Gold and Diamond Park Free Zone Dubai: 2026 Setup Guide
If you are looking to set up a jewellery, gold, or precious stones business in Dubai, the Gold and Diamond Park Free Zone is the only place in the UAE designed specifically for that purpose. Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road in the heart of the city, it brings together retailers, manufacturers, and office-based businesses under one roof, creating a focused commercial community for the trade in precious metals, gemstones, and high-end personal accessories.
The Gold and Diamond Park is part of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) ecosystem and is listed on the UAE Ministry of Economy’s official free zone register. Companies established here benefit from the full JAFZA framework: 100% foreign ownership, access to the UAE’s corporate tax environment, and a position on one of the world’s most active trade corridors. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, the park combines retail space with 118 purpose-built manufacturing blocks and 350 offices, a combination that is unique in the UAE. No other free zone in Dubai puts jewellery fabricators, retailers, and professional service firms in the same building.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Gold and Diamond Park: which activities are permitted, what licence types are available, how to register your company step by step, what the costs are, and how GDP compares to the alternatives for jewellery businesses in Dubai.
What is the Gold and Diamond Park Free Zone and who regulates it?
The Gold and Diamond Park (commonly called GDP or DGDP) is Dubai’s dedicated free zone for the jewellery and precious metals sector. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, the park sits on Sheikh Zayed Road and offers a unique mix of retail space, 118 purpose-built manufacturing blocks, and 350 commercial offices, all within a single complex. That combination is exceptionally rare in the UAE: you can run a jewellery factory, sell directly to retail customers, and manage back-office operations without leaving the same building.
Where is the Gold and Diamond Park located?
The park sits on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is Dubai’s main commercial artery, directly adjacent to a Dubai Metro station and bus stops. This accessibility matters for two reasons. First, it allows staff to commute by public transport, which reduces overhead costs. Second, it ensures a steady stream of walk-in customers from tourists and residents using the metro corridor. According to the park’s official website at goldanddiamondpark.com, a courtyard with cafes and restaurants adds to the destination appeal, drawing general foot traffic beyond specialist jewellery buyers. Transportation services between local hotels and the park are also available for international visitors.
Who regulates the Gold and Diamond Park?
The Gold and Diamond Park operates within the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) framework. JAFZA, a division of DP World, is the Arab world’s first and largest free zone authority and is responsible for issuing all trading, manufacturing, service, and other licences for businesses at GDP. Companies register via JAFZA and manage ongoing filings, visa processing, and licence renewals through JAFZA’s digital portals. The primary service portal is Dubai Trade (dubaitrade.ae), through which businesses manage employment visas, lease updates, and regulatory filings. JAFZA is reachable at 800-JAFZA (52392) within the UAE or at +971 4 4453270 internationally.
What makes the Gold and Diamond Park unique compared to other Dubai free zones?
Unlike general-purpose free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, or Dubai South, the Gold and Diamond Park is a sector-specific zone exclusively for the jewellery, gold, and precious stones industry. Its 118 manufacturing blocks are purpose-built with infrastructure specifically designed for jewellery fabrication: a central gas distribution system, high-quality ventilation with exhaust extraction, and an acid disposal collection system for metal refining. No other free zone in Dubai offers this combination of specialist manufacturing infrastructure alongside retail showrooms and office space, all within a single curated destination on a prime Dubai address.
What types of business activities are allowed at the Gold and Diamond Park?
The Gold and Diamond Park is restricted to businesses operating in the jewellery, precious metals, and related sectors. This focus gives the park its commercial credibility: buyers, from tourists to wholesale traders, know exactly what they will find here, and that concentrated expertise makes it a more effective business environment than a general-purpose free zone.
Which industries and sectors can set up at the Gold and Diamond Park?
The permitted activities broadly cover the following: gold and precious metals trading (import, export, wholesale, and retail); diamond and gemstone trading; jewellery manufacturing, design, and refining; retail sale of jewellery, gold, silver, platinum, and related items; high-end personal accessories; e-commerce platforms focused on jewellery and precious items; and professional services related to the sector, such as valuation, bespoke design consultancy, and certification. Businesses engaged in complementary activities, such as packaging, logistics, or technology services specific to the jewellery industry, may also be eligible; contact JAFZA to confirm your specific activity before applying.
