Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), previously known as Dubai Knowledge Village, was established in 2003. Part of the renowned TECOM Group, this free zone serves the purpose of developing the talent pool in the UAE and promoting the region as a knowledge-based economy.
About Dubai Knowledge Park
DKP is a one-of-a-kind learning hub that brings together the finest educational and vocational programmes in consultancy, human resource management (HRM), personal development and training. Students here graduate with internationally recognised certificates and diplomas from Dubai Knowledge Park’s high-calibre universities and educational institutes. DKP is the only free zone in the world dedicated entirely to excellence in learning and human resource management.
The Dubai Knowledge Park which was formerly called Knowledge Village operates as several blocks. These blocks are home to some of the biggest universities and companies in Dubai. Some of the notable companies in Dubai Knowledge Village includes Cisco, Stanton Chase and more.
What Attracts Businesses to Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai Knowledge Park is a free zone, which means all businesses operating within its premises are exempted from traditional taxation laws and can operate without a local sponsor. Free zones differ from freehold areas and shouldn’t be confused as being synonymous. Free zones like Dubai Knowledge Park offer businesses a selection of world-class services and amenities in addition to:
- Complete foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of profits and capital
- Total exemption from all kinds of duties and taxes
- Smooth and straightforward incorporation process and visa issuance
Facilities at Dubai Knowledge Park
Where a standard free zone in Dubai would only offer basic benefits to its partners, Dubai Knowledge Park goes the extra mile by providing dependable business services and support structure.
Dubai Knowledge Park Business Centre
The Dubai Knowledge Park Business Centre offers products and services that cater to a variety of business clients and entities. These include:
- A Hot Desk: A shared office space, which can accommodate multiple clients at a time. These are ideal for freelancers who need a formal space for an office setup.
- Open Offices: Single office in a shared environment, furnished with an executive desk and chair, a storage cabinet and pedestal with lock and key. An open office is similar to a cubicle.
- Executive Offices: Furnished office space with an executive desk and a chair, a storage cabinet and pedestal, and visitor chairs. Office sizes vary between 100 and 250 sq. ft.
- Executive Suites: Completely furnished offices with a private reception, a small meeting room and an Executive Office.
Commercial Offices
Some of Dubai Knowledge Park’s top clients, such as Palladium, Hewitt, Gallup, Hays, and Towers Watson use the commercial offices. These are unfurnished floor/office spaces in DKP, rented out to businesses who can then furnish them to suit their individual business requirements.
Dubai Knowledge Park Value-Added Services
DKP services don’t just end at providing you a space for your business. This free zone in Dubai goes the extra mile to provide additional benefits in the form of business development, marketing and other corporate support to their partners.
AXS
Business owners in Dubai Knowledge Park receive specialised support in setting up businesses and accessing government services through ‘axs’. Whether it’s getting permits and NOCs or assistance with the visa process, ‘axs’ has you covered.
in5
TECOM’s in5 is an integrated platform for innovation, which provides start-ups and new entrepreneurs with a balanced ecosystem for growth. Here young businesses are incubated with the support of specialised design, technology, and media-related facilities.
Training Facilities and Universities in Dubai Knowledge Park
The Dubai Knowledge Park started out as the central hub for the top national and international universities in Dubai. Over time, however, the district has become more inclined towards providing human resource management and professional
learning services. Most top universities in Dubai that were once found in Dubai Knowledge Village have now moved to the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), except:
- Middlesex University Dubai
- University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
- University of Bradford Dubai
- University of Manchester, Middle East Centre
Educational services now offered at DKP focus on specialisations and the growing needs of knowledge-based economies. The courses, training and learning institutions range excelling in business management and engineering to the basics of corporate IT. There are over 500 languages, HR, consultancy, research and development and executive search companies in Dubai Knowledge Park. Each provides a multitude of specialised courses for professional grooming and excellence.
Notable institutes in Dubai Knowledge Park include:
- SAE Institute Dubai
- Eton Institute
- Institute of Knowledge and Leadership
- International Centre for Culinary Arts
Other Services in Dubai Knowledge Park
Retail Spaces and Kiosks
Dubai Knowledge Park has evolved into a self-sufficient community. It offers a variety of retail outlets that provide ancillary services to the leading businesses and universities operating in the area. Some of these retail spaces include:
- Mediclinic Al Safouh
- Marina Dental Clinic
- Emirates Driving Institute
- Pharma Zone Pharmacy
- Beauty salons
- A 24-hour convenience store
- Travel centres
- Car rental facilities
- Childcare nursery
- Vending machines
- Photocopy centres and more
Eateries
Since its inauguration, many restaurants have popped up in Dubai Knowledge Park. The area now has its own Subway, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and KFC, apart from the Dubai Knowledge Park Food Court. Other speciality eateries like Thai Terrace, Beirut and Filli have also opened up. The kiosks in Dubai Knowledge Park usually are rented out to newsagents or juice and/or coffee vendors.
Networking Events in Dubai Knowledge Park
Whether you’re a student, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone who has just set up their business startup in Dubai, networking is an integral part of your professional growth. Dubai Knowledge Park conducts signature networking year round to facilitate its business community, students and other stakeholders. Their popular networking events include:
- The International University Partnerships (I-UP) Forum
- The DKP Training Open Week
- The TECOM SME Builder
- The DKP Breakfast Club
Setting Up a Business in Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai Knowledge is no ordinary free zone. Most people find setting up a business in Dubai slightly challenging, although it’s not. But for company formation in Dubai Knowledge Park, the entire process flows as smoothly as water. Managed by TECOM – a renowned industry-specialised operator and developer – DKP has a specific list of business activities and segments that are permitted within its parameters. As long as your preferred business activity falls within that list, you can operate in DKP as a:
- Free zone limited liability company (FZ-LLC)
- Branch of a UAE/foreign company
- Freelancer
Their website provides a straightforward form for the license request and submission of a business plan, along with a list of other requirements. The process is seamless and simple – something you can quickly complete online. In case you have trouble figuring out your way forward, you can always reach out to the DKP business development team for assistance. All this convenience makes Dubai Knowledge Park stand out among other free zones in Dubai.
For Contact and Inquiries
- Contact: +971-4-390-1111
- Email: info@dkp.ae
- Directions: Located on Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Knowledge Park is easily accessible via Al Khail. Sheikh Zayed, Emirate, and Mohammed Bin Zayed Roads. When coming from Dubai Marina take the first right on Al Safouh Road, immediately after the Palm Jumeirah Flyover.
The other feature that make DKP standout among other free zones in Dubai, is its prime location. The Dubai Knowledge Park location puts it in excellent proximity to the Dubai Media City and the Dubai Internet City free zones – refer to our Dubai Media City guide for more information. This allows students, employees, and entrepreneurs in DKP to gain valuable hands-on experiences of trending regional media, business and IT insights that enhance their learning.
Dubai Knowledge Park is a complete destination for anyone seeking quality higher education or a chance to hone their professional, lingual, and overall skills to succeed. While this free zone district in Dubai provides a valuable blend of facilities, there is no independent housing available in the area.
Thankfully, there are many areas that provide affordable apartments for rent near Dubai Knowledge Park. If you wish to live in proximity to DKP, try finding a suitable rental apartment in Barsha Heights. Alternatively, you can even consider rental apartments in Dubai Media City or the apartments for rent in Dubai Internet City.
