Key Highlights

• Dubai launches the One Freezone Passport, enabling businesses to operate across all free zones with a single license, eliminating traditional licensing barriers.
• Louis Vuitton becomes the first corporate member, completing its expansion from Jafza to DWTC Free Zone in just 5 days.
• The program provides seamless access to Dubai’s 20+ specialized free zones, offering 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions.

Dubai has once again demonstrated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment with the launch of the groundbreaking “One Freezone Passport” program. 

This innovative initiative represents a significant leap forward in simplifying business operations and expansion across the emirate’s extensive free zone network.

What is the One Free Zone Passport?

The One Free Zone Passport is a transformative program launched by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) that allows companies to operate across all free zones in Dubai under a single license. This approach eliminates the traditional barriers that required separate licensing for each free zone, making business expansion seamless and cost-effective.

The program enables companies licensed at a single free zone to benefit from facilities located in other free zones across the emirate without requiring additional licensing. This streamlined approach significantly reduces bureaucratic hurdles and accelerates business growth opportunities.

Louis Vuitton Sets the Precedent

Global luxury brand Louis Vuitton has made history by becoming the first corporate member to leverage this innovative initiative. The company’s strategic decision showcases the practical benefits of the program, as Louis Vuitton will now maintain its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while establishing its corporate office at One Za’abeel, which is part of the DWTC Free Zone.

The most remarkable aspect of Louis Vuitton’s expansion was the completion timeline of just five days, demonstrating Dubai’s exceptional efficiency in facilitating business licensing and regulatory processes

Official Endorsements and Industry Impact

Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at Dubai Free Zones Council, emphasized the program’s significance: “The One Freezone Passport is a transformative initiative that cements Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse. By enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a premier investment destination.” 

Abdalla Al Banna, Vice-President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, highlighted the program’s broader implications: “The successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton through the citywide One Freezone Passport initiative demonstrates both the caliber of businesses Dubai continues to attract and our commitment to fostering an efficient business environment.”

Dubai’s Free Zone Ecosystem: A Powerful Economic Engine

Dubai’s free zone network comprises more than two dozen specialized zones, each designed to cater to different sectors, including media, trade, and education. 

These zones collectively record billions of dirhams in trading activity and offer significant advantages, including:

• 100% foreign ownership for companies operating within the zones
• Tax exemptions that enhance profitability
• Sector-specific infrastructure and support services

The economic impact of these free zones is substantial, as they make a significant contribution to the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade, which experienced remarkable growth of 18.6% year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching Dh835 billion.

Strategic Advantages for Businesses

Amna Al Ali, Vice-President of Licensing and Registration at Jebel Ali Free Zones, explained that the program’s core benefit lies in enabling companies to access facilities across multiple zones without the burden of additional licensing requirements. This flexibility allows businesses to:

• Optimize operational efficiency by choosing the best locations for different business functions
• Reduce administrative costs associated with multiple licensing procedures
• Accelerate expansion across Dubai’s diverse economic zones
• Access specialized infrastructure tailored to different business needs

Why This Matters for Your Business

The One Freezone Passport represents more than just administrative convenience—it’s a strategic business enabler that opens new possibilities for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Dubai. The program reinforces Dubai’s position as a premier destination for international businesses seeking growth opportunities in the Middle East and beyond.

For entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, this initiative demonstrates Dubai’s continued commitment to removing barriers and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. 

The success of Louis Vuitton’s rapid expansion under this program serves as a compelling example of what’s possible in Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem.