Free zone · Dubai
Setting up in DWTC Free Zone
The Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone sits in Dubai's central business district, stretching from the historic Rashid Tower to the One Central development next door. It is run by the DWTC Authority alongside the region's best-known exhibition and convention centre, which makes it popular with event organisers and businesses that rely on trade shows. The zone lists more than 1,200 activities and offers FZE, FZCO and branch structures, with space from flexi desks and co-working hubs to private executive offices. It has also become a base for virtual asset companies, which need both a VARA licence and a DWTC operating licence.
Packages from AED 8,000 (published starting price; your total depends on activity, visas and office) · estimate a full setup
Updated
Who DWTC suits
- Event, exhibition and conference businesses
- Virtual asset and crypto firms seeking a Dubai base
- Professional firms wanting a central business district address
Key facts
- Located in Dubai's central business district, from Rashid Tower to One Central
- Linked to the region's leading exhibition and convention centre
- More than 1,200 licensable activities with FZE, FZCO and branch options
- Flexi desks, co-working, business centres and executive offices
- Recognised base for virtual asset companies operating under VARA
Things to weigh up
- Central location usually means higher office costs than outer free zones
- Virtual asset businesses need VARA licensing on top of the DWTC licence
- No warehousing, so it is not suited to goods-heavy trading
DWTC questions
Can I set up a crypto company in DWTC Free Zone?
Yes, but virtual asset activities need a licence from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) as well as a DWTC operating licence.
Is DWTC Free Zone only for event companies?
No. Events are a natural fit, but the zone licenses a wide range of commercial and professional activities.
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Costs and detailsGet your DWTC setup cost
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