The Bottom Line
JAFZA costs AED 12,520 less (48% savings) in your first year compared to DGDP. That’s AED 13,790 vs AED 26,310 all-in with one visa.
If speed matters more than cost, DGDP gets you operational in 7 Working Days — 2 working days faster than JAFZA.
For banking, JAFZA has high approval rates, which means smoother account opening and less paperwork. A rejected bank application can delay your launch by weeks.
Dubai · Est. 1985
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
JAFZA is the gold standard for import-export traders, logistics companies, and food distributors operating at scale. Choose JAFZA if you're importing/exporting goods, need warehouse space, and want the easiest bank approval in the UAE.
License
AED 10,500
Visa
AED 2,250
Setup
9 Working Days
Banking
High
The Pros of JAFZA
Unlimited shareholders — ideal for multi-owner trading companies
Highest bank approval rate (95%+) in the UAE
World-class warehouse and manufacturing infrastructure
Port access for cargo and logistics operations
Largest network of trading companies in one zone
Established reputation since 1985 — trusted by major banks
The Cons
9-day approval timeline
Warehouse and office spaces require additional rental investment
Larger establishment card fee (AED 350) for employers
Competitive space allocation — warehouses book quickly
Not ideal for service-only businesses due to facility focus
Dubai · Est. 2001
Dubai Gold & Diamond Park (DGDP)
DGDP is for jewelry traders, precious metals dealers, and gemstone businesses requiring secure vault storage and international trading. Choose DGDP if you deal in high-value items requiring certification, vaults, and strict compliance.
License
AED 15,200
Visa
AED 3,600
Setup
7 Working Days
Banking
Medium
The Pros of DGDP
Secure vault facilities for precious metals and diamonds
GIA certification and grading services on-site
Maximum 15 shareholders for family jewelry business structures
International gemstone trading network ecosystem
Advanced security infrastructure and insurance support
Specialized hallmarking and assay services
The Cons
Medium bank approval (68%) — precious metals trading heavily regulated
High costs: AED 15,200 license + AED 6,500 vault space + insurance
Highest visa costs tier (AED 3,600)
7-day approval timeline
Strict sanctions screening and KYC requirements for trading partners
Inventory valuation and insurance requirements add overhead
Full Cost Comparison
All figures in AED with 1 visa included. The lower value is highlighted in green.
Cost Item
JAFZA
DGDP
Business License
AED 10,500
AED 15,200
Office / Desk
Included
AED 6,500
Visa (1 person)
AED 2,250
AED 3,600
Medical Exam
AED 320
AED 340
Emirates ID
AED 370
AED 370
Establishment Card
AED 350
AED 300
Total Year 1
AED 13,790
AED 26,310
Annual Renewal (Yr 2+)
AED 9,800
AED 13,680
Banking & Compliance
Getting a bank account open is often harder than getting the license itself. Here’s what to expect at each zone.
JAFZA
JAFZA has the highest bank approval rate in the UAE (95%+) due to its 40-year track record and large trader ecosystem. All major banks have dedicated JAFZA teams. Processing takes 2–3 weeks. Bring trading contracts, supplier credentials, and expected monthly volumes to accelerate approval.
License approval takes 9 working days. JAFZA carefully reviews trading activities to prevent sanctions violations and ensures proper commodity documentation. Import/export businesses must provide supply chain documentation. FSA (Food Safety Authority) approval required for F&B activities — adds 2–3 weeks.
DGDP
DGDP has medium approval (68%) — banks require detailed inventory procedures and insurance. Processing takes 3–4 weeks. Bring gemological certifications, supplier credentials, and insurance documentation. Islamic banks and wealth management lenders are more receptive.
License approval takes 7 working days. All diamond and precious metal trading must comply with Kimberley Process and sanctions screening — automatic. Inventory documentation and insurance proof required at setup and annually. Vault rental agreements must be with DGDP-approved facilities.
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose JAFZA If…
- Your business matches: Food & Beverage, General Trading, Logistics, Manufacturing
- You want the smoothest possible banking experience
- Budget is your primary concern (AED 12,520 cheaper)
- You work remotely and don’t need a physical office
- You have multiple shareholders or investors
Choose DGDP If…
- Your business matches: Gem Certification, Jewelry Trading, Luxury Goods, Precious Metals
- You need to get operational as quickly as possible (7 Working Days)
Our Analysis
If speed is your priority, Dubai Gold & Diamond Park (DGDP) gets you operational in 7 days versus Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)'s 9-day timeline. But that faster setup comes with cost implications—Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) saves you AED 12,520 (48% less) in your first year. From a banking perspective, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has high approval prospects, making it smoother for companies needing quick account setup. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) shines for jafza is the gold standard for import-export traders, logistics companies, and food distributors operating at scale. choose jafza if you're importing/exporting goods, need warehouse space, and want the easiest bank approval in the uae., while Dubai Gold & Diamond Park (DGDP) targets dgdp is for jewelry traders, precious metals dealers, and gemstone businesses requiring secure vault storage and international trading. choose dgdp if you deal in high-value items requiring certification, vaults, and strict compliance.. Choose Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) if budget drives your decision and your business model fits jafza is the gold standard for import-export traders, logistics companies, and food distributors operating at scale. choose jafza if you're importing/exporting goods, need warehouse space, and want the easiest bank approval in the uae.. Neither zone dominates across all dimensions—your choice depends on whether you prioritize cost efficiency or banking relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our tools