Why is DIAC important for education businesses?

DIAC offers strong infrastructure, full ownership, and global student access.

Are companies inside DIAC taxed?

Qualified DIAC entities enjoy 0% corporate tax if rules are followed.

Can foreign investors own 100% of their institution in DIAC?

Yes, DIAC allows full ownership and unrestricted profit repatriation.

What types of businesses can operate in DIAC?

Universities, training centers, skill institutes, and freelancers.

Auditors in Dubai International Academic City 🥇

Dubai International Academic City: Auditing, Business Growth & Backlog Solutions

Dubai has become one of the world’s most attractive education destinations because the UAE provides easy visa processes, affordable travel, cultural familiarity, and a safe environment for students. Dubai continues to welcome thousands of international students every year, and Dubai International Academic City stands as the largest higher-education free zone in the world. The free zone supports universities, training institutes, and academic organizations by giving them a complete environment for learning, research, and development.

Dubai International Academic City, also called DIAC, gives business owners, universities, and education leaders a strong place to grow. The free zone includes modern buildings, flexible office spaces, smart classrooms, accommodation support, and student facilities. Its structure allows universities to expand their programs and connect with a global student community. Over 500 higher-education programs operate inside DIAC today, attracting students from more than 150 countries.

Because DIAC offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and no customs duty, universities and academic companies operate with freedom. The free zone also helps institutions provide high-quality programs in engineering, business, humanities, sciences, medical fields, and technology. Dubai has built a strong academic ecosystem, and DIAC stands at the center of this vision.

Auditors in Dubai International Academic City

Auditing plays an important role in DIAC because education institutions must follow financial rules, reporting systems, and compliance requirements. To operate inside DIAC, every academic institution needs a clear financial structure, strong internal systems, and correct financial reporting. These requirements help maintain quality, build trust, and support government regulations.

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing is recognized as a leading auditing firm in Dubai International Academic City. Our team holds years of experience in academic auditing, financial reporting, compliance services, and regulatory support. We help universities, training centers, skill institutes, and academic organizations manage accounting, internal control, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. Our firm provides accurate audit results, professional communication, and complete support through every stage of the audit process.

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC): A Complete Overview

Dubai International Academic City was founded in 2007 and is managed by TECOM Group under Dubai Development Authority (DDA). DIAC covers more than 18 million square feet and hosts some of the world’s most respected universities. The free zone supports bachelor’s programs, master’s programs, Ph.D. programs, online learning, blended-learning models, and industry-focused training.

Universities inside DIAC enjoy administrative support, visa services, student facilities, marketing assistance, licensing support, and digital integration. The free zone offers the following academic categories:

Engineering
Business & Management
Medical Sciences
Technology & Computing
Humanities
Social Sciences
General Sciences

Institutions inside DIAC keep 100% ownership of their campus and can repatriate profits without restrictions. This system makes Dubai one of the strongest education hubs in the world.

Well-Known Universities Located in DIAC

Dubai International Academic City hosts many global universities. Some notable examples include:

American University
British University
Amity University
University of Birmingham
Heriot-Watt University
HULT Business School
BITS Pilani
Middlesex University
University of Wollongong
Murdoch University
Manchester Business School

These universities offer high-quality programs and contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a major academic hub.

Academic Business Solutions in DIAC

The free zone provides a complete environment for education companies. The infrastructure supports research, technology, innovation, and cooperation between institutions.

Commercial Spaces

Fully managed offices
Flexible spaces
Custom-built academic buildings
High-tech infrastructure

Co-Working Spaces

Smart workstations
Ready-to-use commercial units
Digital equipment
Modern learning facilities

DIAC’s integrated environment helps universities, professors, researchers, and students collaborate with ease.

Business License Types in Dubai International Academic City

Companies inside DIAC can operate under different license categories:

Available Licenses

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
Branch of a UAE or foreign company
Freelancer permit

Licenses inside DIAC remain valid for one year and can be renewed annually. Universities may choose between fitted or non-fitted offices depending on their needs.

Other Important Aspects of DIAC

DIAC supports academic development through research facilities, student interaction spaces, community events, and educational conferences.

Key Benefits

License transfer from other free zones
Sponsorship for employees (1 worker per 80 sq ft)
Events like workshops, job fairs, exhibitions, and sports events
Student demand research support
Incubator programs for new institutions

These benefits help DIAC maintain its position as the leading higher-education hub in the region.

Advantages of Starting a Business in DIAC

Dubai International Academic City provides several benefits for universities and education-related companies.

Advantages Include:

100% foreign ownership
Full profit repatriation
Zero customs duty
Modern infrastructure
Access to global talent
Strong academic network
Visa support
Support from TECOM and DDA
Potential 0% corporate tax benefits for qualifying entities

These benefits make DIAC one of the best places for academic investment.

Corporate Tax Implications for DIAC Businesses

Corporate tax applies to all UAE companies, but free zone entities may receive the 0% tax benefit if they meet all free zone rules and avoid mainland transactions.

Tax Rules

0% tax on qualifying income (if rules are followed)
9% tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 if rules aren’t followed

Companies inside DIAC must ensure they comply with free zone laws to continue receiving the zero percent benefit.

Why Choose Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing?

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing is one of the most trusted auditing firms in Dubai International Academic City. Our firm understands the academic industry and knows how to guide institutions through audits, compliance, financial reporting, VAT support, and advisory services.

Why DIAC Businesses Choose MAK:

15+ years of auditing experience
Registered with UAE Ministry of Economy
Registered tax agents with Federal Tax Authority
Strong expertise in audit, tax, and advisory
Professional service with full confidentiality
Updated knowledge of rules and regulations
Customized solutions for academic institutions

We help universities and education companies complete audits smoothly and remain compliant with DIAC and UAE rules.

What Can Help – Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps DIAC-based universities and academic companies manage audits, accounting, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements. Our team supports clients with updated knowledge, accurate reporting, and expert auditing services. We help businesses stay compliant and financially strong because a stitch in time saves nine.