DUQE Free Zone
2022
DUQE
Physical Address
DUQE Free Zone, Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About DUQE Free Zone
The only free zone in the UAE located aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship, DUQE offers a vibrant, community-driven ecosystem for innovators and disruptors, with a focus on fast, flexible company setup and peer-to-peer networking
About DUQE Free Zone
Established as a forward-thinking business jurisdiction, DUQE Free Zone represents a contemporary approach to business licensing that prioritizes modern operational frameworks, digital efficiency, and innovative business solutions for entrepreneurs and companies seeking to establish a dynamic presence in Dubai. Developed to address the evolving demands of today’s business landscape, the free zone was conceptualized as a progressive environment where regulatory compliance and operational innovation are carefully integrated to create optimal conditions for business growth and development in the digital age. The operational model follows a modern approach focused on essential business requirements with digital enhancements—creating a distinctive framework where administrative efficiency, technological integration, and operational adaptability form the core value proposition for businesses across diverse sectors and operational scales.
What distinguishes DUQE Free Zone from other commercial jurisdictions is its emphasis on contemporary business solutions that embrace digital transformation while maintaining full regulatory compliance. The zone’s approach includes modern facility options, digitally-enhanced administrative processes, and competitive business packages—with particular attention to integrated digital solutions, flexible workspace arrangements, and streamlined operational frameworks that support diverse business models across multiple sectors. This modern foundation is complemented by a business-friendly regulatory framework designed to facilitate commercial operations in today’s business environment, with digitally-enhanced processes for company establishment, licensing, visa processing, and business administration that address the essential requirements of organizations seeking an efficient and contemporary pathway to market presence in the UAE.
Progressive Business Ecosystem
DUQE Free Zone has developed into a dynamic ecosystem that supports a wide spectrum of business operations—from innovative startups and digital entrepreneurs to established SMEs and forward-thinking corporate entities. This inclusive approach creates a vibrant environment where businesses at various stages of development can establish operations, pursue growth opportunities, and build market presence with appropriate levels of infrastructure investment and administrative commitment. The zone’s flexibility extends to both operational scale and business focus—accommodating diverse activities across trading, services, technology, consulting, and various commercial sectors with tailored solutions that align with specific business requirements and strategic objectives in today’s market landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes modern business enablement through a combination of essential services, digital administrative support, and operational flexibility. This approach creates a contemporary business environment where companies can focus on core activities while benefiting from streamlined regulatory compliance and efficient administrative frameworks enhanced by digital tools and modern processes. Supporting this core approach is a comprehensive service platform including licensing assistance, visa processing, administrative support, and business facilitation that enhances the operational capabilities of businesses within the ecosystem through modern methodologies and digital integration.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the DUQE free zone
Aviation
Aviation and aerospace services
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
Media & Entertainment
Media production and entertainment
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Research & Development
R&D and innovation 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 DUQE for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make DUQE Free Zone a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Modern Digital-First Approach
Contemporary business establishment with digitally-enhanced processes, online administrative systems, and technology-enabled procedures that enable businesses to establish and manage operations efficiently through integrated digital channels and modern business tools.
Iconic Location
Distinctive business address aboard the historic Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid that combines heritage significance with modern business functionality, creating a unique operational environment that enhances brand positioning and business identity.
Flexible Workspace Solutions
Diverse workspace options including virtual office packages, flexi desk arrangements, dedicated desks, serviced offices, and standard office spaces that accommodate various business models, operational scales, and working preferences with contemporary configurations.
Competitive Business Packages
Modern pricing structure with optimized business packages that provide excellent value for entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, and established companies seeking efficient market entry solutions with appropriate service levels and facility options.
Zero Capital Requirement
No minimum capital requirement for company establishment, removing financial barriers to entry and enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to allocate resources according to operational priorities rather than regulatory mandates.
Distinctive Business Environment
Unique operational setting that combines maritime heritage with contemporary business facilities, creating a distinctive working environment that inspires creativity, enhances professional interactions, and provides a memorable business experience.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international entrepreneurs and companies full control over strategic direction, operational management, and business development within a business-friendly environment.
Modern Business Support
Contemporary range of business facilitation services including digital company formation, online licensing assistance, streamlined visa processing, electronic document handling, and modern administrative support designed to enhance business efficiency.
Strategic Port Location
Advantageous position within Dubai's Port Rashid with excellent accessibility to key business districts, major transportation networks, and essential commercial facilities, providing strategic convenience for business operations.
Diverse Activity Options
Broad spectrum of permitted business activities across multiple sectors including trading, services, technology, consulting, creative industries, and professional operations, enabling diverse commercial ventures and business models within a single regulatory framework.
