Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

Introduction to Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s only Free Zone dedicated exclusively to higher education. Established in 2007 as part of TDubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world’s only Free Zone dedicated exclusively to higher education. Established in 2007 as part of TECOM Investments, DIAC aims to develop the region’s talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy. Located on an 18-million-square-foot campus, DIAC hosts 27 academic institutions from 11 countries.

A Multicultural Hub for Education

The DIAC campus is home to over 16,000 students from more than 100 nationalities, reflecting the region’s cosmopolitan and multicultural nature. Furthermore, these students have access to over 300 higher education programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, IT, media, business, fashion design, healthcare, and mass communications.

Licensing and Business Opportunities

DIAC licenses a wide range of segments, including higher education providers like universities and junior colleges, online universities, management development centers, and education service providers. Moreover, non-academic service providers such as sports facilities, libraries, and accommodation services, as well as freelancers, can also obtain licenses.

Free Zone Benefits

DIAC offers several free zone benefits to its business partners, including:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital
  • 100% tax-free operations with a 50-year exemption from personal, income, and corporate taxes
  • Exemption from customs duties on goods and services

A Unique Cluster Environment

DIAC provides a unique cluster environment where businesses across the education value chain share a campus dedicated to their industry. Consequently, this setup fosters effective interaction and collaboration among leading global, regional, and local names in the education sector.

World-Class Infrastructure

The DIAC campus boasts state-of-the-art technical and community infrastructure to support the growth of the education cluster. This paragraph is well-written, but to address the need for shorter sentences and more transition words, here’s a refined version:


In addition, the business-friendly environment offers simple and streamlined company registration. It also includes supportive company laws and a robust legal framework. Moreover, one-stop-shop services provide business partners with a variety of government services. These services include licensing, visa processing, traffic, and postal services. Additionally, the 24-hour visa service and fast-track immigration process ensure quick access to knowledge workers.

Partner and Student Support

DIAC provides flexible solutions for its business partners, supported by a dedicated Partner Development Team. This team helps partners gain exposure, visibility, and growth through initiatives for student recruitment, research and development, and ongoing education events.

Similarly, the Student Hub Team at DIAC organizes events for students, including sporting, social, and cultural activities. They also manage student visa requirements and other general activities aimed at enriching student development.

Commitment to Sustainability

DIAC is committed to developing a sustainable, environmentally responsible campus. Recently, DIAC Phase III achieved “Green” status and was awarded Silver LEED certification, highlighting its dedication to sustainability.

Product Offerings

DIAC offers a variety of products for potential clients:

  • Land:
    • Educational Plots: For building educational institutions like universities and vocational colleges.
    • Mixed-Use Plots: Suitable for residential apartments or other mixed-use applications.
    • Student Accommodation Plots: For building dormitories and other accommodation facilities.
    • Retail Plots: For shopping centers and supermarkets.
    • Hotel Plots: For building hotels.
    All plots are available for a 50-year lease.
  • Commercial Floor Space: Built-up floor space is available for entities meeting DIAC’s licensing requirements.
  • Business Center: The DIAC Business Center offers various products and services, from hot desks to fully furnished office environments. These include:
    • Hot Desk: A shared office desk for freelancers, ideal for completing office work such as emails, browsing, printing, and calling. Hot desk clients are eligible for one visa per freelancer.
    • Executive Desk: Furnished with a desk, chair, and storage, these desks offer privacy within a shared environment. Clients are eligible for two visas per desk.
    • Executive Office (Type 1): Furnished offices ranging from 100 to 250 square feet, including executive desks, chairs, and storage.
    • Executive Office (Type 2): A fully furnished office suite within the Business Centre, with typical sizes around 281 square feet.
    • Fitted Out Commercial Space: High-end business environments equipped with desks, chairs, projectors, and audio-visual systems, fully carpeted with provisions for internet, telephone, and IT services.
  • Retail and Kiosk Space:
    • Retail: Space for companies offering support services such as clinics, pharmacies, and restaurants.
    • Kiosk: Small retail outlets for the above-mentioned retail providers.
    • ATM Machines: Cash machines to serve the DIAC community.

DIAC continues to expand its operations by attracting academic institutions and universities that align with the region’s workforce demands. With years of experience and a strong commitment to developing the UAE’s education system, DIAC is a trusted partner in bringing the best international education to the region.

Get more information about Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) here

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