What activities may require additional regulatory approvals?
Certain activities within the gold and precious metals sector attract additional scrutiny under UAE anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering, Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, and subsequent Cabinet Decisions, designate dealers in precious metals and precious stones (DPMS) as a regulated category. Businesses importing, exporting, or trading in physical gold or precious stones above certain thresholds are required to register with the UAE’s goAML platform, administered by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit, and comply with ongoing AML and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) obligations. Additionally, as JAFZA’s own guidance notes, certain business categories require approvals from other regulatory authorities beyond JAFZA itself. Your JAFZA account manager can advise on which secondary approvals apply to your specific activity.
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What types of licences are available at the Gold and Diamond Park?
JAFZA issues several licence types relevant to businesses operating at the Gold and Diamond Park. Per JAFZA’s official guidance, the licence type governs the activities your company is permitted to carry out, and it must match your intended business operations. Each licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Trading Licence
A trading licence is the most common licence type at JAFZA and covers buying, selling, importing, and exporting physical goods. For a Gold and Diamond Park business, this means trading in gold, diamonds, gemstones, precious metals, and related jewellery products. Per JAFZA’s business licence guidance, a trading licence is available in three tiers. Type 1 covers up to seven activities from one group, Type 2 allows up to 12 activities from two or more groups, and Type 3 is a general trading licence covering an unlimited range of activities from three or more groups. The trading licence offers the highest degree of operational flexibility and is accepted across the broadest range of banking and government processes.
Manufacturing (Industrial) Licence
An industrial licence is for companies that manufacture or produce goods within the UAE. For GDP businesses, this is the appropriate licence for jewellery fabrication, metal refining, gemstone setting, engraving, and related production activities. According to JAFZA’s guidance, this licence requires the production facility to be located within the free zone, and companies holding an industrial licence are audited regularly by JAFZA’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) authority. This audit requirement is particularly relevant for operations that involve acid disposal and gas usage, both of which the park’s purpose-built manufacturing blocks are equipped to handle safely.
Retail Licence
A retail licence allows your business to operate a retail outlet directly within the park, selling jewellery and precious items to end consumers on-site. Given the park’s consistent footfall from both international tourists and local UAE residents, the retail licence is the standard vehicle for businesses establishing a boutique or showroom at GDP. Over 90 leading retailers and brands currently operate under retail arrangements at the park, according to the official GDP website.
Service Licence
A service licence is for businesses whose primary activity is providing services rather than holding or selling physical goods. At GDP, this is the appropriate licence for valuation consultants, jewellery designers offering bespoke design services, gemological consultants, and similar knowledge-based or advisory businesses. Per JAFZA’s guidance, the key distinguishing feature of a service licence is that the business does not trade in or hold stock of physical products. A service licence at JAFZA is available in Type 1 (up to seven activities) and Type 2 (up to 12 activities) tiers.
E-Commerce Licence
An e-commerce licence allows businesses to operate online retail and trading platforms. For jewellery businesses looking to combine a physical presence at GDP with an online sales channel, this licence type enables both operations under a single entity registered within the free zone. This is an increasingly popular option for brands that want the prestige of a GDP address and showroom alongside a scalable digital revenue stream.
What company formation structures are available at the Gold and Diamond Park?
JAFZA offers five company formation types in total. Three are most relevant to businesses setting up at the Gold and Diamond Park: the Free Zone Establishment (FZE), the Free Zone Company (FZCo), and the Branch of an existing company. All three permit 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required, as JAFZA’s official guidance confirms.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
An FZE is a single-shareholder company registered within the free zone. The shareholder can be either an individual (a natural person) or a non-individual (a company). An FZE is a limited liability entity, meaning the shareholder’s liability is capped at the paid-up capital of the company. It has a distinct legal personality with its own capacity and rights. This is the most common structure for sole founders or individual investors establishing their first Dubai entity and is appropriate for a jewellery entrepreneur setting up a standalone manufacturing or retail business at GDP.
Free Zone Company (FZCo)
An FZCo allows for multiple shareholders, between two and 50, who can be a mix of individuals and companies. It operates similarly to a limited liability partnership, with each shareholder’s liability limited to their share of the paid-up capital. An FZCo is the appropriate structure when two or more investors or business partners are involved. Per JAFZA’s guidance, you may also own multiple businesses within JAFZA with the same shareholders, which is useful if you want to operate separate manufacturing and retail entities at GDP.
Branch of an Existing Company
An existing company registered outside JAFZA, whether in another UAE emirate or overseas, can set up a branch at GDP. The branch is 100% owned by the parent company, operates under the same trade name, and conducts the same business activities. According to JAFZA’s official guidance, this structure is useful for established jewellery brands or manufacturers looking to extend their operations into the Dubai market while retaining their existing company’s history, relationships, and name. Setting up a branch does not create a new standalone legal entity; the parent company remains fully liable.
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What are the steps to set up a company at the Gold and Diamond Park?
JAFZA’s company formation process is fully digital and can be completed online from anywhere in the world. According to JAFZA’s official guidance, the estimated timeline from full document submission to licence issuance is three to 14 business days, depending on the formation type and licence category. The key steps are outlined below.
Step 1: Choose your licence type and formation structure
Decide on the right combination of licence type (trading, manufacturing, retail, service, or e-commerce) and formation structure (FZE, FZCo, or branch). Use JAFZA’s cost calculator at jafza.ae/cost-calculator to model the costs before you commit, as the fees vary by licence type, number of activities, and facility type. Download the UAE government business activity list from jafza.ae to confirm that your intended activities fall within the permitted categories.
Step 2: Submit your application and documents
Submit all required documents through JAFZA’s digital portal or via the Dubai Trade platform. JAFZA’s process is 100% digital and physical document submissions are not required for standard formations. Alternatively, you can download JAFZA’s application form from their website and visit the JAFZA sales centre in Dubai in person. A completed Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) KYC declaration is required for all formations, as mandated by Ministerial Decision No. 100 of 2020 on Economic Substance Reporting.
Step 3: Select your facility and sign the lease agreement
A signed lease agreement for a facility within the free zone is a mandatory requirement before JAFZA can issue your licence. The facility type must match your licence type: a manufacturing licence requires a manufacturing block, a retail licence requires a retail unit, and a service or trading licence requires an office space. The Gold and Diamond Park offers 118 manufacturing blocks, 350 offices, and retail showroom units. Contact the park directly at +971 4 362 7777 or visit goldanddiamondpark.com to enquire about current availability and lease rates.
Step 4: Make payment and receive your licence
After document approval and lease execution, make the required payments for your licence and formation fees through the JAFZA portal. On receipt of payment, JAFZA issues the licence digitally and you can download it from the portal. Every JAFZA licence is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires an active lease contract to be in place, and is completed through the portal on receipt of the renewal payment.
Step 5: Apply for employee and investor visas
Once your licence is active, you can apply for employment visas and investor or shareholder visas through the Dubai Trade portal. JAFZA processes visa entry permits, residency stamps, and Emirates ID applications through this platform. If your initial visa allocation is insufficient for your business needs, you can apply for an additional visa quota through the Dubai Trade portal at no charge, per JAFZA’s published guide on additional visa quota. The additional quota request is processed within one working day.
What documents are required to set up a company at the Gold and Diamond Park?
The documents required depend on your formation type and whether the applicant is an individual or a corporate entity. All documents must be current and, where required, attested or apostilled in accordance with UAE requirements. JAFZA’s process is digital and most documents are uploaded rather than physically submitted.
