Compare · Free zones · Dubai · 2026
IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone: Which Is Better for Your Business (2026)?
IFZA Dubai · Silicon Oasis · 550 combinations 
Meydan Free Zone Dubai · 65 combinations - Both are Dubai free zones, and median package prices are close: from AED 12,900* at IFZA vs from AED 12,520* at Meydan.
- Entry price differs: Meydan licenses start from AED 7,670*, while IFZA's catalog spans AED 2,000 – 30,560* depending on the package.
- Speed: Meydan showed the fastest issuance in the snapshot — licenses from 3 days; IFZA issues from 6 days.
- Bottom line: for a standard Dubai consultancy either works — compare live quotes; for rare activity mixes IFZA's 550-combination catalog is the safer bet.
Side by side
IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone: parameters
| Parameter | IFZA | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Median license price difference is within 3% | from AED 12,900* | from AED 12,520* |
| Entry price in snapshot | from AED 2,000* | from AED 7,670* |
| Typical setup time | from 6 days | from 3 days |
| Activity combinations | 550 | 65 |
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Corporate tax | 9% (0% to AED 375k) | 9% (0% to AED 375k) |
| Office requirement | flexi-desk included | flexi-desk included |
| Renewals | ≈ license fee, annual | ≈ license fee, annual |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Typical licenses
What a license costs for typical activities
| Parameter | IFZA | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting activities | from AED 12,900* | from AED 12,520* |
| Media / marketing activities | from AED 12,900* | from AED 7,670* |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Decision
Who suits which option
Choose IFZA if
- Your activity mix is unusual — 550 combinations vs 65
- You want the most standardized package documentation
- You compare several activities and need consistent pricing rules
Choose Meydan if
- You need the fastest Dubai license: from 3 days in the snapshot
- A standard consultancy package fits your case
- You want a Dubai license with a lower entry price (from AED 7,670*)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Are IFZA and Meydan both real Dubai licenses?
Yes. Both are Dubai free zones — IFZA operates from Dubai Silicon Oasis, Meydan Free Zone from the Meydan area — so both give a Dubai-registered company with 100% foreign ownership.
Why are the prices so close?
Both zones target standard service businesses in the same city. The snapshot medians differ by less than 3% (AED 12,900* vs AED 12,520*); the real difference is in catalog width and issuance speed.
Which zone is faster for visa processing?
License issuance was faster at Meydan in the snapshot (from 3 days vs from 6 days at IFZA). Visa stamping times depend on immigration queues and are similar for both.
Can I switch from one zone to the other later?
Yes. Zone-to-zone relocation is done by issuing a new license and transferring visas; expect fresh government fees and 2–4 weeks.
Still choosing between IFZA and Meydan Free Zone?
A 15-minute call with your business model on the table settles it — jurisdiction, license and visa plan.