3 Sep 2025
By Vista CorpImagine an ambitious consultant in Mumbai. A small e-commerce founder from the capital of India. A logistics startup in Bangalore. Everyone above is different, but they share one common dream: expanding to Dubai and are motivated by different goals.
The consultant wants a credible base to serve global clients, the e-commerce founder needs a digital-friendly environment with cost-effective packages, and the logistics startup is searching for warehouses and industrial land to grow operations across the GCC.
Despite such differences, there are still some common paths, like 100% foreign ownership, easy visa allocation, a business-friendly base, and affordability. While looking for options, three names keep coming up: IFZA, Meydan, and RAKEZ.
Now, all three of these free zones might look attractive, but each has its pros and cons.. One might be better for consultants, another ideal for SMEs in services, and another a powerhouse for trading and logistics. Here comes the big question: which free zone truly offers the best value for solopreneurs and SMEs: IFZA, Meydan, or RAKEZ?
What is IFZA?
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is one of Dubai’s fastest-growing free zones, designed to support entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and SMEs with flexible packages. Known for affordability, quick setup, and a wide range of activities, IFZA provides one of the most diverse ranges of Dubai Free Zone license types, giving entrepreneurs the freedom to select activities that match their business vision.
It stands out because of its streamlined process, simplified documentation, and attractive Free Zone Visa Packages in the UAE, making it an appealing choice for startups and consultants looking for cost-effective solutions. With 100% foreign ownership and minimal bureaucracy, IFZA has quickly become one of the best-value free zones for new businesses.
What is Meydan?
Meydan Free Zone is located in the heart of Dubai and offers businesses a prestigious address connected to the iconic Meydan Hotel. Many startups and small firms prefer it because of its strategic location and ease of registration.
Another attractive feature is the Meydan Free Zone Hotel Business Address, which allows companies to register their entity in a prime Dubai location without having to invest in a large office space. Meydan is also known for its digital-first processes, making company registration smooth, modern, and efficient.
What is RAKEZ?
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the largest and most established free zones in the UAE, located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It caters to a wide spectrum of industries, from trading to heavy manufacturing and logistics. Entrepreneurs often evaluate RAKEZ vs. Meydan for Logistics, since RAKEZ provides specialised warehouses, industrial land, and facilities for companies that rely on import and export.
RAKEZ is also attractive for its competitive pricing and variety of packages, giving investors flexibility based on their scale and budget. With 100% foreign ownership and industry-specific clusters, RAKEZ has long been a go-to choice for both startups and established global firms.
11 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Between IFZA, Meydan, or RAKEZ
Before you decide on a free zone, pause and ask yourself these important questions. Your answers will help determine whether IFZA, Meydan, or RAKEZ is the best fit for your business:
1. What is my core business activity?
(Consulting, trading, e-commerce, or logistics, each free zone is better suited for specific industries.)
2. Do I need a prestigious business address in central Dubai, or is affordability more important?
(Meydan offers prestige, IFZA offers affordability, and RAKEZ offers industrial credibility.)
3. Will I require warehouses or industrial land for my operations?
(If yes, RAKEZ is usually the strongest choice.)
4. How many visas will my business need in the short and long term?
(Compare the flexibility of Free Zone Visa Packages in the UAE across the three zones.)
5. Do I plan to operate purely online or through e-commerce?
(IFZA and Meydan both offer good solutions, but IFZA is often seen as the best free zone for e-commerce in the UAE.)
6. Is bank account support crucial for my setup?
(Not all free zones offer the same level of bank account support in the UAE. IFZA and RAKEZ tend to have stronger ties.)
7. Do I want the flexibility of a no-audit environment?
(IFZA and Meydan are generally no-audit free zones, while RAKEZ may require audits depending on the activity.)
8. Am I planning to expand to the mainland later?
(If yes, check whether the free zone offers dual licensing options in the UAE.)
9. How much am I willing to spend upfront for licenses and office space?
(Do a business setup cost comparison in the UAE to see which free zone aligns with your budget.)
