Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
2004
750+
DIND
Physical Address
Dubai Industrial City, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
A dedicated industrial hub catering to a wide range of sectors, including food and beverage, base metals, machinery, and logistics, providing comprehensive infrastructure and support services
About Dubai Industrial City
Established in 2004, Dubai Industrial City (DIC) represents a strategic cornerstone in Dubai’s economic diversification vision, designed to position the emirate as a global manufacturing and industrial powerhouse. Spanning an expansive 55 million square feet, DIC was conceived through meticulous industrial urban planning that prioritizes operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and future scalability for industrial enterprises.
The development follows a sector-focused zoning approach, with six specialized industrial clusters: machinery and mechanical equipment, base metals, minerals, chemicals, food and beverage, and transport equipment and parts. This deliberate clustering creates synergistic industrial ecosystems where complementary businesses benefit from proximity to suppliers, customers, and specialized infrastructure tailored to their sector-specific requirements. The master plan incorporates substantial buffer zones between industrial categories, ensuring operational safety while maximizing land utilization for productive industrial activities.
Industrial Ecosystem
DIC has evolved into a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that addresses every facet of manufacturing and logistics operations. The zone features purpose-built industrial land plots where companies can construct customized production facilities according to their precise specifications, pre-built warehouses designed for efficient storage and distribution operations, and specialized labor accommodations that house the skilled workforce essential for industrial operations.
What distinguishes DIC from conventional business parks is its industrial-grade infrastructure specifically engineered for manufacturing operations. This includes heavy-duty road networks designed for industrial vehicle traffic, enhanced power capacity with redundancy systems for energy-intensive processes, industrial water treatment facilities that support manufacturing operations while ensuring environmental compliance, and specialized waste management systems capable of handling industrial byproducts responsibly. This robust infrastructure foundation enables manufacturers to focus on their core production activities without concerns about operational support systems.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DIND free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Construction
Construction and infrastructure services
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
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 DIND for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Industrial City (DIC) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Industrial-Grade Infrastructure
Access to purpose-built industrial infrastructure including heavy-duty roads, enhanced power capacity (up to 12 MVA substations), industrial water supply, waste management systems, and specialized facilities designed specifically for manufacturing operations.
Sector-Focused Clustering
Strategic placement within specialized industrial clusters that group complementary manufacturing operations together, creating synergies in supply chains, shared resources, and sector-specific support services tailored to your industrial category.
Scalable Industrial Land
Availability of industrial land plots in various sizes with flexible expansion options, allowing manufacturing operations to scale production capacity over time without relocation disruptions or operational interruptions.
Integrated Logistics Ecosystem
Seamless connectivity to logistics networks including proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and major highway systems, complemented by on-site container yards, loading facilities, and specialized industrial transportation services.
Environmental Compliance Framework
Comprehensive environmental management infrastructure including centralized waste collection, effluent treatment facilities, emissions monitoring systems, and regulatory support that simplifies compliance with industrial environmental standards.
Workforce Housing Solutions
Access to purpose-built labor accommodations within the industrial city, reducing commuting time for production staff, enhancing workforce retention, and simplifying labor logistics for manufacturing operations requiring significant personnel.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your industrial operation without local partner requirements, giving international manufacturers full control over production processes, quality standards, intellectual property, and operational methodologies.
Industrial Licensing Expertise
Specialized support for navigating industrial permits, manufacturing authorizations, and sector-specific regulatory requirements through dedicated industrial licensing teams familiar with technical manufacturing compliance issues.
Manufacturing Community
Integration into a dynamic industrial community of over 750 manufacturing companies and 5,000 warehouses, creating opportunities for business-to-business collaboration, industrial partnerships, and local supply chain development.
Technical Talent Access
Proximity to a diverse pool of technical professionals, production specialists, engineers, and skilled industrial workers, supported by streamlined visa processes for manufacturing personnel with specialized skills.
Industrial Support Services
On-site access to specialized industrial support services including equipment maintenance, calibration services, raw material testing, quality certification, and technical consultancy specific to manufacturing operations.
Strategic Market Position
Ideal positioning for serving both regional and international markets, with efficient access to MENA region consumers while benefiting from Dubai's global trade connections for export-oriented manufacturing operations.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 25-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
Industrial Needs Assessment
1-2 days
Consult with DIC industrial specialists to evaluate your manufacturing requirements, production volumes, and technical specifications. This specialized consultation addresses unique aspects of industrial operations including utility needs, environmental considerations, and logistical requirements.
Industrial Zoning Determination
2-3 days
Identify the appropriate industrial cluster within DIC based on your manufacturing activity, ensuring compatibility with neighboring operations and access to sector-specific infrastructure. This step aligns your operation with DIC's specialized industrial zones for food, metals, chemicals, machinery, minerals, or transport equipment.