For individual shareholders (FZE or FZCo with natural persons)
The standard documents for an FZE or FZCo with individual shareholders are as follows:
- Passport copies of all shareholders (clear copy, valid for at least six months)
- Personal profile or curriculum vitae for the proposed manager or director
- Completed JAFZA company application form (available from jafza.ae)
- Completed Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) KYC declaration (mandatory under Ministerial Decision No. 100 of 2020)
- Completed JAFZA EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) policy and undertaking form (required for all licence categories)
- Signed lease agreement for your chosen facility within the Gold and Diamond Park
JAFZA may request additional supporting documents depending on the business activity category or the applicant’s nationality.
For corporate shareholders or a branch formation
When the shareholder is a company, or when setting up a branch of an existing entity, the following additional corporate documents are required:
- Current certificate of incorporation or commercial registration of the parent company
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the parent company
- Board resolution authorising the establishment of the subsidiary or branch in Dubai (typically notarised and apostilled)
- Passport copy and curriculum vitae of the authorised manager appointed for the new entity
- Most recent audited financial statements or annual report of the parent company (where applicable)
- UBO KYC declaration for all ultimate beneficial owners of the parent entity
- Signed lease agreement for the chosen facility
All foreign corporate documents must be attested by the relevant authorities in the country of origin and, where applicable, counter-attested by the UAE Embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Contact JAFZA to confirm the specific attestation requirements for your country.
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What are the government fees and setup costs at the Gold and Diamond Park?
JAFZA is transparent about its pricing structure and maintains an online cost calculator at jafza.ae/cost-calculator that provides an indicative figure based on your chosen licence type, number of activities, and facility type. The breakdown below covers the main cost components. All figures are subject to change; always verify current fees directly with JAFZA before applying.
Licence fees
According to JAFZA’s official business licence page, business licences at JAFZA start from AED 5,000 (approximately USD 1,360). The precise fee for your Gold and Diamond Park business depends on the licence type (trading, industrial, service, or retail), the number of activities added to the licence, and the activity group. Trading licence Type 1 (up to seven activities) will carry a different fee to Type 3 (general trading). Use the JAFZA cost calculator for an accurate figure specific to your intended activities before you engage any consultant or adviser.
Facility and lease costs
Facility costs (lease) are in addition to the licence fee and vary by the type and size of the unit you lease within the park. Manufacturing blocks, retail units, office spaces, and showrooms all carry different lease rates, and the rates are set by the Gold and Diamond Park management rather than directly by JAFZA. Contact the park at +971 4 362 7777 or visit goldanddiamondpark.com for current leasing rates and unit availability. Having your lease agreement confirmed before submitting your JAFZA application significantly speeds up the setup process.
Visa costs
Employment visa and investor visa fees are processed through the Dubai Trade portal and are separate from the licence and facility fees. Visa costs in Dubai typically include the entry permit, status change (if the applicant is already in the UAE), residency stamping, Emirates ID, and medical fitness test. These individual components each carry their own government fee. JAFZA provides a step-by-step visa guide at jafza.ae for the full process and current fee schedule.
Illustrative cost breakdown
The table below provides an approximate illustrative breakdown for a single-shareholder FZE with a trading licence at GDP. All figures are indicative; use the JAFZA cost calculator and contact the Gold and Diamond Park management for confirmed current pricing.
| Cost Component | Approximate Cost (AED) | Approximate Cost (USD) |
| JAFZA licence fee (trading, Type 1 starting point) | From AED 5,000 | From approx. USD 1,360 |
| Company formation / registration fee | Confirm via jafza.ae/cost-calculator | Varies |
| Facility lease (office) | Contact GDP: +971 4 362 7777 | Varies by unit size |
| Facility lease (manufacturing block) | Contact GDP: +971 4 362 7777 | Varies by unit size |
| Employment visa (per person, all components combined) | Approx. AED 3,000 to 4,500 | Approx. USD 820 to 1,225 |
| Investor / shareholder visa (per person) | Approx. AED 3,000 to 4,500 | Approx. USD 820 to 1,225 |
Note: All JAFZA fees are subject to annual revision. The figures above are for indicative purposes only. Always verify fees directly at jafza.ae/cost-calculator before making any financial commitment.
