HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA)
Dubai Airport Freezone Authority, popularly known as DAFZA, is a free zone in Dubai. Established in 1996, it is adjacent to Dubai International Airport. DAFZA was a part of the strategic plan of the government to build an investment-driven economy. This free economic zone in Dubai facilitates different sectors including logistics and freight, IT, aviation, telecommunications, engineering, food and beverage, jewellery and cosmetics. It is home to more than 1,600 registered companies and 15,000 professionals looking to benefit from business-friendly laws and a range of world-class facilities.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Freezone in Dubai
- Facilitates companies associated with different industries
- Established in 1996
- More than 1.2 million sq. ft. of warehouse space
- More than 2 million sq. ft. of premium office space
- 1,600 + registered companies
- Over 15,000 registered professionals
- Exciting investment and tax incentives
- Extensive cargo handling ability
- World-class infrastructure
- Expansion plans include DAFZA Industrial Park and Dubai CommerCity
- Direct access to Dubai International Airport
- One of the fastest-growing free zones in Dubai
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
DAFZA was established in 1996 as part of the plan of developing economic free zones. Today it is one of the most rapidly growing free zone in the region. More than 1,600 companies and businesses have been set up here.
Properties in Dubai Airport Freezone
Most of the area is commercial. As for commercial properties in DAFZA, there are various offices and warehouses for rent. There are some apartments as well, mostly occupied by those working within Dubai Airport Freezone.
Transportation and Parking Spaces in Dubai Airport Freezone
The network of roads around DAFZA is well-planned to facilitate the companies especially related to the logistics and freight forwarding. Al Quds Street (D91) surrounds the area and connects to Damascus Street (D64). Moreover, if you take the D91 route, you will get to the main Beirut Street (D62), which further connects to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) on one side and Al Ittihad Road (E11) on the other.
Public Transportation in Dubai Airport Freezone
Those who prefer commuting via public transportation in Dubai Airport Freezone Authority can take a bus from the central bus station. Bus links that shuttle from here include 13B, 17, C26 and F08. These buses go all the way to key areas including Wasl Park, Al Nahda 2, Dubai Festival Centre, Al Qusais Industrial Area and Gold Souk Station.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Supermarkets in Dubai Airport Freezone
Supermarkets near DAFZA include Dawwar Al Madeena Supermarket and West Zone Fresh Supermarket. These are 3 to 5 minutes from Dubai Airport Freezone in Al Qusais. Some local shops and convenience stores are in Al Twar, around a 3-minute drive from DAFZA.
Churches, Temples and Mosques in Dubai Airport Freezone
Mosque of Omar Ibn Al Khattab, Anas Bin Malis Mosque and Mohammed Hassan Al Shaikh Mosque near Dubai Airport Freezone Authority is accessible in around 5 minutes by car. These mosques are in Al Twar 2 while a few others are in Al Twar 1 farther away from DAFZA.
As for churches near DAFZA, Winners Chapel International on 24 Airport Road, Al Garhoud is the nearest option. It is around a 9-minute short drive away.
Schools and Universities in Dubai Airport Freezone
There are some primary and secondary schools near Dubai Airport Freezone such as Star International School, Al Hudaiba Primary School, Modern Renaissance School, Cambridge International School and New World Private School.
Star International School is in Al Twar 2, around 4 minutes away from DAFZA. It offers an all-inclusive curriculum from Foundation Stage until secondary grades. The Alpha School, which is a 7-minute drive away is in Al Qusais. It follows EYFS and the National Curriculum of England.
Clinics and Hospitals in Dubai Airport Freezone
Aster Hospital near Dubai Airport Freezone is a 9-minute drive away. It is located in Al Qusais 3. Aster Clinic is one of the most notable medical service providers with branches all across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
NEARBY AREAS
As the name suggests, DAFZA is located in the airport freezone region. It is bound by some key streets connecting the area to the main road network. Dubai Airport Freezone Authority is adjacent to the Dubai International Airport, right across which you can find is Al Garhoud. Towards the northern boundaries of DAFZA, one can find Al Twar and Al Qusais.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Malls in Dubai Airport Freezone
DAFZA is a 10-minute drive from Deira City Centre, a major highlight of the culturally rich neighbourhood, Deira. It is one of the biggest shopping destinations in the region offering a wide range of restaurants, brand outlets and a hypermarket. Moreover, Al Qusais Square, Bin Shabib Mall and Madina Mall are also in proximity.

Restaurants in Dubai Airport Freezone
There are some restaurants in Dubai Airport Freezone such as Asian 5, Art Lunch, G’s, Kanaha Restaurant and Flavors. Other options are in the neighbouring communities. These include K-Grill, Bangalore Empire and Kethels Kitchen.
BEACHES NEAR Dubai Airport Freezone
At 12-minute drive from DAFZA, there is Al Mamzar Public Beach. The sandy picnic spot is home to a family park and a range of fun activities for kids and adults alike. It is one of the most popular beaches and attractions in Dubai.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS
The key landmark near DAFZA is definitely the Dubai International Airport, located right next to it. Moreover, the area has direct access to Al Ittihad Road that connects you to the culturally and historically rich community of Dubai, Deira. There is a popular landmark called Deira Clocktower, a monument built as a tribute to the first oil exports from the UAE.
It will be a 17-minute long drive to Al Mamzar Beach Park from Dubai Airport Freezone. The leisure point offers many activities and a range of eateries.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
There are many parks in Al Twar at a short drive away from DAFZA. These include central parks for families, jogging tracks and kids’ playground. Golfers around the area like to visit Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. It has an 18-hole championship golf course around 13 minutes away from DAFZA.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Dubai Airport Freezone is part of the strategic plan that was meant to facilitate foreign businesses with custom-free policies. It is a rapidly growing free zone in Dubai and a busy area near the international airport with a few residential and commercial developments. Mostly, there are offices, showrooms, warehouses and other commercial units on offer but one can also find a few apartments, most suited to those who work around the district.
FAQs about Dubai Airport Freezone
What is Dubai Airport Free Zone?
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) is a dynamic business hub in Dubai, UAE. It is a UAE tax free zone that allows companies to make the most of business-friendly laws and world-class infrastructure.
How to set up a business in DAFZA?
Setting up a company in DAFZA requires licensing as per the business-type. There are many companies already operating in Dubai Airport Freezone such as Airbus Middle East, DHL, Prestigeland and others.
Location
- An 8-minute drive from Port Saeed
- 8 to 10 minutes away from the airport
- 12 minutes away from Deira