Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Choose Meydan Free Zone for Full Ownership
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone grants 100% foreign ownership with zero corporate tax on qualifying income. Full profit repatriation and a digital licensing process make it one of the fastest routes into the Dubai logistics market.
Understand What Activity Code 5210.02 Covers
This activity code authorizes the operation of a licensed storage of goods in foreign trade zones business, including core storage services, client contracting, and operational back-office functions. Services must be delivered under the relevant regulatory framework with qualified personnel and appropriate facilities.
Know the Three Key Audience Segments
The business suits logistics and warehousing operators, specialist transport-support providers such as customs brokers or cold-chain operators, and international 3PL groups entering the MENA region. Each segment benefits from Dubai's hub infrastructure and the clear regulatory environment.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
Unlike many regulated business activities, this one requires no third-party government approval beyond the Meydan Free Zone trade licence itself. That removes a common bottleneck and allows operators to begin trading more quickly after licensing.
Leverage Dubai's Strategic Trade Position
Dubai's role as a regional trade and mobility hub, backed by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, creates sustained demand for licensed storage operators. Infrastructure investment and a large consumer and business base reinforce long-term market opportunity.
Recognize What This Licence Does Not Cover
Related but distinct transport or delivery services fall under separate activity codes and are not included in this licence. Operators planning to offer those additional services will need to obtain the corresponding activity codes separately.
Confirm AML Exemption for This Activity
This business activity is exempt from UAE Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing the administrative burden for new operators. Always verify current regulatory obligations with a licensed adviser before commencing operations.
How to Start a Storage of Goods in Foreign Trade Zones Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed storage of goods in foreign trade zones business serves Dubai's logistics, warehousing, and transport-support market.¹
Dubai's role as a regional trade and mobility hub, a large and growing consumer and business base, and sustained infrastructure investment drive demand for licensed storage of goods in foreign trade zones businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from relevant UAE transport-sector regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional reach.³
That combination of hub infrastructure, strong demand, and a clear regulatory framework is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned transport, logistics, and connectivity as strategic pillars under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for licensed operators.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Logistics and warehousing operators | Businesses providing warehousing, freight forwarding, cargo handling, and transport-support services to B2B clients. |
| Specialist transport-support providers | Businesses offering specialist services such as customs brokerage, cold chain, hazardous-goods, or project logistics. |
| International logistics groups entering MENA | Global 3PL and freight firms establishing a Dubai entity for regional logistics operations. |
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone means 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a fully digital licensing process, giving you a fast and cost-effective route into the Dubai logistics market.
5210.02 - Storage of Goods in Foreign Trade Zones
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed storage of goods in foreign trade zones business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Storage of Goods in Foreign Trade Zones core services provided to clients under this activity code. |
| Regulated Delivery | Compliance-led. Services delivered under the relevant regulatory framework, standards, and reporting obligations. |
| Client Engagement | Commercial scope. Onboarding, contracting, and ongoing service delivery to retail, corporate, or institutional clients as applicable. |
| Support and Operations | Operational back-office. Systems, staffing, documentation, and operational support needed to run the licensed activity. |
| Regional Reach | Market coverage. Delivery to clients across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets within the scope of this activity. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Related but distinct transport, logistics, or delivery services fall under separate activity codes.
Activities that are separately regulated or that belong to a different industry class are classified under their own codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed storage of goods in foreign trade zones business, you are in. If you are delivering a related but distinct service that falls under another activity, you are not.
Third-Party Approval
No third-party approval is required for this business activity. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations under this activity code.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
