DMCC Adds 1,100+ Companies in First Half of 2025

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) welcomed over 1,100 new companies in the first six months of 2025, bringing its total to nearly 26,000 businesses. The numbers show why this free zone remains popular with international companies.

Where the Growth Comes From

Most new registrations came from three main markets. UK companies increased by 23%, bringing their total to 2,200 businesses in DMCC. Turkish companies grew by 22% to reach 700, while Chinese companies rose by 10% to almost 1,000.

Tech Companies Lead the Way

Technology businesses are driving much of the growth. The Crypto Centre now has over 700 companies, up 38% from last year. The Gaming Centre reached 140 companies, and the AI Centre, which started in September 2024, already hosts 110 businesses.

These three tech-focused centres alone account for nearly 1,000 companies. Overall, DMCC now houses over 3,300 technology businesses.

New Licensing Options

DMCC introduced Special Purpose Vehicle and Holding Company licences this year. These new options give more flexibility to family offices, investment firms, and large companies setting up regional operations.

Comparing Free Zone Options

While DMCC shows strong growth, it may not suit every business. DIFC remains the preferred choice for financial services, banks, and asset management firms, though setup costs are higher than DMCC.

JAFZA works better for trading companies and businesses needing warehouse space or port access. It offers competitive pricing and good logistics infrastructure. IFZA has become popular for smaller businesses and startups due to lower setup costs and flexible packages, especially for online businesses.

Meydan Free Zone appeals to media, sports, and technology companies, offering modern facilities at reasonable rates. Each zone has different visa allocations, office requirements, and fee structures.