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Setting Up in International Humanitarian City (IHC)
28,814AED
From
2003
Established
80
Organisations
50
Max Visas
Moderate
Banking
Business Overview
IHC Overview
What is IHC?
- Founded in 2003, International Humanitarian City now operates under the Dubai Humanitarian brand
- The biggest aid logistics centre on the planet, located in the Jebel Ali corridor linking Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum Airport
- Its members include commercial humanitarian suppliers, leading international NGOs and 8+ UN agencies
Who should consider it?
- NGOs and humanitarian bodies
- UN agencies
- Aid-sector suppliers and relief operations
Visa Details
- Visa quota: up to 50, depending on the facility and the size of the organisation
- Processing: 2 business days, far quicker than the majority of UAE free zones
- Renewal: AED 3,800 every 2 years
- Available visas: Employment, Investor, Mission
- Visa fees: investor AED 4,000, employee AED 3,000, dependent AED 4,500; changing status within the country AED 1,600
- Emirates ID typing AED 500 · Medical: VIP AED 900, Standard AED 500
Banking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Banks partnering with the zone: ADCB, Emirates NBD
- Allow 2-6 weeks, as banks ask for NGO paperwork and apply specialist compliance checks
Features
- Physical office needed: Yes
- Shared ownership allowed: Yes
- Portal online: Yes
- Co-working: Yes
- Audit needed: Yes; reporting rules depend on the type of organisation, and UN agencies apply their own audit standards
- Not available: crypto, dual licensing, trading on the mainland, or a free zone to mainland route
Share Capital
- There is no minimum capital
Latest Updates
- 2025: Launched new aid logistics training, strengthening its standing as the biggest humanitarian hub on the planet
- 2024: The IHC name gave way to Dubai Humanitarian, putting the focus on its links with the emirate
- Putting money into larger warehouses and kit-packing facilities for emergency stock
- Home to the IFRC and 8+ UN agencies such as OCHA, UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR and WFP
- Its legal basis is Law No. 1 of 2012 of Dubai, with amendments made in 2016
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Why IHC?
Why IHC Stands Out
Aid Sector Centre
The biggest logistics centre on the planet devoted to humanitarian work, home to NGOs, relief bodies and UN agencies.
Sea-to-Air Links
Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali Port are 10 minutes apart, enabling quick emergency response.
Worldwide Coverage
Two-thirds of the global population and crisis areas lie within a 7-hour flight.
Quick Visas
Member organisations get visas processed within 2 business days.
Ownership & Tax
Foreign owners can hold 100%, there is no income or corporate tax, no duties on imports or exports, and profits can be fully repatriated.
Extensive Campus
135,000 sq m of offices, warehouses and industrial units, guarded 24/7.
Global Community
More than 500 staff representing 68+ nationalities, supporting cooperation and partnership.
Packages & Pricing
IHC Pricing & Packages
NPO License (Standard Office)
Standard office · Licence AED 18,274 · AED 26,794 on renewal. A 2-year licence option helps cut administration costs.
3 visas
Commercial License (Standard Office)
Standard office · Licence AED 32,064 · AED 46,264 on renewal. A 2-year licence option helps cut administration costs.
5 visas
Watch Out For
Points to Weigh Up Before Picking IHC
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