What is the minimum share capital requirement at the Gold and Diamond Park?
There is no prescribed minimum share capital for businesses registered at the Gold and Diamond Park. According to JAFZA’s official FAQ, prior to 2017, JAFZA required FZE companies to hold a minimum capital of AED 1,000,000 and FZCo companies AED 500,000 per shareholder. This requirement no longer applies. JAFZA now requires only that the company holds share capital sufficient for the activities for which it is licensed, in line with UAE Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 (the Commercial Companies Law, as amended).
That said, the nature of the jewellery and precious metals trade means that in practice, working capital requirements can be substantial. Gold inventory, manufacturing equipment, and showroom fitout costs all represent meaningful upfront investment. JAFZA’s sales team can advise on best practices regarding initial capital when you are setting up your business, and it is worth discussing the practical capital requirements for your specific activity type before deciding on a figure for your Memorandum of Association.
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How many visas can I get with my Gold and Diamond Park licence?
The number of visas allocated to a Gold and Diamond Park business depends on the size and type of facility you lease within the park. JAFZA applies a ratio based on your leased space and the nature of your entity. As a baseline, office-based companies receive an allocation calculated on the office floor area, while manufacturing and retail licence holders with larger facilities typically qualify for a higher initial quota. This reflects the greater staffing requirements of production and retail operations relative to an office-only business.
If your initial allocation is insufficient for your hiring plans, you can apply for an additional visa quota through the Dubai Trade portal. According to JAFZA’s published guide on additional visa quota, this service is available at no charge and is typically processed within one working day. To apply, log in to the Dubai Trade portal, navigate to “Summary Information”, and select “Additional Visa Quota: Approval.” You will need to submit a company letter detailing the request. For a specific allocation figure based on the unit you are considering leasing, contact JAFZA directly at 800-JAFZA (52392) or visit jafza.ae.
What facilities and office options are available at the Gold and Diamond Park?
The Gold and Diamond Park has been designed from the ground up for the jewellery and precious metals sector, and its physical infrastructure reflects that specialisation at every level.
Manufacturing blocks
The park contains 118 purpose-built manufacturing blocks. These are specialist units equipped with infrastructure that standard free zone offices do not provide: a central gas distribution system, a high-quality ventilation and exhaust extraction system, and acid disposal collection points. These features address the specific operational requirements of jewellery fabrication, metal refining, and gemstone processing. For a jewellery manufacturer, this ready-made infrastructure eliminates the significant cost and regulatory complexity of installing specialist utilities in a standard commercial unit.
Offices and retail spaces
There are 350 commercial offices available within the park, alongside retail showrooms where brands and retailers present jewellery directly to customers. Over 90 leading jewellery retailers and brands currently operate from the park, according to the official GDP website. Retail units are positioned to maximise exposure to the park’s considerable foot traffic, which includes international tourists, UAE residents, and trade buyers. The park also hosts office spaces suitable for trading companies, professional service providers, and back-office functions that support the broader jewellery and precious metals sector.
Support facilities and amenities
The park operates around the clock. Security is maintained 24 hours a day through CCTV surveillance, on-site security personnel, and comprehensive fire safety systems. Central air conditioning operates throughout all common areas and retail spaces. The complex includes a courtyard with cafes and restaurants, prayer rooms for both men and women, baby changing facilities, and wheelchair access throughout. These provisions make the park a comfortable environment not only for staff working full days but also for customers who may be spending several hours comparing pieces or commissioning bespoke work.
Transport links
The Gold and Diamond Park’s position directly adjacent to a Dubai Metro station and bus stops is a genuine operational advantage. Staff can commute by public transport, which reduces the pressure on parking and lowers staff transport costs. International buyers and clients can arrive directly from their hotels via metro without arranging private transport. According to the official GDP website, shuttle services between local hotels and the park are also available, which is particularly useful during trade visits and buying trips.
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What are the key benefits of setting up at the Gold and Diamond Park?
