Dubai CommerCity

Dubai Economic Zones Reach 96% Occupancy as Company Numbers and AI Activity Surge

Dubai’s economic zones continued to attract businesses, talent and technology investment in the first half of 2026, with occupancy reaching 96% across three key zones and the number of registered companies rising 13% year on year.

The latest figures from the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) cover Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity, highlighting sustained demand for Dubai’s business infrastructure. Workforce numbers across the three zones also increased by 24% compared with the first half of 2025.

The performance comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, technology and international business. High occupancy levels across the economic zones indicate continued demand from companies seeking access to Dubai’s infrastructure, connectivity and business ecosystem.

Infrastructure Expansion Supports Growth

DIEZ expanded its development pipeline during the period, particularly at Dubai Silicon Oasis, where new projects are being positioned around future technologies, research, development and innovation.

Among the major developments is District IO, supported by an investment of Dh11 billion. The project is designed to create infrastructure for technology-driven businesses and innovation activities.

DIEZ also launched the first phase of Block 14, representing an investment of Dh1.8 billion. The development will include commercial and residential buildings, a retail district and connections to the Dubai Metro network. Located near the planned Dubai Metro Blue Line station, the first phase is scheduled for completion in 2029, coinciding with the expected opening of the line.

These investments reflect Dubai’s broader strategy of developing integrated business environments where companies can combine commercial operations with residential, retail and transport infrastructure.

Startup Investment Gains Momentum

Technology and startup activity also remained a key driver of DIEZ’s growth. Oraseya Capital, the investment arm of DIEZ, invested in 15 startups during the first half of 2026, representing a 25% increase in new investments compared with the same period last year.

The portfolio included companies operating in artificial intelligence and other technology-focused sectors, including Takeem, a proptech platform focused on rent guarantee solutions, and Revora, an AI-powered e-commerce platform serving GCC markets.

Oraseya also continued to strengthen its early-stage pipeline through its Sandbox programme. The eighth cohort attracted 771 applications, with 16 companies ultimately selected following 28 selection committee meetings.

AI Emerges as a Major Growth Engine

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming one of the strongest growth areas within Dubai’s technology ecosystem.

Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus recorded a 57% increase in new company registrations during H1 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. More significantly, the number of companies specialising in AI increased by 95% over the same period.

The figures point to a rapidly evolving business landscape in which AI, e-commerce, proptech and other technology-enabled sectors are becoming increasingly important to Dubai’s economic growth.

With high occupancy, rising company and workforce numbers, expanding infrastructure and accelerating startup investment, Dubai’s economic zones are reinforcing their role as platforms for companies looking to establish, scale and innovate in the region.

The H1 2026 performance also underscores the growing convergence of business infrastructure, technology and investment within Dubai’s economic strategy, creating an increasingly competitive environment for regional and international companies.

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Dubai CommerCity and NQuBator Launch Incubation Program for Digital Commerce Startups

Dubai CommerCity is launching a new startup incubation program with NQuBator to support high-potential entrepreneurs and emerging digital commerce companies.

The memorandum of understanding regarding the collaboration was signed by Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity, and Saeed Al Hamli, Co-Founder and CEO of NQuBator.

The program aims to provide startups from different countries around the world that develop solutions in e-commerce, retail technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital commerce with access to the Dubai market and opportunities to scale.

Applications for the Dubai CommerCity Program Will Open on August 10

Global applications for the first incubation cohort will open on August 10, 2026. Selected startups will be admitted to the structured program, which is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Participants will be supported in developing their business models, testing their solutions, and preparing to expand into new markets. The program will offer tailored mentorship, expert consultancy, capability-building activities, and access to industry networks.

Pilot Project and Investor Access for Startups

Dubai CommerCity will support the selected ventures in developing pilot projects with corporate companies. Startups will also be brought together with investors, strategic partners, and industry representatives through demo days and ecosystem events.

Eligible companies will also receive support in establishing a business in Dubai, navigating regulatory processes, and entering the market. The program aims to transform innovative early-stage ideas into commercially viable and scalable businesses.

The Digital Commerce Ecosystem Will Be Strengthened

By combining the expertise of Dubai CommerCity and NQuBator, the collaboration will create a growth environment in which startups can attract investment and access regional and global markets. The program is expected to contribute to a more competitive and innovation-driven digital commerce ecosystem in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

NQuBator operates as a startup platform that supports entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into scalable and market-ready businesses through technology-focused incubation and acceleration programs. Through mentorship, investor access, business development, ecosystem connections, and operational support, the platform aims to help startups expand from local markets into regional and global markets.

Dubai CommerCity Joins UNIEF as Founding Member from the UAE at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

Dubai CommerCity Joins UNIEF as Founding Member from the UAE at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

Dubai CommerCity, the first free zone in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, dedicated to digital commerce, and a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties, has officially joined the United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF), an international, non-profit organisation registered in Geneva, Switzerland and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as a founding member. The membership marks a key milestone in strengthening international cooperation in e-commerce, digital trade, and cross-border commerce.

The membership agreement was signed during WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 on 13 June, in the presence of Ms. Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, UNIEF President Ömer Nart, and UNIEF Secretary General Burak Yalım.

As part of the membership, Arjun Sarkar, Vice President of Digital Ecosystem and Partnerships at Dubai CommerCity, has been appointed as the organization’s representative to UNIEF. In this role, he will support the federation’s international activities and contribute to its global network of e-commerce stakeholders.

Dubai CommerCity’s founding membership reflects the growing role of the UAE as a strategic hub for digital commerce, innovation, and cross-border trade. As one of the region’s leading digital commerce-focused free zones, Dubai CommerCity is expected to deliver significant value to UNIEF’s mission of connecting global e-commerce ecosystems, fostering international collaboration, and promoting sustainable growth in digital trade.

Ms. Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, welcomed the membership and underlined the importance of international collaboration in the digital economy.

“We are pleased to become a founding member of the United E-Commerce Federation, reaffirming our commitment to advancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital commerce. This milestone reflects Dubai CommerCity’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation, strengthen cross-border trade, and support the development of a connected and future-ready digital economy. As e-commerce continues to transform the way businesses connect, compete, and grow, partnerships such as UNIEF play an important role in strengthening international cooperation, advancing industry best practices, and accelerating sustainable growth across the global digital trade ecosystem,” Lootah said

Speaking on the significance of the membership, UNIEF President Ömer Nart emphasized that Dubai CommerCity’s participation represents a strategic milestone for the federation’s global vision.

“Dubai CommerCity is one of the most important digital commerce hubs in the region. Its participation as a founding member from the UAE will add strong value to UNIEF’s international network and support our mission to create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable global e-commerce ecosystem,” Nart said.

Arjun Sarkar, who has been designated to represent Dubai CommerCity within UNIEF, said the membership would create new opportunities for knowledge exchange and international cooperation.

“We look forward to contributing to the federation’s global initiatives and working closely with international partners to support the future of e-commerce,” Sarkar said.

UNIEF Secretary General Burak Yalım also highlighted the federation’s growing international momentum, noting that UNIEF has received strong interest from countries across different regions.

“UNIEF is growing with a strong global vision. We have held talks with representatives and stakeholders from 39 countries and received very positive feedback. Fourteen of these countries have already joined UNIEF as founding members. This shows that there is a real need for a global platform that brings together the key actors of e-commerce and digital trade,” Yalım said.

The signing at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 also underlined the event’s role as a global meeting point for e-commerce leaders. Bringing together public institutions, retailers, marketplaces, brands, technology providers, logistics companies, and digital trade enablers from different regions, WORLDEF Istanbul continues to serve as a platform for high-level partnerships and international business development.

Through Dubai CommerCity’s participation as a founding member from the UAE, UNIEF further strengthens its international network and reinforces its commitment to advancing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across the global e-commerce and digital trade landscape.

Dubai CommerCity Unites E-Commerce Logistics and Customs Processes in a Single Ecosystem

Dubai has signed a new collaboration that will strengthen its cross-border digital trade infrastructure in line with its goal of becoming one of the global e-commerce hubs. Dubai CommerCity, the region’s first free zone focused exclusively on digital commerce, announced that it has established a strategic partnership with Dubai Customs, Dubai Municipality and logistics company NAQEL Express.

Under the new collaboration, it is aimed to accelerate customs processes, optimize logistics operations and create a more integrated digital trade infrastructure for companies engaged in international e-commerce.

Customs and Logistics Processes Are Becoming Digital

Together with the partnership model, it is aimed to process products entering and leaving the United Arab Emirates more quickly, reduce operational bottlenecks and accelerate delivery processes. Digital integration systems will be implemented especially to reduce delays experienced in cross-border e-commerce operations.

Abdulrahman Shahin, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, stated that the collaboration would strengthen connectivity within the digital trade ecosystem and used the following statements: “This integration is an important step that will enable seamless operations between free zones, regulatory authorities and logistics providers. We are creating an integrated digital structure that supports companies in scaling faster.” Shahin also emphasized that the project was designed in line with the UAE’s “Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme” vision.

Dubai Customs Will Accelerate Processes

Under the agreement, Dubai Customs will make processes more efficient through advanced digital customs systems. It was stated that the authority will focus especially on reducing paperwork, shortening product transit times and increasing processing speed in international shipments. Officials aim to minimize the operational difficulties faced by online sellers when shipping products to different markets through this system.

Emphasis on Product Safety and Regulation

Dubai Municipality will be responsible for product safety, quality standards and inspection processes. While the authority checks whether imported and exported products comply with health and quality criteria, it will also ensure that processing times proceed quickly. Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated that public and private sector coordination is critically important in regulatory processes. The new model is expected to create a more transparent structure for sellers trying to manage regulatory processes in different countries.

NAQEL Express Will Strengthen Last-Mile Deliveries

NAQEL Express, one of the region’s important logistics companies, will also provide end-to-end transportation and fulfillment services in the project. The company aims to increase delivery reliability with its regional distribution network and last-mile delivery infrastructure.

Dr. Adnan Ibrahim Al Marzooa, Deputy CEO of NAQEL Express, stated that a significant transformation had taken place in the operational model thanks to the integration and made the following statement: “Thanks to this structure, which reduces processing times and automates customs and delivery processes, supply chain efficiency and service quality have increased significantly.”

Cross-Border E-Commerce Is Growing Rapidly in the Gulf Region

According to industry experts, the collaboration is seen as an important part of the Gulf countries’ strategy to gain a larger share from the rapidly growing digital trade market. In the Middle East, cross-border e-commerce has recorded significant growth in recent years with the increase in smartphone use, the spread of digital payment systems and the rise in demand for international brands.

The fact that companies operating under Dubai CommerCity will be able to receive warehousing, customs support, logistics and regulatory consultancy within a single ecosystem is considered an important advantage that could accelerate especially SMEs’ regional growth processes.

Dubai Aims to Become a Regional Digital Trade Hub

The new initiative is expected to make Dubai more attractive for international brands and SMEs seeking to enter the Middle East market. With the simplification of operational processes and the strengthening of delivery infrastructure, it is stated that Dubai aims to become a competitive hub for digital trade companies. Experts agree that integrated digital solutions, fast logistics networks and public-private sector collaborations will play a critical role for success in the e-commerce sector in the future.