41% growth in the number of new licenses "Dubai Trade Centre"
Dubai, May 18 / WAM / The Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone recorded a strong performance across various key indicators during 2025, driven by a significant increase in the issuance of new licenses, continued renewal rates, and the growing diversity in the community of companies operating within the free zone.
According to a press release issued today regarding the annual results for the year 2025, the number of new licenses issued during the year 2025 reached 850, an increase of 41% compared to the previous year, in an indicator that reflects the growing confidence in the Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone as a preferred destination for establishing businesses.
License renewal processes maintained strong levels, reaching 1,822 licenses, supported by a renewal rate of 96%, and by the end of December 2025, the total number of existing companies within the free zone exceeded 2,500 companies.
The workforce in the free zone witnessed remarkable growth during the year 2025, as the number of employee visas increased by 20% on an annual basis to exceed 8,000 visas.
The number of nationalities represented within the free zone companies also increased from 107 to 148 nationalities, a growth rate of 38%, which reflects the growing attractiveness of the Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone for international companies looking to establish their businesses within the central business district in Dubai.
Abdullah Al-Banna, Vice President of Regulatory Operations for the Free Zone at the Dubai World Trade Center, said: The results of 2025 reflect the continued growth and increasing diversity of the business community that chooses the Free Zone of the Dubai World Trade Center as its headquarters in Dubai. From international brands to emerging technology companies and virtual asset companies, the diversity of companies operating within the free zone reflects the strength of our integrated system.
He added that Dubai enjoys a great deal of attractiveness and flexibility in the business sector, and in turn, the Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone continues to consolidate its position as a preferred destination for companies looking to grow within an interconnected economic system that looks to the future.
Growth during 2025 was led by three main sectors, which included sports and entertainment, supported by prestigious institutions based in the Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone, including the Global Alliance for Integrity in Sports (SIGA), the International Sports and Entertainment Zone (ISEZA), in addition to the virtual assets sector, and professional services based on artificial intelligence, reflecting the continued momentum witnessed by the technology sector in Dubai.
Among the most prominent companies that have established a presence within the free zone in 2025 are: Louis Vuitton, KPMG, Baker Tilly, Deutsche Messe, and the Global Alliance for Integrity in Sports.
The year 2025 also witnessed the addition of two new business centers, “Sentinel Business Center” and “Biz Elite”, which contributed to expanding the range of flexible workspace solutions available to free zone companies within One Central, Sheikh Rashid Tower, the Convention Tower, and “One Zabeel”.
The Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone services include more than 1,200 licensed business activities, along with a range of competitive advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, full transfer of capital and profits, and dual licensing options. The free zone also launched the innovative “multiple share classes” framework, with the aim of supporting new generation companies and enhancing the flexibility of corporate structures.
The results achieved by the free zone in 2025 are in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda “D33”, which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as one of the most prominent global business destinations.
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