# UAE free zones by industry

> Our assessment from the zone's published licence types. Always confirm your exact activity on the zone's official activity list.

- [Consulting & professional services](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/consulting.md) — Management, business and technical consulting that does not need a regulated professional licence.
- [IT & software](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/it-software.md) — Software development, SaaS, IT services and digital agencies.
- [E-commerce](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/ecommerce.md) — Selling goods or digital products online to consumers or businesses.
- [General trading](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/general-trading.md) — Import, export and re-export of a broad range of goods under one licence.
- [Specialised trading](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/specialised-trading.md) — Trading in one defined category of goods.
- [Media & creative](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/media-creative.md) — Content production, publishing, design, film, photography and broadcasting.
- [Marketing & advertising](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/marketing-advertising.md) — Digital marketing, advertising agencies, PR and event marketing.
- [Education & training](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/education-training.md) — Training institutes, coaching and education services. Usually needs an education regulator's approval.
- [Healthcare & wellness](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/healthcare.md) — Clinics, telehealth, medical devices and wellness services. Usually needs a health regulator's approval.
- [Logistics & freight](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/logistics.md) — Freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution and courier services.
- [Manufacturing & industrial](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/manufacturing.md) — Production, assembly and light or heavy industrial activity on site.
- [Real estate services](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/real-estate-services.md) — Property management, real estate consultancy and brokerage support.
- [Crypto & Web3](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/crypto-web3.md) — Virtual asset services, exchanges, custody, DAOs and blockchain companies. Regulated.
- [Fintech & financial services](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/fintech-financial.md) — Payments, asset management, banking and insurance. Regulated by a financial regulator.
- [Holding company](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/holding.md) — Holding shares and assets of other companies; no operating activity.
- [Freelancer / sole practitioner](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/freelance.md) — An individual permit or licence to work on your own account.
- [Events](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/events.md) — Event management, exhibitions and conferences.
- [Travel & tourism](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/travel-tourism.md) — Travel agencies, tour operators and tourism services. Usually needs a tourism authority's approval.
- [Food & beverage outlets](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/food-beverage.md) — Restaurants, cafés and catering with a physical outlet.
- [Fashion & beauty](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/fashion-beauty.md) — Fashion brands, cosmetics and beauty products.
- [Legal & audit](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/legal-audit.md) — Law firms, audit and accounting practices that need professional registration.
- [R&D, science & clean tech](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/research-tech.md) — Research, biotech, life sciences, deep tech and renewable energy.
- [Aviation & maritime](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/industries/aviation-maritime.md) — Aviation services, ship management and marine services.

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Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.