100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
As a JAFZA-regulated entity, companies at the Gold and Diamond Park are entitled to 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a UAE national partner. There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital: what your business earns is yours to transfer wherever you need, with no withholding taxes on dividends or capital repatriation. This full repatriation right, combined with the absence of a local partner requirement, is one of the most commercially significant advantages of the free zone structure for international investors.
Tax position under UAE law
The UAE introduced a corporate income tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, effective from 1 June 2023. The rate is 9% on annual business profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000). Profits at or below AED 375,000 per year are taxed at 0%. Free zone entities may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if they satisfy the conditions for being a Qualifying Free Zone Person, as defined by the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Conditions include maintaining adequate economic substance within the free zone. There is no personal income tax in the UAE at any level, and no tax on dividends or capital gains at the individual level. Businesses should obtain qualified UAE tax advice on their specific position.
Prime location and commercial footfall
Sheikh Zayed Road is Dubai’s commercial spine. A business address on this corridor carries prestige with clients, buyers, and banking partners that a location in a remote industrial free zone cannot match. Dubai’s standing as a global luxury shopping destination, combined with its status as a hub for international trade, means GDP retailers and manufacturers benefit from a diverse and consistent customer base: UAE residents, GCC visitors, and international tourists from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The combination of walk-in retail traffic and trade buyers makes GDP a relatively rare venue where both B2C and B2B revenue streams coexist naturally.
Specialist infrastructure and the GDP sector community
Nowhere else in the UAE will you find 118 jewellery-grade manufacturing blocks co-located with over 90 jewellery retailers in a purpose-designed complex on a prime commercial address. That proximity creates a genuine commercial ecosystem. Manufacturers can supply retailers directly and shorten their supply chain. Retailers can offer custom work to clients and route production to an on-site manufacturer. Professional service firms, including valuers, designers, and certification consultants, can serve both. JAFZA’s 24-hour operational freedom, which means no restrictions on working hours, allows manufacturing businesses to run evening or overnight production shifts if commercial demand requires it.
How does the Gold and Diamond Park compare to other options for jewellery businesses in Dubai?
The most relevant comparison for a jewellery or precious metals business in Dubai is between GDP and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), which runs the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and is the UAE’s primary hub for commodity and precious metals trading. A Dubai mainland licence (via Dubai Economy and Tourism, formerly DED) is the third option. The table below highlights the key differences.
Comparison: Gold and Diamond Park vs DMCC vs Dubai Mainland
| Factor | Gold and Diamond Park (GDP) | DMCC | Dubai Mainland (DET) |
| Sector focus | Jewellery and precious metals only | Commodities broadly (gold, diamonds, and others) | All sectors |
| Location | Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai | All of Dubai |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% Since 2021 amendments
|
| Manufacturing blocks | Yes 118 purpose-built jewellery units
|
No dedicated manufacturing units | Yes Various industrial zones
|
| On-site retail | Yes Integrated retail showrooms
|
Limited | Yes, across the city |
| Regulator | JAFZA (DP World) | DMCC Authority | Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Licence fee starting point | From AED 5,000 Per jafza.ae
|
Confirm via dmcc.ae | Confirm via dubaieconomy.ae |
| Visa processing | Via Dubai Trade / JAFZA portal | Via DMCC portal | Via DET and MOHRE |
| Corporate tax | 9% on profits above AED 375k Qualifying FZ exemption may apply
|
Same UAE law applies | Same UAE law applies |
For businesses whose primary focus is physical jewellery manufacturing and on-the-ground retail in Dubai, GDP’s sector-specific infrastructure and co-location with established brands gives it a meaningful commercial advantage. DMCC is the stronger choice if your business model centres on commodity trading, financial products linked to gold and precious metals, or if you need to be in a multi-sector free zone with a broader client base. A Dubai mainland licence is appropriate if you need to operate across the UAE without the customs boundary that applies to free zone entities selling into the mainland market.
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Tips for setting up at the Gold and Diamond Park
- Use JAFZA’s cost calculator before engaging anyone. The tool at jafza.ae/cost-calculator gives you a realistic baseline for licence and formation costs without sales pressure. This makes it easier to benchmark any quotes you receive from third-party consultants.
