Dubai has introduced a powerful new initiative, the One Freezone Passport, spearheaded by the Dubai Free Zones Council. Now, companies with a business license in one free zone can expand instantly across multiple other free zones in the emirate—without the need for extra licenses. This major reform is designed to cut red tape and help businesses scale quickly and efficiently.
This development is first reported by The Economic Times.
Fast Approvals Drive Instant Growth
Processes that previously took weeks or months can now be completed in just five working days, or sometimes even less. Louis Vuitton became the first to benefit, operating a warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and a corporate office in DWTC Free Zone under one unified license.
Enhanced Flexibility and Lower Costs
Free zones in Dubai already offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified customs procedures. The new Passport system further removes expansion hurdles, making it easier for companies to separate warehousing, offices, and retail activities, unlocking operational flexibility and cost savings.
Tax and Compliance Benefits
Industry experts highlight that the Passport simplifies corporate tax management. By unifying multiple operations under one tax registration, businesses can streamline compliance and financial planning as long as they qualify for free zone incentives.
Strategic Economic Vision
The One Freezone Passport is a key part of Dubai’s broader strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This vision aims to double GDP in the next decade and attract global investors. The initiative is backed by a digital platform that lets companies manage licenses online, making expansion easier, faster, and more transparent.
Recent Financial Moves Underscore Dubai’s Momentum
Dubai continues to lead in finance and technology innovation:
- Kotak International (India) became the first Indian firm to gain approval in the UAE to sell funds directly to retail investors, with India-focused funds expected to launch by Q4 2025.
- ASB Capital & BlueBox Asset Management launched a global technology fund focused on AI, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
- BlueFive Capital closed a $2 billion private equity fund to back GCC leaders in healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and industrials.
- G42 and ADG launched a $10 billion Expansion Fund for clean energy, mobility, digital infrastructure, and life sciences.
- Dubai fintech Alaan raised $48 million from Peak XV Partners for expense management expansion.
- The emirate approved its first tokenized money-market fund, the QCD Money Market Fund, supported by Qatar National Bank and DMZ Finance.
UAE Announces Accelerator Programme for Indian Startups
In another significant recent move, the UAE Government has announced a dedicated accelerator programme for Indian startups. This initiative, part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE on February 18, 2022, provides funding, support, and exclusive market access in the UAE and beyond.
CEPA is a robust free trade agreement, offering benefits that extend far beyond tariff reductions, from IP rights to digital trade, investment facilitation, and enhanced services. Indian startups can apply until July 31, 2025, via the official UAE accelerator portal. A transparent 100-point evaluation framework will be used to assess submissions.
The top 20 startups will be shortlisted to pitch in New Delhi, and 5 final winners will receive fully sponsored travel to the UAE—including flights, hotels, meals, and local transport. The UAE will introduce these startups to leading investors and government schemes, further boosting their chances for local expansion and partnership. Startups that align with the UAE’s “Promising Economic Sectors” can earn extra points during evaluation.
[…] Recently, Dubai has introduced a powerful new initiative, the One Freezone Passport, spearheaded by the Dubai Free Zones Council. Now, companies with a business license in one free zone can expand instantly across multiple other free zones in the emirate—without the need for extra licenses. This major reform is designed to cut red tape and help businesses scale quickly and efficiently. […]