Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
2002
21K+
DMCC
Physical Address
Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
A comprehensive trading ecosystem that transforms Dubai into a pivotal center for international commodity flows
About Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Established in 2002 by royal decree, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre represents a visionary approach to creating a global hub for commodities trade and commercial enterprise. Spanning the expansive Jumeirah Lakes Towers district with over 80 towers across 200 hectares, the development was conceptualized as a comprehensive business ecosystem that would transform Dubai into a pivotal center for international trade flows across multiple commodity classes while simultaneously creating a dynamic commercial environment for diverse business activities. The master plan follows a mixed-use design that integrates commercial, residential, and retail elements—creating a vibrant community where business operations, executive residences, and lifestyle amenities coexist in a cohesive urban environment designed to attract global talent and international enterprises.
What distinguishes DMCC from conventional free zones is its dual focus on specialized commodity trading infrastructure and broad-based business facilitation. The zone’s infrastructure includes purpose-built facilities for specific commodity classes—such as Almas Tower for diamond trading, DMCC Tea Centre for tea processing, and DMCC Coffee Centre for coffee trading—alongside flexible commercial spaces suitable for diverse business operations. This physical foundation is complemented by a regulatory framework specifically designed for international trade, with streamlined processes for company formation, global market access, and cross-border transactions that minimize administrative friction in global business operations.
Business Ecosystem
DMCC has evolved into a comprehensive business ecosystem that houses over 21,000 companies spanning the entire spectrum of global trade—from commodity traders and precious metal refiners to multinational corporations, entrepreneurial startups, and professional service providers. This concentration of diverse business expertise creates a dynamic environment where international trade knowledge, market access capabilities, and global connections converge, facilitating sophisticated commercial operations that span multiple continents and industry sectors.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional trading activities to encompass the full spectrum of the global business value chain—from sourcing and procurement specialists to logistics providers, financial services, technology companies, and market development experts. This diversity creates natural synergies where various business specializations complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive commercial strategies that leverage multiple capabilities and market insights. Supporting this core business community is a sophisticated network of ancillary service providers including specialized banks, commodity assayers, trade finance specialists, and international business consultants that enhance the functional capabilities of the commercial ecosystem.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DMCC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
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 DMCC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Dubai Multi Commodities Centre a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Global Commodities Trading Ecosystem
Immersion in the world's leading commodities trading hub with specialized infrastructure for precious metals, diamonds, tea, coffee, and other commodities, creating unparalleled access to global supply chains, market participants, and trading opportunities.
Specialized Commodity Facilities
Access to purpose-built infrastructure for specific commodities including secure vaulting for precious metals, diamond exchange facilities, tea and coffee processing centers, and specialized trading floors designed for particular commodity classes.
Market Participant Concentration
Presence within a concentrated ecosystem of international traders, major commodity houses, financial institutions, logistics providers, and specialized service companies creating natural trading opportunities and business synergies.
Robust Regulatory Framework
Operation under a sophisticated regulatory structure specifically designed for international trade, with clear guidelines for responsible sourcing, transaction transparency, and market integrity that enhance business credibility.
Trade Flow Facilitation
Business environment optimized for international trade flows with streamlined processes for cross-border transactions, simplified customs procedures, efficient documentation handling, and trade-friendly regulatory approaches.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your trading business without local partner requirements, giving international companies full control over trading strategies, operational decisions, and business development approaches.
Strategic Geographic Positioning
Operation from a globally recognized trading hub strategically positioned between East and West, with exceptional air connectivity to major global markets and time zone advantages for trading across Asian, European, and American business hours.
Comprehensive Business Services
Access to a complete ecosystem of business support services including specialized banks, commodity assayers, logistics providers, legal experts, insurance specialists, and technology providers focused on trading operations.
Industry Networking Platform
Regular industry events, trading conferences, market forums, and business matchmaking initiatives that facilitate connections with potential trading partners, clients, suppliers, and service providers from around the world.
Integrated Lifestyle Environment
Operation within a comprehensive mixed-use development that combines business facilities with residential options, retail amenities, dining venues, and lifestyle services—creating an attractive environment for international executives and trading professionals.
Market Information Advantage
Immersion in an information-rich trading environment with natural access to market intelligence, pricing trends, supply chain insights, and trading opportunities through proximity to major market participants and industry knowledge centers.
Innovation-Focused Ecosystem
Environment that actively promotes trading innovation including blockchain applications for supply chain traceability, digital trading platforms, fintech solutions for trade finance, and emerging technologies that enhance trading efficiency.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
Start your commodities trading journey in DMCC with expert guidance from Inlex Partners
Setup Process
A streamlined 25-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Business Activity Consultation
1-2 days
Meet with DMCC business setup specialists to discuss your specific trading activities, commodity focus, operational requirements, and growth objectives. This specialized consultation addresses the unique aspects of establishing commodity trading or commercial operations within the free zone.
