Dubai Industrial City

Dubai Industrial City (DIC), which was established in 2004, is a project of TECOM Group and is situated strategically next to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.  It occupies a vast area of approximately 5.6 sq km (60M sq ft), making it one of the largest dedicated manufacturing and logistics hubs in the region.  The industrial city was meant to accommodate the six major industrial sectors – Food & Beverage, Transport Equipment & Parts, Machinery, Mineral Products, Base Metals, and Chemicals. This means that the solutions for manufacturing, logistics, and trade were provided for these sectors. 

Besides offering different land options, DIC also comes with very advanced utilities and specialised zones that together create the ideal industrial environment. In addition to being an industrial park, Dubai Industrial City is a symbol of Dubai's devotion to Vision 2030, highlighting sustainability, economic diversification, and global competitiveness as the major advantages.

• Strategic Location: A few minutes’ drive from Al Maktoum International Airport and connected by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, DIC is an excellent location for logistics.
• Sustainability Focus: Made up of eco-friendly infrastructure such as water recycling, solar power systems, and energy-efficient buildings.
• Integrated Zones: Distinct sites for storage, displays, labour camps, logistics infrastructure, and industrial land grants to avoid interruption of operations.
• Smart Infrastructure: Fast digital networks, intelligent waste management, and automated utility systems all for efficiency.
• Ease of Business: Different leasing levels of flexibility, round-the-clock operations, and proximity to the major free zones such as Dubai South and JAFZA.

Read more: Dubai Travel guide

• Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
• Total Area: 5.6 sq km (60M sq ft)
• Established: 2004
• Managed by:  Operated by Dubai Industrial City LLC (Dubai South)
• Key Sectors: Food & Beverage, Transport, Machinery, Chemicals, Metals, and Minerals
• Suggested Duration (Business Visit): 3–4 hours

• Expo City Dubai: Explore the legacy of Expo 2020, just 15 minutes away.
• Dubai South: A smart city for innovation, logistics, and aviation industries.
• Jebel Ali Port: The largest deep-water port in the Middle East.
• Al Qudra Lakes: Ideal for an evening unwind after meetings.
• Global Village: Perfect for international dining and cultural shopping after a day in DIC.

Day-Trip Tip: Combine a business tour of Dubai Industrial City with an evening visit to Global Village or Expo City for a balanced itinerary. Combining these destinations with Dubai Industrial City is one of the best things to add to your Dubai tour packages. 

1. Manufacturing Zone

The Manufacturing Zone is the main part of DIC and consists of large-scale operations for food processing, metal fabrication, and machinery production. Every plot is prepared with utilities and designed to be enlarged.

Visit to see Dubai’s industry-changing innovations through amazing technology like packaging plants automated with artificial intelligence and high-tech assembly lines.

2. Logistics Zone

A prominent area of Dubai Industrial City, this place combines warehousing, cold storage, and transport facilities to make supply chains of the region and the world more efficient.

Note on Infrastructure: The area is planned with smart road layouts, equipped with truck parking zones, and has direct port-airport connectivity for easy movement of cargo.

3. Labour Villages & Residential Support

DIC’s Labour Villages are designed to provide the best living conditions for the people working in the area. The dedicated labour villages are designed with a capacity to house over 50,000 residents, providing high-standard community living, medical centres, and sports facilities.

Environmental Responsibility: These areas are powered by renewable energy sources and are provided with smart waste management systems, which have made them more responsible

4. Commercial Showrooms & Office Spaces

DIC showrooms and offices are located on the main streets, allowing companies to present their products, invite clients and do their administrative work all in one place.

5. Open Storage and Light Industrial Units

Light industrial units (LIUs) are flexible and cater to small-scale manufacturers and SMEs. The pre-built units are an excellent choice for startups in the manufacturing or logistics sectors.

Dubai Industrial City is part of Dubai’s Industrial Strategy 2030, aimed at positioning the UAE as a global hub for sustainable manufacturing.

• Investment Benefits: Competitive leasing, easy business setup, and tax incentives.
• Innovation Support: Facilities for R&D, industrial training, and prototype development.
• Connectivity: Proximity to the Dubai Logistics Corridor and direct integration with the Etihad Rail network, which features a major freight terminal nearby, seamlessly connecting DIC to the rest of the UAE and GGC by rail.
• Sustainability Programmes: Solar rooftops, greywater recycling, and green landscaping initiatives.

While DIC focuses on industry, it ensures work-life balance with quality restaurants, cafeterias, and service centres:

• Cafeterias & Restaurants: Offering regional and international cuisine for employees and visitors.
• Mosques & Medical Facilities: Located within every cluster for accessibility.
• Retail Stores: Essential shops for daily needs and industrial supplies.
• Business Support Centres: On-site management offices for lease, documentation, and logistics.

From Downtown Dubai:

• By Car: Approximately 45 minutes (40 km) via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
• By Metro: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to the UAE Exchange Station. From there, DIC is approximately a 20-25 minute taxi ride. Alternatively, check for RTA feeder bus schedules connecting the station to the DIC staff villages.
• By Bus: RTA buses connect industrial zones to nearby metro hubs.

From Abu Dhabi:

• By Car: Around 1 hour 15 minutes (100 km) via E11 Highway.
• By Public Transport: Intercity buses connect to Dubai South, from where taxis reach DIC.

Travel Tip: Early mornings (8–10 AM) are ideal for site tours to avoid peak industrial traffic.

• Carry valid business identification or visitor permits if visiting restricted zones.
• Wear light industrial-friendly clothing and closed shoes for site visits.
• Pre-book guided tours if you wish to explore specific facilities.
• Visit the business centre for information about leasing or investment.
• Pair your visit with Expo City Dubai or Jebel Ali Port for a full-day itinerary.

• A primary integrated industrial area in the Middle East.
• The core of Dubai's 2030 industrial strategy is oriented towards creativity and sustainability.
• Closeness to vital trade routes, Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport.
• Provides a chance for investment in various industrial sectors.
• Excellent for business people, learners and qualified persons who want to be part of industrial innovation.

1. Tour the Manufacturing and Logistics Zones.
2. Visit industrial showrooms and smart facilities.
3. Explore sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly architecture.
4. Attend a business networking session or guided corporate tour.
5. Capture photos of Dubai’s industrial skyline and smart city design.

Dubai Industrial City isn’t just a place for factories and logistics, but a case of Dubai’s visionary thinking living up to it. It duly combines innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity to be a substantial contributor to the economic growth in the Middle East. If you happen to be one of the categories of business investor, industrial design student, or just a tourist visiting Dubai, then it would be the way of Dubai Industrial City to show you the UAE built on ambition, progress, and the power of creation as its unaffordable luxury.