- Match your facility type to your licence type from day one. JAFZA requires a facility that matches your licence type: a manufacturing licence needs a manufacturing block, not just a desk in a shared office. Getting this wrong at the application stage causes delays of several weeks while you renegotiate your lease.
- Register with goAML before you start trading. If your business involves trading in gold or precious stones above AED 55,000 per transaction (or cash transactions above AED 55,000), you are classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP) under UAE AML law and must register with goAML. Do this before you process your first transaction, not after.
- Get your UBO KYC declaration right. The Ultimate Beneficial Owner disclosure requirements have tightened considerably since Ministerial Decision No. 100 of 2020. If your ownership structure involves holding companies, trusts, or nominees, clarify the disclosure requirements with your JAFZA account manager before submitting, as errors cause significant processing delays.
- Request additional visa quota if your initial allocation is too small. The process is free and takes one working day via the Dubai Trade portal. Do not let an insufficient initial quota delay your hiring plan; the remedy is quick, per JAFZA’s own published guide.
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Setting up at the Gold and Diamond Park requires navigating JAFZA’s application process, matching your licence type to the right facility within the park, ensuring your anti-money laundering registrations are in order from day one, and coordinating lease negotiations directly with GDP management. Each of these steps involves specific documentation requirements and timelines that can derail the process if handled without prior experience.
Business Setup HQ has over 22 years of combined experience helping entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporate groups establish operations in UAE free zones and on the mainland. We handle your JAFZA application, liaise with the Gold and Diamond Park management on your behalf, and guide you through the AML registration requirements that apply to dealers in precious metals and precious stones. We also assist with employment visas, shareholder visa applications, and corporate bank account introductions.
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Frequently asked questions about the Gold and Diamond Park Free Zone
Yes. The Gold and Diamond Park operates within the JAFZA regulatory framework. Licences are issued by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, which is a division of DP World. Companies manage their filings, visa applications, and licence renewals through JAFZA’s digital portals, including the Dubai Trade platform.
Yes. JAFZA free zones, including the Gold and Diamond Park, permit 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a UAE national partner or local sponsor. This applies to all company formation types: FZE, FZCo, and branch formations.
According to JAFZA’s official guidance, the company setup process takes between three and 14 business days from the date all required documents are submitted. Having your lease agreement signed and in place before you apply can significantly reduce the processing time, as the lease is a mandatory requirement for licence issuance.
No. Since 2017, JAFZA has not prescribed a minimum share capital for FZE or FZCo formations. Your paid-up capital must simply be sufficient for the activities for which you are licensed, as required by UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021). Before 2017, the minimum for an FZE was AED 1,000,000; this requirement no longer applies.
Yes. The park contains 118 purpose-built manufacturing blocks equipped with specialist infrastructure including a central gas distribution system, ventilation with exhaust extraction, and acid disposal collection points. These features are specifically designed for jewellery fabrication, metal refining, and gemstone processing. No general-purpose free zone office unit in Dubai offers this combination of features.
The UAE introduced a corporate income tax of 9% on annual business profits exceeding AED 375,000, effective from 1 June 2023, under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Free zone entities may qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income if they satisfy the conditions for being a Qualifying Free Zone Person as defined by the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Seek qualified UAE tax advice on your specific structure and activity.
Free zone companies can supply goods to mainland UAE customers, but goods moving from a free zone into the UAE customs territory are treated as imports and may attract customs duty (typically 5% for most goods under the GCC Common External Tariff). For retail sales made on-site within the park itself (to customers visiting GDP), no additional duty applies as the transaction occurs within the free zone. Obtain customs advice specific to your product category before planning your mainland sales strategy.
The park offers 24/7 security via CCTV, on-site personnel, and fire safety systems; central air conditioning throughout; prayer rooms for men and women; baby changing facilities; wheelchair access; a courtyard with cafes and restaurants; and transportation links including an adjacent Dubai Metro station and shuttle services to nearby hotels.
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