INTERNATIONAL
HUMANITARIAN CITY

FREE ZONE

INTERNATIONAL
HUMANITARIAN CITY

FREE ZONE

The environment of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City is conducive for organisations that carry out humanitarian activities. The free zone was established in 2003 by merging Dubai Aid City and Dubai Humanitarian City. The International Humanitarian City is a non-profit, independent, humanitarian free-zone authority strategically located at Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Dubai.

The free zone hosts over 80 members comprising of UN, non-profits, non-governmental organisations and commercial companies. Setting up a business in International Humanitarian City offers unparalleled benefits such as excellent connectivity, easy business setup procedure, a wide range of activities, world-class infrastructure etc. Consult with business setup consultants in Dubai to understand further about the free zone.

Types of Licenses in International Humanitarian City

As per the rules of business setup in Dubai, a license is mandatory to conduct any type of business activity. Carrying out the business activity without a trade license in Dubai is punishable by law. Business owners are also not allowed to conduct activities that are not stated in their trade license. However, business setup consultants in Dubai can help investors choose the right license. Stated below are the types of business licenses permitted by Dubai International Humanitarian City free zone authority:

Non-Profit License

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    A non-profit license authorises the activities of the non-profit organisations in Dubai International Humanitarian City. Holders of a non-profit license in Dubai International Humanitarian City are entitled to facilities such as a business desk, standard office and warehouses.

    Commercial License

    A commercial license in Dubai International Humanitarian City authorises the activities of commercial companies. The activities under this license could be trading, exports re-exports etc. A commercial license holder is entitled to facilities such as a business desk, standard office and warehouses.

    Activities in Dubai International Humanitarian City

    The selection of business activities is one of the primary steps in the process of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City. Entities must exercise caution while selecting the business activities in Dubai International Humanitarian City. Investors with access to business setup services in Dubai can accurately choose the business activities. The following list offers sheds light on the permitted business activities in Dubai International Humanitarian City:

    • Humanitarian Aid & Relief
    • Humanitarian Development Services
    • Environmental & Natural Resources
    • Agriculture & Its Products
    • Logistics, Warehouse Management
    • Overseas International Freight Services
    • Service Provider
    • Consultancy
    • General Service
    • Management/Business Services
    • Vehicles Trading
    • Coordination & Liaison Offices
    • Regional HQ

    Facilities in Dubai International Humanitarian City

    Investors must check the facilities before selecting a free zone for business setup in Dubai. Facilities and infrastructure impact the daily operations of a company and its eventual growth. It is advisable to consult with business setup consultants in Dubai before selecting the right facility. The process of business setup in International Humanitarian City provides the investors with direct access to world-class facilities such as the following:

    • Meeting rooms, conference rooms, auditorium.
    • Cafeteria and catering facilities
    • Car parking facility for business owners and visitors
    • 24/7 security with access-controlled entrance and security guards
    • Emergency response facilities
    • Evacuation centre
    • Shuttle bus services for daily commute
    • Gym area
    • Nursery
    • Supermarket and café
    • ATM facilities
    • Lagoon area

    Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City

    Foreign investors choose a free zone for company formation in Dubai after carefully considering the pros and cons. Weighing on the benefits is the right way to select a free zone for business setup in Dubai. Entrepreneurs can consult with business setup consultants in Dubai to understand the benefits of the free zone. Stated below are some of the benefits associated with company incorporation in Dubai International Humanitarian City:

    1. Brand Exposure

    Companies can enhance their brand visibility through the free zone’s website and social media pages. The free zone will promote each company with a logo, office contact details, brief, and website on its website. The promotions include social media posts, push notifications on the free zone platforms, publishing the member company’s stories on annual reports, sending circulars about the company’s offers, distribution of the member company’s promotional materials on the free zone premises, offices and warehouses etc.

    2. Designated Free Zone

    International Humanitarian City is one of the VAT Designated Zone in Dubai. It means VAT doesn’t apply to the transfer of goods between International Humanitarian City and other VAT Designated Zones in Dubai, UAE. The Designated VAT Zone status helps the investors to reduce the lea time of import and export transactions.

    Being part of the Jebel Ali and DWC cluster makes the export and import process easier. Companies are eligible for a refund of VAT on purchases from the local market and on supply of services for humanitarian organisations that possess a Tax Reference Number, where the purchased goods and services are work-related.

    3. Access to Free Zone Facilities

    By setting up a business in International Humanitarian City, foreign investors can access state-of-the-art facilities such as training rooms, meeting rooms, auditorium etc. free of charge. Companies registered in International Humanitarian City are allowed to promote their products in a permanent exhibition area in the free zone’s warehouses. Such promotions will enhance the brand visibility as all official and educational visits are carried out there. Business setup consultants in Dubai can help investors choose the facilities.

    4. Engagement Platform

    Free Zone members can engage in initiatives undertaken by the International Humanitarian City Authority. The free zone authority encourages collaboration and partnership opportunities between the free zone’s communities. Member companies can engage in international and local official events such as media interviews, media visits, annual Suhoor, etc.

    5. Coordination

    Companies engaged in emergency response activities are allowed the services of the emergency response task force.  Company setup advisers in Dubai can help investors with information on the facilities.

    6. Various Discounts

    International Humanitarian City free zone offers up to 25% flight discount in economy class for member companies and their guests. Special hotel discounts are provided for the member companies in the International Humanitarian City free zone. Furthermore, a free shuttle bus service is provided for a round trip twice a day to the International Humanitarian City free zone from Ibn Battuta Mall.

    Compliance Requirements in International Humanitarian City

    Companies operating in International Humanitarian City are required to comply with regulations such as Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Anti Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of terrorism (AML-CFT), and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO). Non-compliance with these regulations will result in severe consequences such as hefty administrative penalties, suspension of trade license, and sharing of information with foreign competent authorities. Even companies undergoing liquidation in the International Humanitarian City free zone are required to comply with the regulations. Consult business setup consultants in Dubai to ensure compliance with ESR, AML-CFT and UBO.

    Choose the Best Business Setup Services in Dubai, UAE

    The landscape of business setup in Dubai International Humanitarian City is ideal for charity, aid and humanitarian organisations. Non-profit organisations can benefit from the free zone’s VAT Designated Zone status, strategic location, flexible incorporation procedure, excellent connectivity etc. Foreign investors may struggle with the laws and regulations of business setup in Dubai, which may delay the licensing process. Choosing the right business setup services in Dubai is the best way to avoid such delays.

    Business setup consultants in Dubai such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) provide the best business setup services. We have a team of highly qualified company formation consultants who can advise investors on the licensing process. Our services include ESR, UBO, AML-CFT, document drafting etc. Consult with our business setup advisers in Dubai to incorporate a dream business venture.

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