TL;DR
- Dubai launched the
One Freezone Passport allowing companies to operate across all free zones with a single licence. - Louis Vuitton is the first company to expand using this initiative, operating in both JAFZA and DWTC Free Zone.
- The programme speeds up business expansion, completing setups in as little as five days.
- The initiative supports Dubai’s goal to become a top global destination for investment and business.
In a move set to redefine how global businesses operate in the region, Dubai has introduced a bold and streamlined model for commercial expansion: the One Freezone Passport. This initiative, launched by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC), allows companies to operate across all free zones in the emirate under a single business licence, a significant departure from the traditionally segmented model where separate licences were required for each zone. The programme represents a major step in Dubai’s long-term strategy to become one of the most agile and investor-friendly economies in the world. It also brings a powerful new proposition to the table: a single regulatory gateway into over 30 free zones across the city, each offering unique advantages in sectors ranging from technology and media to logistics and luxury retail.
Unlocking a Unified Business Ecosystem
The One Freezone Passport is a cornerstone initiative in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a strategy that aims to position Dubai among the top global cities for business and investment. With this new system in place, companies licensed in one free zone can expand their operations to facilities in other zones, without needing additional licences. The benefits of this integration are immediate and tangible:
- Faster setup times: Expansion across zones now takes as little as five days.
- Operational efficiency: Companies avoid the redundancy of multiple licensing requirements.
- Cost savings: Reduced administrative and legal overheads.
Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at Dubai Free Zones Council, described the One Freezone Passport as “a transformative initiative that cements Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse.” He added that by allowing businesses to expand seamlessly across Dubai’s world-class free zones, the programme “reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a premier investment destination.” The first high-profile beneficiary of this initiative is Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion house. The brand now maintains its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) while having set up its corporate office at One Za’abeel, a landmark mixed-use development within the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC Free Zone). This seamless dual-zone setup for Louis Vuitton, made possible by the One Freezone Passport, showcases the city’s ability to combine logistical infrastructure with premium commercial real estate, without the usual licensing friction.
A Case Study in Speed and Confidence
The speed with which Louis Vuitton was able to onboard its new operations, in just five business days, underscores Dubai’s commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles for international firms.Mr. Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, highlighted the significance of the Louis Vuitton onboarding, saying, “The successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, through the citywide One Freezone Passport initiative demonstrates both the calibre of businesses Dubai continues to attract and our commitment to fostering an efficient business environment. The company’s decision to expand operations into DWTC Free Zone from JAFZA reinforces international confidence in Dubai’s business ecosystem. This innovative programme from Dubai Free Zones Council enhances Dubai’s attractiveness for global enterprises by enabling seamless operations across the city’s free zones, actively contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s leading destination for international investment and business setup.” The sentiment is echoed by Amna Al Ali, Vice President, Licensing and Registration at Jebel Ali Free Zone, who described the initiative as:“A transformative approach to free zones operations in Dubai.” She explained that “the programme enables companies licensed at a single free zone to benefit from facilities located in other free zones across the emirate without requiring additional licensing. This innovative framework supports Dubai’s vision by allowing companies to expand their operational footprint through a streamlined and fast-paced process, enhancing the emirate’s competitive advantage in the global business landscape.”
What Is a Free Zone, And Why It Matters
Free zones in the UAE are special economic areas offering 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, customs benefits, and autonomous regulatory frameworks. These zones are engineered for business simplicity and cater to specific sectors like logistics, healthcare, media, fintech, and luxury retail. Today, the UAE hosts more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones, each designed to offer:
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- No corporate or income tax
- No customs duties
- Fast-track setup procedures
- Sophisticated infrastructure
- Access to regional and global markets
Dubai alone is home to over 30 free zones, with many built around industry-specific clusters. From Dubai Internet City for tech startups to Dubai Design District (d3) for creatives and fashion houses, these zones have long attracted global players seeking flexible regulatory environments and world-class infrastructure. Now, the One Freezone Passport initiative unifies this fragmented ecosystem, eliminating the silos that previously required separate incorporation and licensing processes in each zone. The implementation of the One Freezone Passport not only elevates the DWTC Free Zone’s profile, described as a “catalyst for business growth and innovation,” but signals a broader evolution in Dubai’s regulatory landscape. With this initiative, Dubai is not just attracting international businesses, it’s giving them the tools to scale quickly, reduce costs, and operate seamlessly across the emirate.FAQs:Q: What is the One Freezone Passport?It’s a new licence that lets companies operate across all Dubai free zones without needing multiple licences.Q: How many free zones does this passport cover?It covers all of Dubai’s 30+ free zones.Q: Which company was the first to use this passport?Louis Vuitton was the first to adopt the One Freezone Passport.Q: What are the main benefits of this initiative? It simplifies licensing, speeds up setup, cuts costs, and helps companies expand easily across Dubai’s free zones.
