Dubai South Logistics District

Free zone licensing

Companies set up under the Dubai South Free Zone, which allows 100 per cent foreign ownership and handles licences, visas and permits under one authority. As in other free zones, goods become subject to customs duty when they enter the UAE mainland, and local sales go through a licensed distributor or a mainland company.

Tenure. Build-to-suit facilities are offered on long-term leases from Dubai South.

Who locates here

• Freight forwarders and air cargo operators
• 3PLs and logistics operators
• E-commerce fulfilment businesses

Property

Single-user and multi-tenant warehouses, a freight complex for forwarders, logistics offices, build-to-suit facilities and EZDubai space for fulfilment centres, last-mile operations and data centres.

Formats. Warehouse units, Multi-tenant warehouses, Build-to-suit facilities, Logistics offices, Fulfilment centres

Dubai South describes its warehouses as having high clearances, loading bays, office options and direct airfreight access.

Our view for tenants

The Logistics District suits operators who move goods by air, or between the airport and Jebel Ali Port through bonded corridors. You can rent single-user or shared warehouse space or commission a build-to-suit facility. Mainland sales need a distributor or a mainland licence, and the district sits in the south of Dubai, far from the older city.

Our view for investors

Facilities are leased from Dubai South, so any position is leasehold on terms set by the operator. Demand here depends on air cargo and e-commerce volumes through Al Maktoum International Airport. Check the lease term and assignment rights before committing capital.