JAFZA Activity List for Businesses

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the biggest and busiest free zones in Dubai and the UAE. It sits next to Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world, and close to Al Maktoum International Airport. This prime location makes JAFZA an important hub for global trade. For any entrepreneur or corporation considering business setup in the Dubai free zone, going through the JAFZA activity list is an important first step.

This list, a comprehensive directory of business activities, defines the scope of operations a company can undertake within the free zone. Selecting the right activities ensures legal compliance, operational efficiency, and a solid foundation for business success. As of 2025, JAFZA continues to expand its offerings, attracting a diverse range of industries and solidifying its status as a premier location for international business.

In this blog, we will explain the JAFZA activity list, its main categories, and the steps to get a license. By the end, you will know how to select the right activity for your business in Dubai.

The JAFZA activities list is an official document that sorts every allowed business activity into categories. This list acts as the main rulebook, showing what a licensed company can and cannot do.

When a company registers in JAFZA, it must select specific activities from this list. Each activity gets a unique code, which JAFZA leaders use for licensing and to make sure companies follow the rules. For example, the code 513311 is for “Advertising Requisites Trading,” which means a company with this code can legally trade advertising tools and supplies.

The entire list is a huge collection of thousands of activities. JAFZA puts them into major categories to make choosing easier. These categories include:

• Trading
• Industrial
• Services
• E-commerce
• Logistics

The importance of this list comes from its legal nature. A company’s license clearly states which activities it can do. For instance, if you have a trading license, you cannot legally offer consulting services unless you add that specific service activity to your license.

JAFZA’s authority uses this clear system to keep things organized. This makes sure all companies work within set rules, which provides transparency and helps businesses easily follow local regulations.

JAFZA has organized its extensive list of activities into distinct categories to cater to diverse business models. Each category has specific requirements and allows for a unique range of operations.

Trading Activities:

Trading activities are among the most popular choices for businesses in JAFZA, given its location next to a major port. This license allows companies to import, export, re-export, and distribute a wide variety of goods.

• Import/Export: A company imports goods into the UAE and then exports them to other countries. JAFZA’s strategic location and customs-free environment make it an ideal base for these operations.
• Wholesale & Retail: Companies can sell goods in bulk to other businesses. Most trading activities in JAFZA focus on importing, exporting, and re-exporting products. Direct retail sales inside the free zone are usually not allowed, except through approved e-commerce platforms. To sell directly to customers in the UAE mainland, a local distributor or a license from the Dubai Economy (DED) is required.
• E-commerce: JAFZA supports online businesses, mainly for B2B and B2C cross-border trade. Companies can sell products internationally while managing storage and shipping from the free zone. Selling directly to customers in the UAE mainland usually requires an additional onshore license.

Industrial/Manufacturing Activities

For companies involved in the production of goods, JAFZA’s industrial infrastructure is a significant asset. This category covers a broad spectrum of manufacturing and processing.

• Light/Heavy Manufacturing: A company can engage in the full-scale production of goods, from assembling electronic components to manufacturing heavy machinery. JAFZA offers purpose-built land plots and facilities for these activities.
• Assembly: Businesses can import raw materials or components, assemble them into finished products, and then re-export them.
• Food Processing: This includes activities like packaging, sorting, and processing food and agricultural products. JAFZA has a dedicated Food & Agriculture sector that supports these operations.
• Recycling: This is a growing sector. Companies can operate facilities for processing and recycling various materials, contributing to sustainability initiatives in the region.

Service Activities

The service sector is a key pillar of Dubai’s economy, and JAFZA has a wide range of licenses for service-based businesses.

• Consultancy: This license allows a company to offer expert advice in various fields, including management, marketing, HR, and finance.
• IT & Media: Companies can provide services like software development, IT support, digital marketing, and content creation. The infrastructure in JAFZA supports these tech-focused operations.
• Auditing: Companies can provide auditing and accounting services, but these activities are strictly regulated by the UAE Ministry of Economy. Not all free zones allow auditing directly.
• Education & Technical Services: This covers a wide array of activities, from providing educational training to offering technical and maintenance services for equipment.

Logistics & Transportation

JAFZA is a global logistics powerhouse, and a specific license caters to this critical sector.

• Warehousing & Storage: Companies can lease or build their own warehouses for storing goods for clients. JAFZA provides state-of-the-art storage facilities, including cold storage for perishable goods.
• Freight Forwarding: Businesses can arrange the transport of goods from one location to another, managing the entire process, including documentation and customs clearance.
• Customs Clearance: A company can act as an agent, handling the customs formalities for imports and exports. JAFZA’s integrated customs services through Dubai Trade make this process seamless.
• Supply Chain Management: This license allows companies to manage the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to the end user.

Specialized & Sectoral Activities

Beyond the main categories, JAFZA also offers specialized licenses for niche industries.