Facility Requirements Analysis
3-5 days
Determine your specific industrial facility needs including production space, ceiling heights, floor loading capacity, power requirements, ventilation specifications, and specialized infrastructure for your manufacturing processes.
Site Selection & Evaluation
2-3 days
Tour available industrial plots or pre-built facilities within your designated sector zone to evaluate suitability for your specific manufacturing operations, considering expansion potential, logistics access, and proximity to complementary businesses.
Environmental Compliance Pre-Assessment
5-7 days
Conduct preliminary environmental evaluation to identify potential compliance requirements for your specific industrial operation, including emissions standards, effluent treatment needs, and waste management protocols.
Business Name Reservation
2-3 days
Submit your proposed industrial business name for approval and reservation. Names are checked against existing registrations to prevent confusion or trademark issues in the industrial sector.
Initial Application Submission
1-2 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with basic company information, shareholder details, and general description of industrial activities to initiate the formal review process.
Technical Submission
7-10 days
Submit detailed technical documentation including production processes, machinery specifications, raw material requirements, utility demands, and environmental impact assessments for technical evaluation by DIC industrial specialists.
Industrial License Application Review
10-15 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by multiple departments including technical, environmental, safety, and commercial teams to ensure compliance with all industrial regulations and DIC standards.
Preliminary Approval
3-5 days
Receive preliminary approval for your industrial operation, which may include specific conditions related to environmental controls, safety measures, or operational parameters based on your manufacturing processes.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including license fee, registration fee, facility lease or purchase costs, and any applicable deposits for utility connections or environmental compliance guarantees.
License & Lease Issuance
3-5 days
Receive your industrial license, registration certificate, and facility lease or purchase agreement, which officially authorizes your manufacturing operation within DIC.
Detailed Facility Design
20-30 days
Develop detailed architectural and engineering plans for your industrial facility, including production layouts, utility connections, environmental control systems, and safety features specific to your manufacturing processes.
Design Approval
10-15 days
Submit facility designs for review and approval by DIC authorities, ensuring compliance with industrial building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards specific to your manufacturing category.
Construction Permit Issuance
5-7 days
Receive construction permits allowing you to begin development of your industrial facility according to the approved designs and specifications.
Facility Construction/Fit-Out
60-180 days
Construct or modify your industrial facility according to approved plans, including installation of specialized infrastructure such as reinforced flooring, industrial ventilation, power systems, and production-specific requirements.
Utility Connections
15-30 days
Establish connections to industrial-grade utilities including enhanced power supply, process water, compressed air, natural gas, and telecommunications networks according to your manufacturing requirements.
Equipment Installation
20-45 days
Install and commission manufacturing equipment, production lines, and specialized machinery according to manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
Environmental Control Systems Implementation
15-30 days
Install and test environmental management systems including air filtration, wastewater treatment, noise control, and waste management facilities required for your specific industrial processes.
Pre-operational Inspection
3-5 days
Undergo comprehensive inspection of your completed industrial facility by DIC authorities to verify compliance with all technical, safety, and environmental requirements before production can commence.
Operational Permits Issuance
5-10 days
Receive specific operational permits related to your manufacturing activities, including environmental discharge permits, hazardous materials handling authorizations, or specialized production approvals as applicable.
Staff Mobilization
15-30 days
Recruit and onboard production personnel, technical specialists, engineers, and support staff required for your manufacturing operations. Arrange worker accommodations if utilizing DIC labor housing facilities.
Safety Training & Certification
5-10 days
Conduct comprehensive safety training for all personnel, including equipment operation, emergency procedures, hazardous materials handling, and industrial safety protocols specific to your manufacturing processes.
Production Trial Run
5-15 days
Conduct initial production trials to test equipment performance, process flows, quality control procedures, and overall manufacturing system integration before full-scale operations begin.
Commencement of Industrial Operations
1 day
Begin full-scale manufacturing operations following successful completion of all regulatory requirements, facility inspections, 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 and directors. Additional identification may be required for individuals from certain countries.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back).
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (8 copies). Additional copies may be required for facility access cards and security clearances.
Industrial project outline
Detailed description of the industrial activity, manufacturing processes, production capacity, and technical specifications of the proposed operation.
Permitted Activities
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Production of food products and beverages in facilities compliant with international food safety standards and halal certification requirements
Metal Processing & Fabrication
Processing of base metals and fabrication of metal products including structural components, architectural elements, and industrial parts
Chemical Manufacturing
Production of industrial chemicals, cleaning products, paints, coatings, and specialty chemical formulations
Building Materials Production
Manufacturing of construction materials including cement products, insulation, flooring, and specialized building components
Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
Production of industrial machinery, mechanical equipment, and specialized tools for various industrial applications
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Strategic Location & Accessibility
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Dubai Industrial City, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Dubai, United Arab Emirates