Mobile App Development in the UAE
Available in 24 free zones — compare costs and requirements below.
Free Zones Offering Mobile App Development
| Free Zone | Emirate | Specialty | From (Year 1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFZ — Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | General trading, manufacturing | AED 10,300 | View Details |
| DCC — Dubai CommerCity | Dubai | E-commerce | AED 11,050 | View Details |
| Meydan — Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | General business, startups | AED 12,500 | View Details |
| IFZA — International Free Zone Authority | Dubai | General business, services | AED 12,900 | View Details |
| SRTIP — Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park | Sharjah | Technology, R&D | AED 13,500 | View Details |
| UAQFTZ — UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Trading, manufacturing, services | AED 15,000 | View Details |
| FFZA — Fujairah Free Zone | Fujairah | Trading, oil storage, shipping | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone | Ras Al Khaimah | General business, manufacturing | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| Shams — Sharjah Media City | Sharjah | Media, creative, e-commerce | AED 15,600 | View Details |
| HFZ — Hamriyah Free Zone | Sharjah | Industrial, manufacturing, oil & gas | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| SAIF — Sharjah Airport International Free Zone | Sharjah | Aviation, logistics, trading | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone | Dubai | Logistics, manufacturing, trading | AED 18,500 | View Details |
| DTEC — DTEC | Dubai | Tech startups | AED 21,670 | View Details |
| DSO — Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai | Technology, semiconductors | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| DWC — Dubai South | Dubai | Aviation, logistics, e-commerce | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| KIZAD — Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Industrial, manufacturing | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| RDAO — RAK Digital Assets Oasis | Ras Al Khaimah | Crypto, blockchain, Web3 | AED 22,500 | View Details |
| DWTC — Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone | Dubai | Events, exhibitions, trading | AED 23,500 | View Details |
| ADGM — Abu Dhabi Global Market | Abu Dhabi | Financial services, fintech | AED 27,000 | View Details |
| DAFZA — Dubai Airport Free Zone | Dubai | General trading, logistics | AED 28,500 | View Details |
| DIC — Dubai Internet City | Dubai | Tech, IT, software | AED 29,320 | View Details |
| DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Dubai | Commodities, finance, tech, blockchain | AED 33,600 | View Details |
| ICAD — Industrial City of Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Heavy industry, manufacturing | AED 115,000 | View Details |
| DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre | Dubai | Financial services, fintech | AED 127,000 | View Details |
About Mobile App Development License
Mobile app development creates native and cross-platform applications for iOS and Android. The UAE's high smartphone penetration (over 90%) drives demand for mobile-first solutions.
A Professional license is required for mobile app development in the UAE. This activity falls under the Technology category.
You can obtain this license in 24 free zones across the UAE. The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for the first year, including license fee and basic setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mobile app development license cost in the UAE?
The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for Year 1 at AFZ. Costs vary by free zone, office type, and visa allocation.
Which free zone is best for mobile app development?
It depends on your budget, location preference, and visa needs. AFZ offers the lowest starting cost. Consider factors like emirate, office facilities, and industry specialization.
What license type do I need for mobile app development?
A Professional license is required. This falls under the Technology category. The license type determines which activities you can conduct and which free zones can issue it.
Can I do mobile app development as a freelancer in the UAE?
Some free zones offer freelance permits that cover technology activities. Check individual free zones for freelance options, which typically have lower costs but limited visa quotas.
How many free zones offer mobile app development?
Mobile App Development is available in 24 free zones across the UAE, spanning multiple emirates. This gives you flexibility to choose based on cost, location, and business needs.
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