Business Activity Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select the precise business activities that align with your commercial operations from DMCC's comprehensive list of over 1,000 permitted activities across trading, services, and industrial categories.
Company Name Reservation
1-3 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with DMCC naming conventions, trademark conflicts, and appropriateness for your business activities.
Initial Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and selected business activities through the DMCC online portal to initiate the formal review process.
Know Your Customer (KYC) Process
3-7 days
Submit comprehensive KYC documentation for all shareholders and directors, including identity verification, address proof, and professional background information for enhanced due diligence review.
Business Plan Submission
3-5 days
Submit a detailed business plan outlining your trading strategy, market approach, operational model, financial projections, and growth plans specific to your commodity or commercial activities within DMCC.
Document Submission
2-3 days
Submit all required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, trading history, compliance frameworks, and operational plans through the DMCC member portal.
Compliance Review
5-10 days
Your application undergoes comprehensive compliance review by DMCC authorities, with particular focus on AML/KYC requirements, responsible sourcing policies, and regulatory compliance appropriate for your specific trading activities.
Application Approval
3-5 days
Receive formal approval of your application from DMCC authorities, confirming eligibility to establish your trading or commercial operations within the free zone.
Office Selection
1-3 days
Select your business premises from available options including serviced offices, leased commercial space, or flexi-desk arrangements based on your operational requirements and budget considerations.
Lease Agreement
1-2 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected office space or business premises, specifying terms, duration, and facility requirements for your trading operations.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the DMCC payment portal.
Memorandum of Association
2-3 days
Prepare and submit your company's Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) documents according to DMCC templates and requirements.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your DMCC business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for your specified trading activities and commercial operations.
Company Seal Acquisition
1-2 days
Obtain your company seal or stamp for official documentation, contracts, and corporate paperwork in accordance with DMCC requirements.
Immigration Establishment Card
3-5 days
Receive your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, trading specialists, operational staff, and administrative personnel.
Office Setup
5-10 days
Set up your trading office with appropriate equipment, trading systems, communication infrastructure, and operational facilities based on your specific business requirements.
Bank Account Opening
7-14 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your trading business including international transactions and trade finance.
Staff Visa Processing
10-15 days
Begin processing employment visas for your trading team, commodity specialists, operational staff, and administrative personnel to build your Dubai-based workforce.
Trading Systems Implementation
5-10 days
Install and configure specialized trading platforms, market information systems, risk management software, and other technology solutions essential for your commodity or commercial operations.
Specialized Membership Registration
3-7 days
For specific commodities: Register with relevant DMCC industry platforms such as the Dubai Diamond Exchange, DMCC Tea Centre, DMCC Coffee Centre, or other specialized trading facilities relevant to your business.
Compliance Systems Activation
5-7 days
Implement and activate your regulatory compliance systems, AML procedures, KYC protocols, responsible sourcing mechanisms, and trade documentation processes in accordance with DMCC requirements.
Trade Finance Arrangements
10-15 days
Establish relationships with financial institutions for trade finance facilities, working capital solutions, hedging instruments, and other financial services essential for international trading operations.
Supply Chain Activation
7-10 days
Formalize arrangements with logistics providers, shipping companies, customs brokers, warehousing facilities, and other supply chain partners essential for your trading operations.
Commencement of Trading Operations
1 day
Begin active trading operations, commodity transactions, or commercial activities through your established DMCC entity following completion of all setup requirements and operational readiness verification.
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. Enhanced verification procedures apply for companies involved in precious metals and diamond trading.
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 secure facility access cards and trading floor credentials.
Business plan
Comprehensive business plan detailing your trading operations, market focus, supply chain structure, financial projections, and growth strategy specific to your commodity or commercial activities.
Permitted Activities
Precious Metals Trading
Trading in gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals including bullion, coins, bars, and related investment products across international markets
Diamond Trading
Import, export, and trading of rough and polished diamonds, including sorting, valuation, certification, and distribution to global markets
Commodity Trading
International trading of various commodities including agricultural products, energy resources, industrial materials, and raw materials across global supply chains
Jewelry Manufacturing
Design, production, and distribution of fine jewelry, including crafting, stone setting, finishing, and quality control for international and regional markets
Tea Trading & Processing
Importing, blending, packaging, and distribution of tea varieties from global sources, utilizing specialized facilities for quality assessment, processing, and value addition
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates