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            JAFZA vs DAFZA Free Zone: Which Is Better for Indian Exporters?

      Business News
      Dhruv Badola 11 May 2026 7 minutes

          Table of Contents

         1. Explained: JAFZA & DAFZA Free Zones
         2. JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison: What are the Major Differences?
         3. Bird’s Eye View of the JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison
         4. JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison: Pros and Cons Explained
         5. JAFZA or DAFZA: Which One is Better for Indian Exporters?
         6. Want to Set Up Your Business? Do It with Shuraa India!
         7. FAQs

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            Table of Contents

           1. Explained: JAFZA & DAFZA Free Zones
           2. JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison: What are the Major Differences?
           3. Bird’s Eye View of the JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison
           4. JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison: Pros and Cons Explained
           5. JAFZA or DAFZA: Which One is Better for Indian Exporters?
           6. Want to Set Up Your Business? Do It with Shuraa India!
           7. FAQs

          International business expansion isn’t a faraway dream for Indian business owners, especially when the United Arab Emirates offers some Free Zones that are the most strategic across the globe. However, when it’s about choosing from two key players like JAFZA and DAFZA, the final decision often comes after a thorough JAFZA vs DAFZA comparison.

          That’s why, in this blog, we are going to talk about all the things Indian exporters should know, from cost to location benefits, suitability of business, and logistics, for you to decide better and with confidence.

          That said, no matter if you’re looking for a DAFZA setup or want a JAFZA Free Zone company, Shuraa India is with you every step of the way. From assisting you in figuring out the correct Free Zone to taking care of the paperwork, setup, and licensing . We make the procedure easy for you by providing holistic support.

          Explained: JAFZA & DAFZA Free Zones

          What’s JAFZA?

          One of the biggest and most established UAE Free Zones, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is located near the world-renowned Jebel Ali Port. This acts as a major hub when it comes to trade, manufacturing, as well as logistics.

          For those who do not know, a Jebel Ali Free Zone company is particularly advantageous for exporters who deal with goods in bulk. This is because it has direct access to shipping routes that are international.

          What’s DAFZA?

          Strategically situated near the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority, Dubai International Free Zone (DAFZA) is recognised for its premium-quality infrastructure and connectivity that’s seamless. It’s perfect for businesses that deal with products that are high-value and time-sensitive.

          To add, companies that depend on quick international distribution and air cargo systems that are efficient often prefer a DAFZA setup .

          JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison: What are the Major Differences?

          Selecting between these options calls for an in-depth look at how different they are across business factors that are critical. Let’s understand one by one.

          1. Logistics and Location

          JAFZA allows access to sea routes quite directly, which makes large shipments very cost- ffective. Whereas the airport proximity offered by DAFZA makes sure that there’s rapid delivery across global markets.

          This is a central distinction when we talk about the JAFZA vs DAFZA comparison .

          2. Activities for Business

          Jebel Ali Port Free Zone supports a wide industry range. This includes manufacturing, trading, as well as logistics. However, the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority is inclined towards sectors such as aviation, electronics, IT, and professional services.

          3. Price and Setup

          In general, JAFZA is more cost-effective, especially for businesses that need industrial space and warehouses. On the other hand, a DAFZA setup is more premium, offering quicker processing and an infrastructure that’s high-end. Here’s the starting price for both:

            * JAFZA: Starts from *AED 50,000
            * DAFZA: Starts from *AED 40,000

          4. Infrastructure

          From offices that are smart and facilities that are tech-enabled in DAFZA to industrial land as well as logistics parks present in JAFZA, both zones serve distinct operational requirements.

          This, here, is yet another major factor when we talk about JAFZA vs DAFZA comparison .

          5. Connectivity for Exporters

          Both JAFZA and DAFZA come with powerful connectivity to India. JAFZA links via key sea routes, whereas DAFZA allows for air cargo movement that’s quick. This makes both a great option when we talk about a UAE Free Zone for exporters in India .

