Free zone · Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Company Setup
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a 7 sq km free zone and residential community in Dubai, operating under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). It is a technology park focused on knowledge and innovation, with clusters from AI and cybersecurity to robotics and future mobility, and premises ranging from co-working desks to warehouses and land.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about DSO
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Size
- 7 sq km integrated free zone and community
- Authority
- Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ)
- Focus
- Technology, knowledge and innovation
- Premises
- Co-working, offices, warehouses, light industrial units, retail, land
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership
What is DSO and how does it work?
DSO was created to promote technology-based industries in a single master-planned community where companies, staff and families can live and work. It is part of Dubai’s Urban Master Plan 2040 and, since 2021, part of DIEZ alongside Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity.
The zone organises its business community into clusters, including AI, robotics, 3D printing, cybersecurity, Web 3.0, future mobility, education and R&D, sustainability, and professional and creative services. IFZA, another Dubai free zone, also operates from a business park inside Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Activities
What can a DSO company do?
- Software, AI and IoT
- Cybersecurity and Web 3.0
- Robotics, 3D printing and electronics
- Future mobility and sustainability
- Education, R&D and professional services
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Co-working spaces and workstations
- Office space and boutique office buildings
- Warehouses and light industrial units
- Retail spaces in the community
- Land for development
Visas
How many visas can a DSO company get?
Visa capacity depends on your licence and premises. Because DSO includes residential communities, staff can live close to work; each visa still needs the standard medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and stamping.
Tax
How is a DSO company taxed?
DSO companies register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. Meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions allows 0% on qualifying income, with 9% on other taxable income.
Good fit
Who is DSO best for?
- Technology, software and hardware companies
- Start-ups wanting an innovation community
- Light assembly, R&D and electronics
- Teams who want to live and work in one district
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Commodity traders wanting a specialist hub
- Heavy industry and port-dependent logistics
- Retail aimed at the wider mainland market
Process
How to set up a company in DSO
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01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
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03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
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05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
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06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in DSO.
- 01
Match your activity to one of DSO’s technology or professional clusters.
- 02
Choose premises, from co-working to warehouses, based on visas and equipment.
- 03
Consider whether staff will live in the DSO community, which affects hiring.
- 04
Register your product names as trademarks early.
- 05
Plan corporate tax registration and records from the first month.
Frequently asked
Questions about DSO
Who runs Dubai Silicon Oasis?
Dubai Silicon Oasis operates under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), which also oversees Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity.
Is IFZA part of Dubai Silicon Oasis?
IFZA operates from the IFZA Business Park located inside Dubai Silicon Oasis. It runs its own licensing model through professional partners.
What premises are available in DSO?
Co-working desks, offices, boutique office buildings, warehouses, light industrial units, retail spaces and land for development.
Is DSO only for tech companies?
Technology is the focus, but DSO also licenses education, sustainability, professional and creative services companies within its clusters.
Can I live in Dubai Silicon Oasis?
Yes. DSO is an integrated free zone and residential community, so staff can rent homes close to their offices. A UAE residence visa allows you to live anywhere in the UAE.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure DSO is right?
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