Companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone: 15 Global Brands to Know

The companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) include some of the world’s best-known names in aviation, cars, luxury and technology, all working from one business district beside Dubai International Airport. More than 3,400 businesses are registered here, and many use the zone as their base for the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

This guide lists 15 of those companies by sector, with locations and phone numbers. It also covers how company formation works in the zone and which nearby communities suit people who work there.

• What is Dubai Airport Free Zone?
• Reasons global brands set up in DAFZ
• Aviation companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Automotive and mobility companies
• Luxury, fashion, and consumer brands
• IT, technology, and logistics companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Company list in Dubai Airport Free Zone: Quick overview
• Company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Living near Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

What is Dubai Airport Free Zone?

Dubai Airport Free Zone is a business free zone set up in 1996 next to Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport (DXB). It sits at the junction of Al Quds Street and Damascus Street and falls under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), which also oversees Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity.

According to DAFZ, the zone hosts more than 3,400 registered businesses and over 20,000 professionals across more than 20 sectors. The Dubai Airport Free Zone Metro Station on the Green Line serves the area, and DAFZ runs a free shuttle bus from nearby metro stations.

Reasons global brands set up in DAFZ

Multinationals choose DAFZ mainly for its location and its business-friendly rules. The main advantages include the following:

• Airport access: Offices sit beside DXB, which suits companies moving spare parts, luxury goods and electronics by air.
• Full ownership: Foreign investors can own 100% of their company and repatriate their profits in full.
• Fast customs: The zone offers 24-hour customs services and quick cargo clearance.
• Flexible space: Options range from single desks to warehouses at the DAFZ Industrial Park in Al Qusais.

Explore the Available Properties for rent in Al Qusais

Aviation companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Aviation is a natural fit for a zone built beside one of the world’s busiest airports. These aviation companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone support airlines, private jet operators and maintenance teams across the region.

1. Airbus

The European aircraft maker runs its regional customer office from DAFZ, supporting airlines across the Middle East and Africa. The zone is also home to the Airbus Africa and Middle East Training Centre, where pilots and engineers train on Airbus aircraft.

• Phone: +971 4 602 7800
• Location: East Wing 2, Mezzanine Floor, Dubai Airport Free Zone

2. Boeing

Boeing, the US maker of commercial jets and defence systems, operates in Dubai through Boeing International Corporation. Its Dubai distribution facility acts as a regional parts hub, supplying airlines, defence customers and general aviation operators across the Middle East.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

3. Rolls-Royce

The British engineering group is one of the world’s leading makers of aircraft engines. Its Trent engine family powers many of the widebody jets flown by Gulf airlines, and the company also supplies power systems and support services to customers in the region.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

4. Jet Aviation

Owned by General Dynamics, Jet Aviation provides services for business jet owners and operators. In Dubai, it runs a private jet terminal and a maintenance base for business jets and helicopters, along with aircraft management and charter services.

• Phone: +971 4 207 3411
• Location: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai

Automotive and mobility companies

Several car and tyre brands manage regional sales, dealer support and parts supply from DAFZ, covering markets across the Middle East, Africa and India.

1. Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group Middle East is the German carmaker’s regional office for its Middle East operations. It works through Audi Volkswagen Middle East, the regional company that handles distribution, marketing, dealer support, after-sales and parts supply for Volkswagen and Audi.

• Location: Building 8WA, West Wing, Dubai Airport Free Zone

2. Audi

Audi Volkswagen Middle East is the official importer and distributor of Audi in the region. From its DAFZ office, the team supports dealers with sales, marketing and after-sales services across Middle East markets.

• Phone: +971 4 547 9500
• Location: Office 101, Building 8WA, West Wing, Dubai Airport Free Zone

3. Bentley

The British luxury carmaker, part of the Volkswagen Group, has its regional headquarters in DAFZ. The office oversees Bentley’s business and dealer network across the Middle East, India and Africa.

• Phone: +971 4 293 6970
• Location: 8th Floor, Building 4EA, East Wing, Dubai Airport Free Zone

4. Michelin

The French tyre maker opened its DAFZ office in 2019 as the headquarters for its Africa, India and Middle East region. The team here manages Michelin’s business across dozens of markets in these three regions.

• Location: 2nd Floor, Building 8WA, Dubai Airport Free Zone

Luxury, fashion, and consumer brands

Fast customs clearance and airport access make DAFZ a practical base for high-value and fast-moving goods. These brands use the zone to manage regional trade, distribution and marketing.

1. Chanel

The French fashion house is known for haute couture, fragrance, beauty and fine jewellery. Chanel is among the luxury names with a registered entity in DAFZ, supporting a regional presence that includes boutiques and beauty counters in major UAE malls.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

2. Richemont

The Swiss luxury group owns Maisons such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Its regional headquarters for the Middle East, India, Africa and Türkiye is in Dubai, with its operations centre based in DAFZ.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

3. Hershey

The US company behind chocolate and snack brands such as Hershey’s and Reese’s runs its Middle East trading office from DAFZ. The regional team supports the trade and distribution of its products across the Middle East.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

4. Red Bull

Red Bull FZE is a subsidiary of the Austrian energy drink company, set up in DAFZ to market Red Bull products in the UAE and the wider region. The brand is also known locally for the sports and cultural events it organises.

• Location: East Wing, Dubai Airport Free Zone

IT, technology, and logistics companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Electronics, electrical and ICT firms form the largest group of businesses in DAFZ, according to the zone’s published results. Alongside IT companies in Dubai Airport Free Zone, the district hosts logistics and industrial safety firms that keep goods and people moving.

1. Epson

The Japanese technology company makes printers, projectors and other imaging products. Epson Middle East, fully owned by Seiko Epson Corporation, began operating from DAFZ in 2024 as a regional sales hub for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

• Phone: +971 4 306 8900
• Location: Office 401, Building 6WA, Dubai Airport Free Zone

2. DHL

The global logistics group offers express delivery, freight forwarding and supply chain services. DHL Global Forwarding grew its UAE network in 2024 after acquiring Danzas AEI Emirates, adding key sites in Dubai Airport Free Zone, Jebel Ali Freezone and Dubai World Central.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

3. MSA Middle East

MSA Middle East is the regional arm of MSA Safety, a US company founded in 1914. It supplies breathing apparatus, gas and flame detection systems, fire helmets and fall protection equipment to industries across the region, working through a network of distributors.

• Location: Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai

Company list in Dubai Airport Free Zone: Quick overview

Company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone

Company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone follows three steps set out by DAFZ: choose a licence, choose a company type and choose a business space.

Licence types

• Trade: Import, export, distribution and storage, with an e-commerce option.
• General Trading: Trading across a wider range of product categories.
• Service: Consultancy and other professional services.
• Industrial: Light manufacturing and assembly.
• Dual licence: Lets a DAFZ company trade on the Dubai mainland without a separate mainland office.
• Talent Pass: For freelancers in media, technology and education.

Company types and office options

You can register a Freezone Company with one to 50 shareholders and a minimum share capital of AED 1, a Public Limited Company for businesses planning an IPO, or a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company. Space options include flexi desks, furnished offices, a business centre and warehouses at the DAFZ Industrial Park.

Note: UAE corporate tax applies to free zone companies, although qualifying free zone income can be taxed at 0%. Speak to a tax adviser before you set up, and read our guide on how to get a trade licence in the UAE for a wider view of your options.

Living near Dubai Airport Free Zone

Short commutes are a big draw for people who work in DAFZ. Al Qusais, Al Nahda, and Al Twar are the closest communities, with the Al Qusais and Al Nahda metro stations one stop either side of the DAFZ station. Many professionals look at apartments for rent in Al Qusais for their mix of prices and easy Metro access.

Families who want more space often consider villas for rent in Mirdif, a short drive east of the zone, with Muhaisnah and Al Rashidiya also nearby. Browse properties for rent in Dubai on Property Finder to compare homes within easy reach of DAFZ.

Key takeaways

• DAFZ sits next to Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport and hosts more than 3,400 businesses across over 20 sectors.
• Aviation, automotive, luxury and technology brands such as Airbus, Audi, Richemont and Epson run regional operations from the zone.
• Setting up involves three steps: choosing a licence, a company type and a business space, with a minimum share capital of AED 1.
• Al Qusais, Al Nahda and Al Twar are the closest residential areas for people working in DAFZ.

FAQs

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