          Bird’s Eye View of the JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison

          To make the decision-making process easier for you, have a look at a quick comparison between both of these Free Zones:

            Features                 JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)                          DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone)                   
            Location                 Located nearby the Jebel Ali Port                    Located nearby the Dubai International Airport    
            Type of Logistics        Sea freight (shipping in bulk)                       Air freight (quick delivery)                      
            Suitability of Business  Trading, logistics, and manufacturing                Aviation, electronics, IT                         
            Starting Price           Starts from *AED 50,000                              Starts from *AED 40,000                           
            Infrastructure           Industrial spaces and warehouses                     Offices that are smart, facilities that are modern
            Type of Setup            Perfect for export businesses that are large-scaled  Perfect for trading that is of high value         
            Speed for Shipping       Slower, however, economical                          Quicker but pricier                               
            Perfect For              Bulk exporters                                       High-value goods that are sensitive to time       
            Connectivity to India    Sea routes that are strong                           Air cargo that is direct                          
            

            Rest assured, the aforementioned perfectly reveals the essence of the JAFZA vs DAFZA comparison for quick evaluation.

            JAFZA vs DAFZA Comparison: Pros and Cons Explained

            Listed below are some of the benefits and limitations of both the Free Zones:

            Advantages of JAFZA

              * Cost-effective when it comes to bulk exports
              * Helps you with direct access to the port
              * Excellent when it comes to manufacturing as well as logistics

            Limitations of JAFZA

              * The delivery is slower when you compare it with air freight
              * It is not quite suitable for goods that are small and of high value

            Advantages of DAFZA

              * Global shipping that’s faster
              * Infrastructure is premium
              * Excellent for exports that are of high value

            Limitations of DAFZA

              * Set-up as well as operational expenses are higher
              * Warehousing space is limited

            JAFZA or DAFZA: Which One is Better for Indian Exporters?

            We know that by this point, you might be wondering which of the two Free Zones is better when it comes to Indian exporters. To put it simply, there isn’t a universal answer to this question.

              * If your company is focusing on exports that are of large-scale, efficiency in terms of costs, and warehousing, JAFZA could be a better option.
              * If you prioritise speed, a reach that’s global, and handling of premium-quality products, DAFZA could be an excellent option.

            Ultimately, selecting the correct UAE Free Zone Business Setup for Indian exporters is based on your business goal and logistics strategy alignment.

            Want to Set Up Your Business? Do It with Shuraa India!

            If you are an Indian exporter who’s trying to figure out the Free Zone setup in the UAE, there are chances that you might feel confused regarding the process. And honestly, without proper guidance, the process could appear complex, too. That’s why Shuraa India makes everything simple and efficient for you.

            We help you assess the options, handle paperwork, and launch your UAE business without any hassles. Our legacy? Over decades of experience and having helped thousands of entrepreneurs successfully launch their UAE business .

            So, no matter if you want to go ahead with a DAFZA setup or feel like choosing a Jebel Ali Free Zone company , our experts can make it possible for you. All you have to do is book your free consultation today!

            FAQs

            1. Which Free Zone is More Expensive? DAFZA or JAFZA?

            A DAFZA setup typically has higher prices because of its top-class infrastructure and it being in the proximity to the Dubai airport.

            2. Can Indian Business Owners Completely Own Their Business in These Zones?

            Of course. JAFZA and DAFZA permit 100% foreign ownership . This makes these Free Zones appealing for Indian Exporters who want to expand internationally.

            3. JAFZA or DAFZA: Which is Best When It Comes to Warehousing & Logistics?

            JAFZA, because of its huge industrial spaces and access to the Jebel Ali Port, is more suited when it comes to warehousing and logistics.

            4. Which is the Biggest Free Zone in the UAE?

            The United Arab Emirates’ very first Free Zone, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority in Dubai, is the largest Free Zone.

            5. Is DAFZA a Designated Zone?

            Of course. DAFZA is recognised as a designated zone under the VAT regulations of the United Arab Emirates.

                  About the author

                  Dhruv Badola

                  A professional content writer and UAE business advisor, Dhruv Badola takes a keen interest in writing about corporate regulations and company setup in the UAE. He simplifies complex legal and business jargon for Indian entrepreneurs, keeping them up to date with the UAE's evolving business ecosystem. With crucial insights and practical advice, Dhruv ensures that nothing stops Indian businesses from successfully launching, growing, and thriving in the UAE market.

                  View all posts

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