• Oil & Gas: Companies can trade, store, and distribute petroleum products. Because JAFZA is so close to Jebel Ali Port and has large facilities for chemicals, it is a major hub for petrochemicals and lubricants trading.
• Marine & Maritime: This category is for businesses providing marine services, shipbuilding, and repair.
• Healthcare: A company can engage in the trading of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other healthcare products.
• Environmental: This includes activities related to waste management, environmental consulting, and sustainable technologies.
• Security: Companies can provide security services, surveillance, and safety solutions.

JAFZA has developed a strategic focus on several key industry sectors, creating a robust ecosystem for businesses within those areas. The logistics sector continues to strengthen due to JAFZA’s unmatched connectivity, while the food and agriculture sector, supported by investments from major international players like Haldiram’s, remains a cornerstone of the free zone’s economy.

• Logistics & Supply Chain: JAFZA’s unique position at the nexus of sea and air routes makes it an unbeatable location for logistics companies. It provides direct connectivity to over 150 ports and 120 global destinations.
• Food & Agriculture: This sector has witnessed considerable growth, with a focus on food processing, storage, and re-export.
• Automotive: The automotive sector thrives in JAFZA, leveraging the free zone’s advanced infrastructure for the import, re-export, and distribution of vehicles and spare parts. In a recent announcement, Autoworld is set to invest AED 45 million in a new facility to drive automotive growth in the region.
• Electronics & FMCG: The fast-moving consumer goods sector and electronics industries benefit from JAFZA’s streamlined customs processes and efficient warehousing.
• Healthcare Distribution: JAFZA is becoming a central hub for distributing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, serving the broader Middle East and Africa region.
• Manufacturing & Industrial: With a focus on heavy industries and light manufacturing, this sector is a major driver of economic growth.

The process for business setup in the UAE free zones is designed for efficiency. Here are the steps involved in registering a business activity in JAFZA.

• Trade Name Reservation

First, you must choose your legal structure and business name. Then, you submit a formal application to the JAFZA authority or through a registered business setup consultant. The application specifies the chosen business activities.

• Choose Legal Structure

Decide on your company type, such as FZE (single shareholder) or FZCO (multiple shareholders). This determines ownership, liability, and the type of license you can get.

• Lease a Facility

Your business needs a physical space to operate. You must lease a facility from JAFZA. They offer many options, including offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and even land plots. The type and size of your facility will also decide how many visas you can get for your staff.

• Submit Your Application

With your business name reserved and a facility leased, you can now submit your formal application. You give this to the JAFZA authority or a registered business setup consultant. Your application must clearly state the business activities you want to do.

You will also need to submit a list of required documents. The list of required documents for a business setup in the UAE includes:

• • Passport copies of all shareholders and managers.
  • A detailed business plan.
  • The parent company’s profile (for a branch setup).
  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required if the manager is a current UAE resident.
  • Bank reference letters for each shareholder.
  • Application for registration.

• Special Approvals for Regulated Sectors

Some business activities need additional approvals from government authorities before JAFZA can issue a license:

• • Food & Beverage: NOC from Dubai Municipality
  • Healthcare: Approval from Dubai Health Authority
  • Telecom & IT: Approval from TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority)
  • Financial Services: Approval from the UAE Central Bank or DFSA (if applicable)

A professional business setup consultant helps you navigate these requirements, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

Choosing the right activity from the JAFZA list of activities is a critical decision that affects your license, operational scope, and compliance.

When selecting your activities, keep these important factors in mind: 

• Business Goals: Clearly define your primary business purpose. Do you plan to trade, manufacture, or provide services?
• Licensing Requirements: Each license type has specific fees and documentation. A trading license is different from an industrial one, so choose based on your core activities.
• Regulatory Approvals: Identify any special approvals you may need. For instance, a chemical trading company will have more regulatory steps than a general consulting firm.
• Visa Quota: The number of visas a company can obtain is directly linked to the size and type of the leased office or warehouse facility.

Combining Multiple Activities Under One License

JAFZA allows companies to combine a number of related activities under a single license, providing flexibility. For example, a company can have a trading license that includes general trading, wholesale, and e-commerce. 

It is essential to choose activities that are related and complementary to avoid licensing issues. This also ensures your license accurately reflects your business model, preventing potential penalties.

JAFZA’s comprehensive business activity list is a testament to its commitment to being a global business hub. The list’s structure and diversity empower entrepreneurs and businesses with unparalleled opportunities for business setup in the UAE freezone. By understanding the different categories and selecting activities that align with your strategic goals, you lay a strong foundation for a compliant and successful operation. 

The process, while detailed, is designed for simplicity, and with the right guidance, you can navigate it with ease. As JAFZA continues to grow and evolve, it remains a top choice for international businesses looking to expand their presence in the Middle East. Consider consulting with a professional setup agent to ensure you make the best choices for your specific business needs.