Dubai Design District (d3)
Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Dubai
Description
Established in 2013, Dubai Design District (d3) is a purpose-built community dedicated to fostering the growth of the design, fashion, art, and culture sectors in Dubai. It serves as a creative ecosystem for local and international designers, artists, and entrepreneurs, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to support innovation and collaboration.

Emirate | Dubai |
Website | https://dubaidesigndistrict.com/ |
Contact Email | info@dubaidesigndistrict.com |
Contact Info |
Phone: +971 4 433 3000
Address: Dubai Design District, PO Box 333300, Dubai, UAE
|
Year Established | 2013 |
License Types | Commercial License, Service License, Freelance Permit |
License Cost | AED 15,000.00 - License costs start from around AED 15,000, varying based on the type of license and business activity. |
Formation Cost | Formation costs depend on the chosen license type, facility, and business activity. |
Minimum Capital Requirement | AED 50,000.00 - The minimum share capital required is as low as AED 50,000. |
Allowed Business Activities | Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Art Galleries, Digital Media, Marketing and Communications, Event Management, E-commerce |
Company Legal Structures | Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Branch of a Foreign/UAE Company, Freelancer |
Allowed Activities | Design Services, Creative Consultancy, Artistic Production, Media Services, Retail Operations, E-commerce Activities |
Restricted Activities | Activities requiring special approvals from UAE authorities |
Investor Visa Cost | Visa costs vary based on the investor's profile and specific requirements. |
Employee Visa Cost | Visa costs vary based on the employee's role and specific requirements. |
Processing Time (Days) | 7 days - The company setup process typically takes an estimated seven working days once all relevant paperwork and funds are submitted. |
Physical Office Required | Yes |
Office Space Options | Commercial Spaces, Co-working Spaces, Studios, Retail Spaces |
Office Space Cost | Office space costs vary based on size, location, and facility specifications. |
Virtual Office Available | No |
Bank Account Assistance | Yes |
Bank Account Cost | Assistance is provided; costs may vary depending on the chosen bank. |
Partner Banks | Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, RAKBANK |
Governing Laws | Operates under UAE federal laws and Dubai regulations. |
VAT Registration Required | Yes |
Corporate Tax Applicable | No |
Annual Audit Required | Yes |
Renewal Fees | AED 15,000.00 - Annual renewal fees start at approximately AED 15,000, varying by business activity. |
Business Restrictions | Specific activities may require additional approvals. |
Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership |
Import/Export Restrictions | No Standard customs regulations apply; specific activities may require additional approvals. |
Benefits | 100% foreign ownership, Full repatriation of profits and capital, Exemption from personal and corporate taxes, No customs duties on goods and services, Strategic location near Downtown Dubai, Access to a vibrant community of creative professionals, State-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities |
Drawbacks | Potentially higher setup and operational costs compared to other free zones |
Specific Compliance Requirements | Compliance with UAE federal laws and Dubai regulations, Adherence to industry-specific standards and practices |