Operational Adaptability
Contemporary business framework that accommodates various operational models, working arrangements, and commercial approaches, enabling businesses to structure operations according to specific requirements and strategic preferences.
Integrated Digital Tools
Access to modern business management systems, digital administrative tools, online service platforms, and electronic business resources that enhance operational efficiency and administrative effectiveness for companies of all sizes.
Networking Environment
Dynamic business community with regular networking events, professional gatherings, business connections, and collaborative opportunities that facilitate relationship building, partnership development, and business growth.
Visa Eligibility
Access to residence visa allocation for business owners, executives, and employees based on package selection and business requirements, facilitating talent acquisition and workforce development for growing businesses.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
Start your commodities trading journey in DUQE with expert guidance from Inlex Partners
Setup Process
A streamlined 18-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the DUQE Free Zone
Digital Consultation
1 day
Engage with DUQE Free Zone advisors through digital channels or in-person meetings to discuss your business objectives, operational requirements, and preferred setup options. This consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the modern business solutions and identifies the optimal approach for your specific business needs.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific business activities that align with your operational focus and strategic objectives, ensuring compliance with DUQE Free Zone regulations and activity classifications.
Package Selection
1 day
Evaluate available business packages including virtual office, flexi desk, dedicated desk, serviced office, and standard office options to determine the most suitable solution for your business requirements and budget considerations.
Company Name Proposal
1-2 days
Submit multiple company name options for verification and approval, ensuring compliance with naming regulations and availability in the UAE company registry.
Digital Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms through DUQE's digital portal with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with DUQE Free Zone Authority.
Digital Document Submission
1-2 days
Upload required documentation including personal identification, business information, and supporting materials through the DUQE Free Zone digital application portal.
Application Review
2-3 days
Your complete application undergoes review by DUQE Free Zone authorities who evaluate compliance with requirements, verify documentation, and confirm eligibility for your selected business activities and package.
Initial Approval
1-2 days
Receive initial approval for your establishment in DUQE Free Zone, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your specific business activities and operational model.
Digital Package Agreement
1 day
Complete the digital signing process for your selected business package agreement, specifying terms, conditions, and operational parameters for your DUQE Free Zone company.
Digital Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, package fee, and establishment card fee through the secure online payment portal.
Digital License Issuance
2-3 days
Receive your DUQE Free Zone business license electronically, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and operational functions.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-3 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, professionals, and support personnel according to your package allocation.
Digital Access Provision
1 day
Receive digital access credentials and physical access cards (where applicable) for your selected facility option (virtual office services, flexi desk access, dedicated desk, serviced office, or standard office) as specified in your package agreement.
Digital Business Tools Setup
1-2 days
Access and configure your digital business tools, online administrative portal, and electronic business services included with your DUQE Free Zone package.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your business including operational funding, transaction processing, and expense management.
Staff Visa Processing
7-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team members, professional staff, and support personnel according to your visa allocation and business requirements.
Digital Onboarding
1-2 days
Complete the digital onboarding process including orientation to DUQE systems, introduction to available business services, and familiarization with operational procedures and support resources.
Commencement of Operations
1-2 days
Launch your business activities, operational functions, and commercial services following completion of all setup requirements and administrative processes.
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 (4 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Business activity description
Clear description of your intended business activities, operational focus, and commercial objectives for your DUQE Free Zone company, with sufficient detail to determine appropriate license category and compliance requirements.
Permitted Activities
General Trading
Import, export, and distribution of diverse products, commodities, goods, and materials across multiple categories and market segments without category restrictions
Specific Trading
Import, export, and distribution of products, commodities, goods, and materials within specific categories, specialized sectors, or defined market segments
Management Consulting
Provision of strategic advice, operational guidance, business transformation, performance improvement, and specialized consulting services for organizational development
Marketing Services
Creation and implementation of marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, brand development, digital marketing, and communication solutions for businesses and organizations
Information Technology
Development and provision of technology solutions, digital services, software applications, IT consulting, and technical expertise for various business requirements
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
Start Your Free Zone Business Journey Today
Get expert guidance on UAE free zone business setup with our comprehensive consultancy services. Schedule your free consultation today.
Get Free Consultation
Contact Our Experts
Free Zone Guide Download
Download our comprehensive guide covering all UAE free zones, comparison charts, and setup requirements.
Download Free Zone GuideStrategic Location & Accessibility
Explore the strategic location and connectivity advantages of this free zone for your business operations
DUQE Free Zone, Queen Elizabeth 2, Port Rashid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates