Dubai Airport Freezone, developed in 1996, is among the fastest-growing free zones in the Middle East. It offers investors an attractive package of benefits, making it one of Dubai's most distinguished and advanced free zones. The area provides a business-friendly environment with world-class infrastructure, tax exemptions, full ownership, and easy repatriation of earnings. Located next to Dubai International Airport, it ensures swift clearance and efficient paperwork processing, enhancing business operations. This makes it an ideal location for companies looking to establish a strong presence in the Middle East.
The Dubai Airport Freezone is a prime destination for international businesses, supporting over 20 industries such as logistics, IT, aviation, and telecommunications. With over 2,500 companies and 20,000 professionals operating in the zone, it offers business-friendly regulations, full company ownership, and efficient visa processes. Its strategic location near key roads like Al Quds Street (D91), Al Ittihad Road (E11), and the DAFZA Metro Station ensures excellent connectivity for companies and employees. Additionally, the area is well-connected to nearby neighbourhoods, offering investors various residential options, including villas, family homes, and luxury apartments.
Key Highlights of Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai
What's Great Here!
The area is close to shopping malls, supermarkets, hospitals, and schools, making it convenient for families and professionals.
Being in a prime free zone, residents nearby benefit from proximity to one of Dubai’s leading business districts, offering networking opportunities.
It is located near Dubai International Airport, providing easy access for frequent travellers.
The area is well-connected by major roads like Al Quds Street and Al Ittihad Road. The DAFZA Metro Station on the Green Line further enhances accessibility.
What Needs Attention!
The proximity to the airport and busy commercial activities can increase noise levels.
It is primarily a commercial zone with limited residential properties.
Due to its proximity to the airport, the area experiences heavy traffic during peak hours.
Real Estate Overview in Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai
Dubai Airport Freezone offers various commercial properties catering to diverse business needs. The area primarily includes furnished office spaces, customisable warehouses, and retail outlets. Office spaces as small as 269 sq. ft. come fully equipped with IT support, housekeeping services, and dedicated parking. Warehouses, often around 3,358 sq. ft., are customisable and include options for cold storage, making them ideal for logistics and freight companies. Commercial buildings are available for purchase for large businesses.
Off-Plan Trends in Dubai Airport Freezone
Off-plan trends in the Dubai Airport Freezone focus on commercial property developments, highlighting its role as a business hub near Dubai International Airport. The area offers office spaces, warehouses, and retail units for sale and rent. The new off-plan projects in the area offer customisable and scalable solutions to meet the needs of various industries, including logistics, IT, and aviation.
Dubai Airport Freezone offers commercial properties for rent, such as office spaces, warehouses, and retail units. Given the area’s focus on business operations, the demand for commercial properties for rent in DAFZA is consistently high due to its strategic location near Dubai International Airport and its tax-free advantages. The area also provides hotel apartments for rent in DAFZA near the Dubai Airport Freezone. These are generally occupied by professionals in the zone and provide convenient access to workspaces.
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) Property Prices for Property Types for Rent
Property Type
Min Price (AED)
Max Price (AED)
Avg Rent Per Sq.Ft. (AED)
Property Count
Apartments
75 Thousand
300 Thousand
127
5
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) Property Prices for Unit Types for Rent
With limited residential options, the Dubai Airport Freezone comprises office spaces, warehouses, retail, and industrial units. Its status drives sale trends as a top free zone with strategic business benefits, excellent infrastructure, and airport proximity. Investors are drawn to commercial properties' stability and growth potential in this prime business area. One can find several commercial properties for sale in DAFZA with multiple facilities and amenities to set up businesses.
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) Property Prices for Property Types for Sale
Property Type
Min Price (AED)
Max Price (AED)
Avg Price Per Sq.Ft. (AED)
Property Count
Apartments
1.1 Million
7.5 Million
1.93 Thousand
15
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) Property Prices for Unit Types for Sale
Public transport in the Dubai Airport Freezone is well-developed, providing convenient commuting options. The area is accessible via the Dubai Metro, with the DAFZA Metro Station on the Green Line. The zone’s strategic location near Al Quds Street and Al Ittihad Street makes it easily accessible by car, with well-planned highways and ample parking facilities. In addition to the metro, several bus routes serve the area and connect Dubai Airport Freezone to important locations.
Bus Line Number
Destination
13
Al Nakhal - 01 to Dubai Airport Freezone Metro Bus Stop - 01
17
Al Nahda 2 to Dubai Airport Freezone Metro Bus Stop - 01
C26
Air Port Terminal 2 to Dubai Airport Freezone Metro Bus Stop - 01
F08
Al Quasis to DAFZA - 01
64
Al Nahada Metro Bus Stop - 01 to Dubai Airport Freezone Metro Bus Stop - 01
Amenities
Nurseries/ Educational Institutes
Supermarkets
Healthcare Facilities
Places of Worship
Dubai Airport Freezone is surrounded by several educational institutes, making it convenient for professionals working in the area with children. Here are some of the best nurseries/educational institutes nearby:
British Orchard Nursery
Chubby Cheeks Nursery
World Nursery
Cambridge International School
Star International School
Al Salam Community School
Dubai Airport Freezone offers convenient access to supermarkets and grocery stores, ensuring employees and visitors can easily access daily essentials. Here are some of the prominent supermarkets nearby:
Zoom Grocery Store
West Zone Fresh Supermarket
Talal Supermarket
Noor Al Quasis Supermarket
New Pasons Supermarket Quasis
Shop N Save Supermarket
The area has access to essential healthcare facilities, ensuring that the health needs of professionals and residents are met. Some of the top heathcare facilities in the Dubai Airport Freezone include:
Al Kuwait Hospital Dubai
Aster Hospital
DAFZA Medical Fitness Centre
Dubai London Clinic & Speciality Hospital
American Hospital Dubai
Several places of worship are available near the Dubai Airport Freezone. These include –
Mosques Nearby:
Anas Bin Malik Mosque
Mohammad Hassan Al Shaikh Mosque
DAFZA Mosque
Al Noor Mosque
Zaid Bin Thabit Mosque
Abdulla Rashid Al Suwaidi Mosque
Churches Nearby:
Church of Pentecost
The Dubai City Church
Holy Trinity Church
St Mary’s Catholic Church
Gurudwara Nearby:
Gurudwara Al Aweeb and Sri Gurudwara Sahib are the closest to the Dubai Airport Freezone.
Hindu Temples Nearby:
SMVS Mandir and Shiva Temple are the only Hindu temples close to the area.
Buddhist Temple Nearby:
Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple is the only Buddhist temple near the Dubai Airport Freezon
Best Hotels in Dubai Airport Freezone
Dubai Airport Freezone is a prime business hub. While the area primarily focuses on commercial activities, several quality hotels nearby cater to business travellers and visitors. These hotels offer a range of amenities, from comfortable stays to easy access to Dubai International Airport. Here are some of the best hotels close to Dubai Airport Freezone:
Fortune Plaza Hotel
Holiday Inn Express
Hampton by Hilton
Time Grand Plaza Hotel
Hotel DXB
Premier Inn Dubai International Airport Hotel
Lifestyle
Shopping Centres/ Malls
Restaurants/ Dining
Beaches Nearby
Leisure Activities Nearby
Dubai Airport Freezone is surrounded by several shopping destinations providing plenty of options. Here are some of the shopping centres and malls nearby:
Dubai Airport Freezone and the surrounding areas have various dining options ranging from quick bites to multi-cuisine restaurants. Here are some of the famous restaurants and dining options nearby:
DAFZA Food Court
Asian 5 – DAFZA
Najmath Al Noor Restaurant
Coffee Club – DAFZA
Spring Onion Cafe & Restaurant
If you’re looking to unwind by the sea, there are a few beaches close to Dubai Airport Freezone where you can enjoy a relaxing day. Popular beaches near Dubai Airport Freezone are:
Al Mamzer Beach
Jumeira Beach
Sharjah Beach
La Mer Beach
Dubai Airport Freezone is close to several leisure destinations offering various relaxation and recreation activities. These include –
Al Mamzar Beach Park: Just a 12-minute drive from the area, this popular beach park offers swimming areas, picnic spots, and family-friendly activities. It also has green spaces, barbecue areas, and a family park.
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club: About a 13-minute drive from Dubai Airport Freezone, this iconic golf club features an 18-hole championship golf course. It’s a favourite spot for golf enthusiasts and also offers dining options and a picturesque view of Dubai Creek.
Deira City Centre: This major shopping mall is just 14 minutes away by car and offers retail outlets, cinemas, restaurants, and several family attractions.
Parks in Al Twar: The nearby Al Twar area has several parks with jogging tracks, playgrounds, and green spaces for relaxation, making it a convenient spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
City Centre Mirdif: A 15-minute drive from DAFZA, this mall features various entertainment options, such as Magic Planet, iFly Dubai (an indoor skydiving experience), and Vox Cinemas.
The Dubai Airport Freezone is strategically located near key areas in Dubai, offering convenient access and short commute times. Here’s an overview of the distances and approximate commute times from Dubai Airport Freezone to some popular locations:
Deira City Centre is located 6.5 km away from the location.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is around 2 km.
Dubai Festival City is around 9 km away from the area.
Dubai Mall is located around 18 km.
Al Mamzar Beach is approximately 8 km away.
Mirdif City Centre is around 12 km from the Dubai Airport Freezone.
Dubai Airport Freezone Dafza, Dubai
Please Select the destination to calculate the travel time.
Rating and Reviews
Shaheen Sheikh
Strategic Location & Seamless Connectivity
As a business owner, setting up operations in Dubai Airport Freezone was one of my best decisions. The proximity to the airport makes logistics seamless, and the modern infrastructure is perfect for global connectivity.
Mohammad Bilal
Proximity to Prominent Schools & Hospitals
Living close to Dubai Airport Freezone has been surprisingly convenient for our family. Not only is it well-connected for work, but we also found great schools nearby, like Cambridge International School, which is just a short drive away. The presence of quality healthcare facilities like Aster Hospital gives us a sense of security.
Emily Tyson
Setting up in Dubai Airport Freezone initially seemed like a good idea, but I quickly noticed the limitations. The area focuses heavily on business, with few amenities or leisure options nearby.
Rahim Ahmad
Effortless Business Travel & Convenience
As someone who frequently travels for work, I find Dubai Airport Freezone incredibly convenient. It’s easy to get from the airport to meetings and back with zero hassle. The quick access to business lounges and nearby hotels is a huge plus.
Priya Saini
Excellent Dining Choices
I didn’t know what to expect when visiting Dubai Airport Freezone as a tourist, but it was quite interesting. It was unique to see how the business side of the airport operates. Also, the several restaurants, dining options, and malls around the area won’t disappoint you.
Dubai Airport Freezone is not a freehold area but a free zone. This means businesses can operate in the area with benefits, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, etc. However, property ownership is based on a leasehold rather than a freehold.
What are the top attractions in the Dubai Airport Freezone?
Top attractions near Dubai Airport Freezone include City Centre Mardif, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Deira City Centre Mall, and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
How do I get to Dubai Airport Freezone by bus and metro, and which is the nearest metro station?
You can reach Dubai Airport Freezone by taking the Dubai Metro Green Line to the DAFZA Metro Station. Buses 13B, 17, C26, and F08 also serve the area.
What are the best communities in the Dubai Airport Freezone?
Dubai Airport Freezone primarily focuses on commercial activities, so no residential communities are directly within it. However, nearby communities like Al Twar, Al Qusais, and Al Garhoud offer convenient residential options for professionals and families.
What are the best hotels and restaurants in Dubai Airport Freezone?
The best hotels near Dubai Airport Freezone include Holiday Inn Express, Hampton by Hilton, Time Grand Plaza Hotel, Hotel DXB, and Premier Inn Dubai International Airport Hotel. The top restaurants in the area are Asian 5, DAFZA Food Court, Najmath Al Noor Restaurant, Coffee Club – DAFZA and Spring Onion Cafe & Restaurant.
Which are the famous supermarkets in Dubai Airport Freezone?
The famous supermarkets in Dubai Airport Freezone include West Zone Fresh Supermarket, Talal Supermarket, Noor Al Quasis Supermarket, New Pasons Supermarket Quasis, and Shop N Save Supermarket.
What are the best schools in Dubai Airport Freezone?
The best schools near the Dubai Airport Freezone include Cambridge International School, Star International School and Al Salam Community School. British Orchard Nursery, Chubby Cheeks Nursery and World Nursery offer quality early education for younger children.
Which are the best hospitals and clinics in the Dubai Airport Freezone?
The Dubai Airport Freezone features the DAFZA Medical Fitness Centre for basic healthcare needs. Nearby, Aster Hospital in Al Qusais and Al Kuwait Hospital provide comprehensive medical care. Additionally, several clinics and pharmacies offer specialised services.
Which are the famous places of worship in the Dubai Airport Freezone?
Dubai Airport Freezone has community mosques, such as Anas Bin Malik Mosque, Mohammad Hassan Al Shaikh Mosque, DAFZA Mosque, Al Noor Mosque, Zaid Bin Thabit Mosque and Abdulla Rashid Al Suwaidi Mosque. Nearby areas offer access to churches such as the Church of Pentecost, The Dubai City Church, Holy Trinity Church and St Mary’s Catholic Church. Nearby Gurudwaras, Hindu and Buddhist temples are Gurudwara Al Aweeb, Sri Gurudwara Sahib, SMVS Mandir and Shiva Temple, and Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple.
What are the pros and cons of living in Dubai Airport Freezone?
Living near the Dubai Airport Freezone offers excellent connectivity, proximity to the airport, business opportunities, and access to amenities. However, the cons include limited residential options, noise pollution, traffic congestion, and higher living costs.