Dubai Science Park 2025: Tech Startup Free Zone Setup Guide

Looking for a startup-friendly free zone with focus on innovation, technology, and science? Dubai Science Park (formerly DuBiotech), part of TECOM Group, provides 100% foreign ownership, innovation support programs, R&D facilities, and a collaborative ecosystem specifically designed for technology startups, biotech companies, and science-based businessesat costs 30-40% lower than premium free zones like DMCC.

As Ministry-approved business consultants with 37 years of Dubai experience (having formed 180+ companies in Dubai Science Park), we've helped tech startups and science companies leverage this specialized free zone's unique advantages. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Dubai Science Park setup, costs, innovation programs, and whether it's right for your tech business.

What is Dubai Science Park?

Overview

Dubai Science Park is a purpose-built free zone dedicated to science, technology, research & development, and innovation businesses.

Formerly Known As: DuBiotech (Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park) Rebranded: 2021 (expanded scope beyond biotech) Part Of: TECOM Group (Dubai Holding) Established: 2005

Focus Areas:

Biotechnology & life sciences
Medical technology & healthtech
Environmental sciences & cleantech
Energy & renewable technology
Food technology & agritech
Advanced materials & nanotechnology
Research & development
Technology startups

Location: Al Barsha South, Dubai

20 minutes from Dubai Marina
25 minutes from Dubai Airport
30 minutes from Downtown Dubai
Adjacent to Dubai Production City

Dubai Science Park Ecosystem

Community Profile:

300+ companies operating
Strong focus on SMEs and startups
Collaborative environment
Regular networking events
Access to research facilities

Dubai Context: Unlike commercial free zones (DMCC, DAFZA), Dubai Science Park specifically caters to innovation-driven businesses. Lower costs, startup support programs, and R&D facilities make it ideal for tech entrepreneurs.

Benefits of Dubai Science Park

1. Startup-Friendly Costs

30-40% Lower Than Premium Free Zones

Cost Comparison (Year 1, Single Shareholder):

Dubai Science Park: AED 35,000-50,000
DMCC: AED 55,000-75,000
DIFC: AED 100,000-150,000+

Why Lower:

Subsidized rates for innovation businesses
TECOM Group's startup support mandate
Location in developing area (vs prime locations)
Shared facilities model

Benefit for Startups: Preserves capital for R&D, product development, and growth instead of expensive real estate.

2. Innovation & R&D Support

Specialized Facilities:

Laboratory Facilities:

Biotech labs (BSL-1 and BSL-2)
Chemistry labs
Materials testing labs
Shared lab equipment (cost-effective)
Per-hour rental or monthly packages

Research Facilities:

Clean rooms
Testing facilities
Prototype development spaces
Equipment library

Technical Support:

Lab technicians available
Equipment training
Research consultancy
Academic partnerships

Cost Benefit: Instead of investing AED 500,000-2,000,000 in lab equipment, rent by the hour (AED 200-800/hour).

3. Regulatory Support for Science/Tech

Specialized Licensing:

Dubai Science Park understands science/tech business needs:

Streamlined licensing for R&D activities
Support for patent applications
Regulatory guidance for biotech/healthtech
Clinical trial coordination support
Environmental compliance assistance

Regulatory Connections:

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) liaison
UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
Dubai Municipality (food tech)
Patent office coordination

Benefit: Navigate complex regulatory landscape with free zone's support.

4. Academic & Research Partnerships

Ecosystem Connections:

University Partnerships:

Collaboration with UAE universities
Research partnerships facilitated
Student internship programs
Access to academic expertise

Research Institutes:

Connect with regional research centers
Joint R&D opportunities
Grant application support

Benefit: Access expertise without full-time hiring costs.

5. Startup Incubation Programs

in5 Tech

Dubai Science Park hosts in5 Tech (TECOM Group's tech incubator):

Program Benefits:

Subsidized office space (50-70% discount)
Mentorship from industry experts
Investor networking events
Business development support
Access to funding opportunities

Eligibility:

Early-stage tech startups
Innovation-focused businesses
Scalable business models

Duration: 6-24 months

Cost: AED 12,000-20,000/year (vs AED 35,000-50,000 regular)

6. Flexible Office Options

Tailored to Startup Needs:

Flexi-Desk:

Shared workspace: AED 12,000-18,000/year
Hot-desking or dedicated desk
Access to meeting rooms
Networking opportunities

Small Offices:

15-30 sq m: AED 25,000-40,000/year
Private space for small teams
Furnished options

Lab + Office Combinations:

Office space + lab access
Custom packages
AED 40,000-80,000/year

Scale-Up Spaces:

Larger offices as you grow
Easy expansion
No long-term commitments (annual leases)

7. 100% Foreign Ownership & Tax Benefits

Standard Free Zone Benefits:

100% foreign ownership
100% profit repatriation
0% corporate tax (if qualifying free zone person)
0% personal income tax
No currency restrictions
Simplified customs (for equipment/materials import)

Dubai Science Park Permitted Activities

Primary Focus Areas

1. Biotechnology & Life Sciences

Pharmaceutical research
Biologics development
Genomics & genetics
Bioinformatics
Molecular biology
Cell & tissue culture
Bioprocessing

2. Medical Technology (MedTech)

Medical devices development
Diagnostic equipment
Healthcare software
Digital health solutions
Telemedicine platforms
Wearable health tech

3. Environmental Sciences & CleanTech

Environmental consulting
Water technology
Waste management solutions
Air quality monitoring
Sustainability consulting
Green technology

4. Energy & Renewable Technology

Solar technology
Energy storage
Smart grid solutions
Energy efficiency consulting
Renewable energy R&D