10. Will I benefit more from being in central Dubai, or is proximity to ports more valuable?
(Meydan and IFZA are city-based, while RAKEZ is strategically placed for import/export.)
11. What kind of community and networking opportunities do I want?
(Meydan is great for consultants meeting clients, IFZA has a growing SME base, and RAKEZ is more functional for industrial clusters.)
IFZA vs. Meydan vs. RAKEZ: Complete Comparison for Solopreneurs and SMEs
Compare IFZA, Meydan, and RAKEZ to discover which free zone offers the best value for solopreneurs and SMEs. From licenses and visa packages to office options and scalability, here’s everything you need to know before making your decision.
| Feature / Criteria | IFZA | Meydan | RAKEZ |
| Location | Dubai Silicon Oasis area | Central Dubai & linked to Meydan Hotel | Ras Al Khaimah (Northern Emirate) |
| Best For | Consultants, solopreneurs, SMEs, and general trading | Consultants, freelancers, and e-commerce startups | Logistics, manufacturing, heavy industries, and trading |
| Prestige / Address | Modern & affordable | Prestigious Meydan Free Zone Hotel Business Address | Functional, and not luxury-driven |
| License Types | Very wide range of Dubai Free Zone license types (trading, consulting, professional, and e-commerce) | Mainly service-based and consultancy-friendly | Broad: trading, industrial, manufacturing, media, and logistics |
| Visa Packages | Flexible Free Zone Visa Packages in the UAE | Visa allocation tied to packages | Generous visa allocations linked to office/warehouse size |
| Office Options | Flexi-desk, shared offices, and private offices | Virtual offices, hotel-based addresses, and co-working | Flexi-desk, offices, warehouses, and industrial land |
| Bank Account Support | Strong banking tie-ups and fast account setup | Limited support, but location prestige helps | Solid support for corporate accounts, especially for trading/logistics |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Requirement | No audit required (No-audit Free Zone) | No audit for most small setups | An audit may be required depending on business activity |
| Dual Licensing | Available in select cases | Limited | Limited |
| E-commerce Focus | Best Free Zone for e-commerce in the UAE | Good for freelancers and online consultants | Not strongly focused on e-commerce |
| Logistics & Manufacturing | Limited facilities | Not suitable | Strong: RAKEZ vs. Meydan for logistics is usually in RAKEZ’s favour due to warehouses and industrial land |
| Ease of Setup | Very fast & simplified documentation | Digital-first, and easy online registration | Slightly longer but structured |
| Business Setup Cost | Budget-friendly for startups. IFZA is one of the cheapest options | Competitive for consultants and solopreneurs | Cost-effective for industrial-scale setups, but higher for small service firms |
| Community & Networking | Growing community of SMEs | Central location = better access to events and clients | More functional, fewer networking events |
| Scalability | Easy to upgrade activities or add visas | Good for service-based growth | Excellent for large-scale expansion (factories, warehouses, industrial clusters) |
| Industry Clusters | General business focus | Consultants & service providers | Trading, manufacturing, and industrial |
| Proximity to Dubai | Inside Dubai | Central Dubai | ~1 hour from Dubai, less convenient for daily commuting |
Quick Takeaways
- IFZA: Best for solopreneurs, SMEs, and consultants who want affordability, diverse license options, and flexible visa packages.
- Meydan: Perfect for consultants and freelancers who value a prestigious business address in central Dubai with digital-first processes.
- RAKEZ: Ideal for logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies that need warehouses, industrial land, and cost-effective large-scale setups.
RAKEZ vs. Meydan for Logistics
Comparing RAKEZ and Meydan to see which free zone is better suited for logistics businesses, from warehousing and ports access to scalability and costs.
| Feature / Criteria | RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) | Meydan Free Zone |
| Location | Ras Al Khaimah, near major seaports (RAK Port & Saqr Port) | Central Dubai, linked to Meydan Hotel |
| Logistics Focus | Strong focus: trading, shipping, warehousing, and industrial logistics | Limited logistics scope, more focused on services and consultancy |
| Warehousing & Storage | Wide range: warehouses, storage facilities, industrial land | Minimal options: mainly virtual offices or co-working spaces |
| Proximity to Ports & Airports | Close to RAK Port, Saqr Port, and 1 hour to Dubai/Sharjah airports | Central Dubai location, but farther from main shipping hubs |
| Office Options | Flexi-desk, offices, warehouses, and industrial land | Virtual offices, hotel business addresses, and co-working |
| Visa Packages | Generous visa allocations linked to warehouse/office size | Limited visa allocations tied to smaller packages |
| Bank Account Support | Strong support for trading/logistics companies to open corporate accounts | Moderate support, banking credibility relies on a central Dubai address |
| Business Setup Cost | Cost-effective for logistics, especially large-scale warehousing | More competitive for consultants and small-scale digital businesses |
| Scalability | Excellent for large-scale logistics, trading, and manufacturing expansion | Limited scalability for logistics companies |
| Best For | Trading firms, import/export businesses, logistics startups, and manufacturers | Consultants, freelancers, and service-based SMEs |
Quick Takeaway
- RAKEZ is the clear winner for logistics due to its warehouses, industrial land, and proximity to seaports.
- Meydan is better suited for consultants and service providers rather than logistics-focused companies.
Meydan vs. IFZA for Consultants
The table below presents a detailed comparison between Meydan and IFZA, highlighting their key features, advantages, and suitability for consultants.
| Feature / Criteria | Meydan Free Zone | IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) |
| Location | Central Dubai, linked to the iconic Meydan Hotel | Dubai Silicon Oasis area |
| Consultant Focus | Strong appeal for independent consultants and freelancers who want a prestigious Dubai business address | Designed for SMEs, consultants, and entrepreneurs looking for affordable packages and flexible licensing |
| Business Address | Offers the Meydan Free Zone Hotel Business Address, giving consultants a credible central Dubai presence | Modern and affordable addresses, but not as prestige-driven |
| License Types | Service-focused licenses, especially consulting and professional activities | Wide range of Dubai Free Zone license types (consulting, trading, professional, e-commerce) |
| Office Options | Virtual offices, hotel-based addresses, and co-working spaces | Flexi-desk, shared offices, and private offices |
| Visa Packages | Packages typically come with limited visas, suitable for small consultant firms | Flexible Free Zone visa packages in the UAE, scalable as consultants grow |
| Bank Account Support | Prestige of the Meydan address can support bank credibility, though limited assistance is offered | Strong bank account support, making setup smoother for new consultants |
| Business Setup Cost | Competitive for solo consultants and freelancers | Budget-friendly, often one of the cheapest for SMEs and startups |
| Networking & Community | Central Dubai location = better client-facing opportunities and access to events | A growing community of SMEs and startups, but less central |
| Best For | Consultants and freelancers who value a prestigious Dubai address and central location | Consultants, solopreneurs, and SMEs who prioritize affordability and flexibility over prestige |
Quick Takeaway
- Meydan Free Zone: Best for consultants who want a prestigious central Dubai business address and easy registration.
- IFZA: Ideal for consultants and SMEs who value affordable packages, flexible licenses, and strong visa support.
Make the Smart Move with Vista Business Setup!
Choosing between IFZA, Meydan, and RAKEZ depends on your business model, budget, and long-term goals, but one thing is certain: the right Free Zone company setup in Dubai can transform your business journey. Whether you value affordability, a prestigious address, strategic location, or industrial facilities, each of these free zones offers unique advantages.
Still, with so many options, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s where Vista Business Setup comes in. With proven expertise in UAE company formation, Vista acts as your trusted partner, helping you choose the right free zone, manage all legal formalities, register your company smoothly, and ensure compliance, while saving you valuable time and effort.
So, if you’re ready to establish your business in IFZA, Meydan, or RAKEZ, let Vista Business Setup simplify the process and guide you every step of the way.
Your ambition, our expertise. Together, we’ll build your UAE business.
