Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
Education — Dubai, UAE
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Overview
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is a free zone dedicated to higher education and professional training. It hosts branch campuses of international universities and vocational institutes. DIAC licenses educational institutions, training centers, and ed-tech companies, providing a purpose-built campus environment for the education sector.
Business Activities (203)
The following 203 business activities are available in DIAC, organized by category.
Consulting (39)
E-Commerce (10)
Education (22)
Freelance (16)
Professional Services (21)
Trading (95)
| Full Name | Dubai International Academic City | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | DIAC | ||||||
| Emirate | Dubai | ||||||
| Specialty | Education | ||||||
| Notable | University campus zone | ||||||
| Website | www.diacedu.ae |
| License Fee (from) | AED 15,000 |
|---|---|
| Visa Cost Range | AED 5,000 - AED 7,000 |
| Total Year 1 (from) | AED 25,000 |
| Total Year 1 (to) | AED 45,000 |
License Packages & Costs
| Package | License Type | License Fee | Visa Cost (pp) | Visas | Office | Total Year 1 | Renewal Year 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIAC Academic License | Professional | AED 15,000 | AED 3,500 | 2 | Office | AED 39,000 | AED 30,500 |
| DIAC Campus License | Professional | AED 20,560 | AED 3,500 | 5 | Campus Space | AED 88,060 | AED 69,060 |
Other Free Zones in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in DIAC?
The cheapest package at DIAC starts from AED 39,000 for Year 1, which includes the license fee, visa allocation, and office solution. Packages range up to AED 88,060 depending on office type and visa quota.
What business activities can I do in DIAC?
DIAC offers 203 licensed business activities across 6 categories, including Consulting, E-Commerce, Education, Freelance. Each activity requires a specific license type (commercial, professional, or industrial).
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DIAC?
Yes. All UAE free zones, including DIAC, allow 100% foreign ownership. You do not need a local UAE partner or sponsor to set up your company.
How long does it take to get a license in DIAC?
Most free zones complete the licensing process within 3-7 business days once all documents are submitted. DIAC may offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
What visas can I get through DIAC?
Visa costs at DIAC range from AED 5,000 to AED 7,000 per person. You can sponsor yourself, employees, and dependents through your company. Investor visas (3 years) and employment visas (2-3 years) are the most common options.
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