The 40 free zones in the Emirates are not actually competing with Diia City or Estonia, but with one another.

💵 For small businesses, the Emirates are virtually tax-free: the first $100k of net profit is taxed at 0 per cent, and if annual turnover does not exceed $800k, you can claim Small Business Relief and pay no tax at all.

🏙️ The real competitive advantage lies not in the tax rate, but in the ecosystem: the two common law free zones (ADGM and DIFC) have become genuine hubs for start-ups and intellectual property owners – a prestigious location, infrastructure and an ‘atmosphere of success’ that attracts clients and partners.

🇹🇷 An interesting trend – from 2027, Turkey is launching financial service centres (currently in Ankara and Istanbul, with plans for Bodrum too) based on the model of Dubai’s free zones: a 20-year income tax exemption for residents. Major international banking groups are already established in the country.