Dubai Development Authority (Dubai Internet City, Media City, etc.) (DDA)
DDA governs Dubai's knowledge clusters including Internet City and Media City. Premium choice for tech, media, and knowledge-economy businesses.
AED 25,000
Starting Cost
AED 15,000
Flexi-Desk
100+
Max Visas
2000
Established
Key Highlights
- ▸Cluster-based approach
- ▸Dubai Internet City & Media City
- ▸Top tier talent pool
- ▸Strong community
About DDA
DDA, the Dubai Development Authority, is the regulatory body governing Dubai's cluster of specialized business communities: the districts built around specific knowledge-economy sectors rather than a single generic free zone address. These communities include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Production City, Dubai Studio City, and Dubai International Academic City, each purpose-built for a defined industry. The clusters trace back to 2000, when Dubai Internet City opened to anchor the emirate's technology sector, and the model has since expanded across media, design, and education. What distinguishes a DDA licence is co-location: a technology company sits among other technology firms, a media business among broadcasters and production houses, a design studio inside d3's creative community. That concentration produces talent pools, supplier networks, and client proximity that a general-purpose free zone cannot replicate for these specific sectors. Setup costs start from around AED 25,000, positioning DDA above budget northern-emirate zones but in line with its central Dubai location and sector infrastructure; flexi-desk arrangements are available for businesses that do not need dedicated space. Visa allocations scale with the chosen package, supporting growing teams into the dozens at the upper tiers. Banking access is generally strong, reflecting the Dubai address and the maturity of the communities. For corporate tax, DDA-licensed businesses may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons under Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023, subject to meeting substance and qualifying-income conditions. DDA suits technology, media, design, and education businesses that value being inside a recognized industry cluster, where the address itself signals sector focus, over the lowest possible licence cost.
Plan your setup
Use our UAE Business Setup Cost Calculator to estimate your total Year 1 cost when setting up in DDA, including visas and office fees.
If you're operating in the UAE, you may need to calculate VAT on your invoices (mandatory registration if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000/year).
DDA companies that qualify as QFZP may pay 0% on qualifying income — see the free zone corporate tax (QFZP) rules for the conditions, then use our Corporate Tax Calculator with Advanced Options to model your position.
DDA setup questions
What is DDA best for?
DDA is profiled here for Tech, Media, Design, Education businesses. Use the setup calculator and the comparison directory to assess it against other options.
What is the starting setup cost for DDA?
This profile lists a starting cost of AED 25,000. Your actual setup requirements should be confirmed before proceeding.
How many visas can a DDA setup support?
This profile lists up to 100 visas. Confirm the applicable package and office requirements before applying.
License Types Available
Banking Support
🏦 Excellent
Hiring employees in DDA? Calculate end-of-service gratuity entitlements under UAE Labour Law — payable within 14 days of contract end.
Get a DDA quote
Fixed fee. No hidden costs. Specialist who knows this zone.
Get Quote →💬 WhatsApp insteadWE HANDLE THIS FOR YOU
Setting up in DDA? We handle it end-to-end.
From license application to bank account opening and visa processing. Fixed fee, no surprises.