Dubai South launches digital-first free zone for entrepreneurs

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Dubai has just added another ‘bold’ experiment to its business playbook. Dubai South, the region’s largest single-urban master development, recently launched the Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH) — a platform that aims to rewire the way entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinationals set up shop in the city.

Billed as a digital-first free zone, DSBH strips away the usual red tape. Founders can apply for licenses, visas, and renewals online, upload and manage documents through a secure portal, and tap one-click services for compliance.

The pitch is simple: same-day licensing and a founder-first approach designed to turn bureaucracy into a background function.

But DSBH doesn’t stop at incorporation. The new hub is tied to a Beyond Hub platform, a suite of services that many entrepreneurs usually scramble to source piecemeal, such as corporate banking, VAT and accounting support, visa solutions, even family relocation assistance.

In practice, that means a startup can not only incorporate digitally but also keep its back office running without chasing multiple service providers.

Located in the Dubai South Business Park, the hub is plugged into the wider ecosystem: direct links to banks and government entities, access to world-class infrastructure, and the global connectivity Dubai has built its reputation on.

Dubai South positions this as more than a regulatory sandbox; it’s an integrated operating system for businesses that want speed and scale.

Launch of the Dubai South Business Hub to support startup ecosystem

Nabil Al Kindi, CEO of Dubai South Properties, framed the launch as a commitment to the city’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. “The launch of the Dubai South Business Hub reinforces our commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports the ambitions of our partners and clients. By combining innovation, speed, and flexibility, we are setting a new benchmark for business support services in the UAE and beyond,” he said.

For Dubai South, the business hub is both an infrastructure play and a branding move. In a global market where founders expect seamless digital tools, the hub signals that Dubai isn’t just competing on skyscrapers and tax breaks, but on user experience. It’s a reminder that in the Middle East’s startup race, reducing friction may be the most powerful growth lever.

With DSBH now live, Dubai South is betting that its mix of digital-first operations, end-to-end services, and human support will resonate with the next generation of entrepreneurs eyeing the UAE as a launchpad.