Free zone comparison

Meydan or RAKEZ — which free zone fits you?

Both zones are reputable and established — but for different profiles. Here’s the direct comparison with real numbers, without seller bias: we’re a partner of both worlds.

Meydan Free Zone (Dubai) RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)
Location & image Dubai address, prestige factor, close to banks & clients Ras Al Khaimah, approx. 1 h from Dubai, pragmatic & cost-efficient
Entry price (0 visas) from AED 14.520/year complete (incl. mandatory desk + service fee) from AED 8.010/year complete (BIZ 0 + federal fee + service fee)
With 1 visa (year 1) from AED 25.770 — everything included, fixed final price from AED 19.560 (SME All-in incl. VIP visa processing) plus medical/EID (priced in the quote)
Activities per license up to 3 activities typical up to 10 activities depending on package (BIZ series)
Facility options Shared desk (mandatory), coworking Flexi desk to executive office, warehouse, designated zone
Multi-year terms annual 2–10 years with genuine list discounts (“price lock”)
Renewal logic component-based (license + desk + quota), well plannable Renewal = first-year price, no increase
Typical profile Consultants, agencies, anyone with Dubai focus & client contact E-commerce, trading, warehousing, cost optimizers

Sources: official Meydan and RAKEZ price lists, July 2026. “From” prices at RAKEZ because package/facility determine the price — your personal quote shows your variant.

Decision guide

The short version: 3 questions, a clear recommendation.

1. Do you need the Dubai address?

Client meetings in Dubai, proximity to banks, prestige on your invoice? → Meydan. Pure online business without location ties? → RAKEZ saves several thousand AED per year.

2. Do you need space?

Warehouse, a real office, or a designated zone for importing goods? → RAKEZ has the facility portfolio. Just a laptop and a license? → Both fit; Meydan wins on location.

3. How do you plan long-term?

Multi-year security and fixed renewals? → RAKEZ (2–10 years, renewal = first-year price). Maximum flexibility year by year? → Meydan.

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Comparison FAQ

Is RAKEZ “worse” because it’s cheaper?
No. RAKEZ is one of the largest, most established free zones in the UAE with tens of thousands of companies. The price difference mostly comes from location (Ras Al Khaimah instead of Dubai) — not from license quality. For many online business models RAKEZ is the more rational choice.
Can I live and work in Dubai with a RAKEZ company?
Yes. The residence visa is valid across the entire UAE — you can live in Dubai with a RAKEZ license. Plan the drive to Ras Al Khaimah for occasional authority visits or facility use; much of it runs digitally or through us.
What about IFZA, DMCC or SHAMS?
We deliberately focus on two zones whose terms we can prove as a partner — instead of “offering” 40 zones and delivering mediocrity everywhere. We compare other zones editorially; bookable with us are Meydan and RAKEZ.
Can I switch zones later?
A direct “move” isn’t provided for — in practice you incorporate anew and let the old license expire. That’s why the right choice matters at the start: exactly what this comparison and our consultation are for.

Still unsure? Have both variants calculated.

Same setup, both zones — your quote shows the difference in year 1 and in the renewal years.

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