procedures you're authorized to conduct.
Cold Chain Infrastructure Planning
3-5 days
Work with facility engineers to plan specific modifications to your allocated space, including temperature control settings, humidity systems, air circulation requirements, and specialized equipment installation for your particular flower varieties.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including license fee, registration fee, facility lease, and specialized cold chain equipment charges. Fees vary based on storage capacity, temperature requirements, and processing needs.
License & Lease Issuance
3-4 days
Receive your official Dubai Flower Centre business license, registration certificate, and facility lease agreement. These documents specify your authorized floral activities and cold storage allocations.
Cold Chain Equipment Installation
5-10 days
Install specialized equipment for flower handling, including temperature monitoring systems, humidity controllers, specialized racking, and processing tools specific to your flower varieties and business operations.
Customs & Phytosanitary Registration
3-5 days
Register with customs authorities and agricultural inspection services for flower import/export activities. Establish protocols for phytosanitary certification and inspection procedures specific to your source countries.
Staff Training
2-3 days
Conduct specialized training for staff on proper flower handling techniques, cold chain maintenance, quality control procedures, and variety-specific care requirements to ensure product quality and longevity.
Bank Account Opening
1-2 weeks
Open a corporate bank account with financial institutions familiar with the seasonal cash flow patterns and international transaction requirements typical of the floral industry.
Visa Processing
7-14 days
Apply for residence visas for managers, floral specialists, and support staff. This includes medical examination, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping, with consideration for seasonal workforce fluctuations.
Operational Readiness Inspection
1 day
Undergo a final inspection to verify that all cold chain systems, handling procedures, and quality control measures meet the standards required for preserving flower freshness and complying with international floral trade regulations.
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 and directors. All pages containing visa stamps or personal information must be included.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa showing sponsor details and expiration date.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information clearly legible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (6 copies). Photos must be taken within the last 3 months with professional quality.
Floral industry experience proof
Documentation demonstrating previous experience in the flower industry, such as business licenses, employment certificates, or trade references from floral suppliers.
Permitted Activities
Flower Import & Export
International trading of cut flowers, bouquets, and floral arrangements between global markets
Floral Wholesale
Bulk distribution of flowers and plants to retailers, hotels, event planners, and corporate clients
Floral Processing & Packaging
Value-added services including bouquet assembly, arrangement creation, and specialized packaging for flowers
Plant Nursery Operations
Cultivation, propagation, and distribution of ornamental plants, seedlings, and horticultural products
Floral Design Services
Creative floral arrangement and design services for events, hospitality, and corporate clients
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Dubai Flower Centre, Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates