International Humanitarian City (IHC / Dubai Humanitarian)
IHC is a Dubai-based free zone with packages starting from AED 28,814, supporting up to 50 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. International Humanitarian City (IHC), branded as Dubai Humanitarian, is the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub. Located in the Jebel Ali corridor between Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali Port, it hosts 8+ United Nations agencies, major international NGOs, and commercial suppliers serving the global humanitarian sector. IHC provides a unique free zone environment tailored to relief operations, offering tax-free status, rapid visa processing, and strategic 10-minute sea-to-air logistics connectivity.
From
AED 28,814
Established
2003
Companies
80
Max Visas
50
Banking
Moderate
IHC Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPO License (Standard Office) 2-year licensing available to reduce admin costs | AED 18,274 | 3 | Standard Office | AED 28,814 | AED 26,794 |
| Commercial License (Standard Office) 2-year licensing available to reduce admin costs | AED 32,064 | 5 | Standard Office | AED 48,284 | AED 46,264 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- World's largest dedicated humanitarian logistics hub — unmatched community of UN agencies, NGOs, and relief organisations
- Strategic 10-minute sea-to-air logistics between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport for rapid emergency response
- 7-hour flight radius covers two-thirds of the world's crisis zones and population
- Fast visa processing — 2 business days for member organisations
- 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and income tax, no import/export duties, full profit repatriation
- 135,000 sqm campus with warehousing, offices, industrial units, and 24/7 security
- Strong international community — 500+ staff from 68+ nationalities fostering collaboration and partnerships
Watch out for
- Strictly limited to humanitarian, NGO, and relief-sector organisations — not available for standard commercial businesses
- Higher commercial license fees (~AED 32,064/yr) compared to many mainstream Dubai free zones
- Jebel Ali location is 35–40 km from central Dubai, making daily commuting less convenient
- Small member base (~80 organisations) compared to commercial free zones
- Limited information available online about application process and setup requirements
Visa Information
Max Quota
50 visas
Visa quota varies by organisation size and facility. Large UN agencies and NGOs may receive significantly higher allocations.
Processing Time
2 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,800
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 4,500
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,000
Investor Visa
AED 4,000
Medical Standard
AED 500
Medical VIP
AED 900
Emirates ID Typing
AED 500
In Country Status Change
AED 1,600
2 business days for visa processing — significantly faster than most UAE free zones
Banking
Partner Banks
Banking requires NGO documentation and specialised compliance. Emirates NBD and ADCB are common partners. Established organisations face fewer difficulties. Expect 2–6 weeks for account opening.
Features
Mainland Trading
Humanitarian free zone entity. Operations focused on international aid and logistics.
Physical Office Required
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Not applicable — IHC is dedicated to humanitarian and NGO operations.
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Financial reporting requirements vary by organisation type. UN agencies follow their own audit standards.
Share Capital Requirement
No minimum capital required
Location
Recent Developments
- 2024: Rebranded from IHC to 'Dubai Humanitarian' to emphasize Dubai identity
- 2025: New training programs for aid logistics, reaffirming niche as world's largest humanitarian hub
- Investing in expanded warehousing and 'kit packing' centers for emergency supplies
- Hosts 8+ UN agencies including WFP, UNHCR, WHO, UNICEF, OCHA, and IFRC
- Governed under Dubai Law No. 1 of 2012, amended 2016
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Humanitarian City (IHC)?
International Humanitarian City, now branded as Dubai Humanitarian, is the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub. Established in 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it provides a free zone environment for UN agencies, international NGOs, non-profits, and commercial suppliers serving the global humanitarian sector.
Can any company set up at IHC?
No. IHC is exclusively for humanitarian organisations, NGOs, UN agencies, and commercial entities that directly support the humanitarian sector. Standard commercial businesses, consultancies, and tech companies cannot join unless their operations are directly tied to humanitarian work.
How much does IHC membership cost?
NPO licenses cost approximately AED 18,274/year for a standard office. Commercial entity licenses are ~AED 32,064/year. IHC offers 2-year licensing to reduce admin costs. Additional fees include establishment card (AED 2,020), visa costs (~AED 1,840/person), and insurance. Contact Dubai Humanitarian at dubaihumanitarian.ae for exact quotes.
What UN agencies are based at IHC?
IHC hosts 8+ UN agencies including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNHCR, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, UN OCHA, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), among others.
What logistics advantages does IHC offer?
IHC is strategically located between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, enabling 10-minute sea-to-air transfer for emergency supplies. Dubai's central geographic position means two-thirds of the world's population is reachable within a 7-hour flight, making it ideal for rapid humanitarian response.
How fast is visa processing at IHC?
IHC offers expedited visa processing in as fast as 2 business days for member organisations, significantly faster than the 2–4 week processing times at most UAE free zones. This reflects the time-sensitive nature of humanitarian operations.
Is IHC located in a convenient part of Dubai?
IHC is in the Jebel Ali area, approximately 35–40 km from central Dubai (DIFC, Downtown). While the location is ideal for logistics — close to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport — it is not convenient for those who need to be in central Dubai regularly. Many staff live in nearby communities like JVC, Dubai Marina, or JLT.
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Starting From
AED 28,814 /yr