5. Food Technology & AgriTech

Food safety testing
Nutritional research
Agricultural technology
Vertical farming technology
Food packaging innovation
Alternative proteins

6. Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology

Materials science
Nanotechnology R&D
Composite materials
Specialty chemicals
Advanced manufacturing

7. Technology & Software

Software development
AI/Machine learning
IoT solutions
Data analytics
Technology consulting
SaaS platforms

8. Research & Development

Contract research
Product development
Testing services
Quality control labs
R&D consulting

Activities Requiring Special Approval

Clinical Trials:

Require DHA approval
Dubai Science Park facilitates coordination
Additional regulatory compliance

Food Production:

Dubai Municipality approval needed
Dubai Science Park provides guidance
Facility requirements apply

Medical Device Manufacturing:

DHA + Dubai Customs approvals
ISO certification required
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance

Dubai Science Park Company Setup Process

Timeline: 7-14 Days

Phase 1: Application (Days 1-3)

Step 1: Activity Selection

Choose from science/tech categories
Multiple activities allowed
Must align with Dubai Science Park focus

Step 2: Company Type

FZ-LLC: 1-50 shareholders
Branch of foreign company
Most startups: Single-shareholder FZ-LLC

Step 3: Submit Application

Required Documents:

Application form (Dubai Science Park specific)
Passport copies (all shareholders)
Business plan (1-2 pages)
Proof of address
Passport photos

Unique to Science Park:

Brief description of technology/innovation
Intended lab/research needs (if applicable)

Phase 2: Approval & Registration (Days 4-8)

Step 4: Review Process

Dubai Science Park reviews application
May request additional details on technology
Approval within 3-5 days

Step 5: Select Office/Lab Space

Choose from available units
Visit facilities (virtual tour available)
Sign lease agreement

Step 6: Payment

License fees: AED 10,000-15,000
Registration: AED 5,000-8,000
Office lease: Annual payment
Total upfront: AED 35,000-60,000

Step 7: License Issuance

Digital license same day after payment
Physical license within 3 days
MOA and share certificate

Phase 3: Post-License (Days 9-20)

Step 8: Visa Processing

Apply for investor visas
Medical tests (Dubai Science Park arranges)
Emirates ID
Timeline: 10-15 days

Step 9: Banking

Corporate bank account
Dubai Science Park provides introduction
Timeline: 7-14 days

Step 10: Facility Access

Collect office keys
Lab access setup (if applicable)
IT & internet activation
Start operations

Dubai Science Park Costs

License & Registration

Company Formation:

Registration fee: AED 7,000-10,000
License fee: AED 10,000-15,000
Immigration card: AED 2,500-3,500
Total License: AED 19,500-28,500

Office Space (Annual)

Flexi-Desk:

AED 12,000-18,000/year
Shared workspace
Hot-desk or dedicated

Small Office (15-25 sq m):

AED 25,000-40,000/year
Private office
Suitable for 2-4 people

Medium Office (40-60 sq m):

AED 45,000-70,000/year
Team of 5-10
Multiple rooms possible

Large Office (80+ sq m):

AED 80,000-120,000/year
Full team accommodation

Laboratory Facilities

Shared Lab Access (Per Hour):

Basic lab: AED 200-400/hour
Specialized equipment: AED 400-800/hour
Monthly packages: AED 5,000-15,000

Dedicated Lab Space:

Small lab (30 sq m): AED 50,000-80,000/year
Medium lab (60 sq m): AED 90,000-140,000/year
Custom build-out: Additional AED 50,000-200,000

Visa Costs

Per Person:

Investor/employee visa: AED 6,500-8,000
Medical + Emirates ID: AED 1,000-1,500
Total: AED 7,500-9,500/person

Total Year 1 Costs

Minimum (Flexi-Desk, Solo Entrepreneur):

License: AED 20,000-25,000
Flexi-desk: AED 15,000
Visa (1 person): AED 8,000
Total: AED 43,000-48,000

Realistic (Small Office, 2 Founders):

License: AED 22,000-28,000
Small office: AED 30,000
Visas (2 people): AED 16,000
Professional services: AED 8,000
Total: AED 76,000-82,000

Biotech Startup (Office + Lab Access):

License: AED 25,000
Office: AED 35,000
Lab access (monthly package): AED 120,000/year
Visas (3 people): AED 24,000
Equipment/materials: AED 30,000
Total: AED 234,000

Ideal Businesses for Dubai Science Park

Perfect Fit

1. Early-Stage Tech Startups

Software/SaaS development
Mobile apps
AI/ML companies
Limited budget
Need collaborative environment

2. Biotech Startups

Need lab facilities without huge capex
R&D focused
Academic spinouts
Clinical research

3. HealthTech Companies

Digital health solutions
Medical devices (design phase)
Health analytics
Telemedicine platforms

4. CleanTech/GreenTech

Environmental solutions
Renewable energy tech
Sustainability consulting
Waste management innovation

5. Food Tech

Food safety
Alternative proteins
AgriTech solutions
Vertical farming

Not Ideal For

Large Enterprises: Premium zones (DMCC, DIFC) better for established companies Pure Trading: DAFZA or JAFZA better Financial Services: DIFC required Heavy Manufacturing: Industrial zones better

Professional Setup Services

We provide complete Dubai Science Park formation:

Technology Focus Assessment Application & Documentation Dubai Science Park Liaison Office/Lab Selection Support Visa Processing Bank Account Setup Innovation Program Access

Timeline: 10-14 days

Cost: AED 7,000-10,000 professional fees

Call: +971 42 500 251 Email: info@auditfirmsdubai.ae

Related Guides:

Dubai Science Park Free Zone 2025: Complete Tech Startup Setup Guide