International Humanitarian City (IHC) Free Zone

The International Humanitarian City (IHC) was created in the year 2003 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as an aid and humanitarian hub offering services and facilities to the global operations of humanitarian organizations and commercial suppliers to assist the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. 

IHC was launched by the government as an independent authority and is a non-religious, non-political, and non-profit organization. It has unique transport and logistics advantages in terms of air and maritime transport. 

This zone has the broadest geographical reach stretching from the MENA region to Asia, America, and Africa. The free zone has delivered supplies to some of the worst crises of the past ten years, such as-

• Wars in Gaza

• Nepal earthquake

• Ebola epidemic in West Africa

• Cyclone Pam

• 2010 Haiti earthquake

• The Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan.

Facilities for IHC Company Setup

The facilities in this free zone are as follows:

• Office space

• Warehouse facilities

• Meeting room

• Business and training facilities

• Dedicated UN building

• Auditorium and cafeteria.

Code of Ethics

The non-profit organizations operating in the humanitarian zone must meet the following code of ethics.

• The humanitarian imperative is primary.

• The organization must not promote a religious or political agenda

• The organization is accountable both to those being assisted and to those that provide resources

• Major funding must be from contributions from non-governmental sources

• The organization must follow a democratic decision-making process

• Integrity and independence must be maintained.

How to Start a Business in Dubai Humanitarian City?

One does not have to go through too many hassles for a business setup in Dubai-free zones. It is a straightforward process. 

Likewise, registering with the IHC free zone can help you spread your services and link many more people who need this kind of humanitarian help. Registering your organization at the International Humanitarian City Dubai is as follows.

1. Eligibility Confirmation to Apply for a License

There are two criteria to check your eligibility to apply for the license as set by the International Humanitarian free zone authority:

• It must be a non-governmental, governmental, company or a non-profit organization that is registered and incorporated in the jurisdiction outside or inside the UAE

• It must be a Commercial Company incorporated according to the “International Humanitarian City Commercial Companies Regulations.”

2. Fill out the Application

Any non-governmental, governmental, company or non-profit organization must apply by filling out the application form, mentioning all the details, and submitting the required documents to the relevant authorities.

3. Lease Agreement

The organization must have a valid lease to set up its company in IHC. Note that sub-leasing and sharing of any property are not permitted. 

Without limiting the terms of any Lease, in the event a Humanitarian Organization or a Commercial Entity’s License or Lease is terminated or expires, it is the responsibility of this International Organization or Commercial Entity to ensure that the property or the office is fully vacated and returned to the authority.

4. Criteria for the Organization Name 

The following criteria must be followed while you decide on your company name:

• No organization in IHC shall be registered with a name that in the opinion of the authority, is undesirable

• It must not be identical to the name of an already existing organization in the free zone

• The name must not contain words that suggest or is likely to indicate the patronage of prominent local persons with no real connection or connection with any government or authority, whether in the Free zone, the UAE, or elsewhere, or contains the words like “Dubai,” “Emirates,” “UAE,” “Municipal” or “Chartered”, or any other name which the Authority shall from time to time prescribe as “sensitive.”

5. Terms and Conditions of the License

After obtaining the license, you must check for the following terms and conditions:

• Terms of License

The license is valid for two years from the date of issuance.

• Appointment of a Manager

The organization must appoint a manager who shall be the principal representative and will represent the company in all matters with the authority.

• Nationality of the Organization

The Humanitarian Organization and the Commercial Entity (Branch of Commercial Company) shall hold the nationalities of their existing headquarters.

• Local Address

The company must have its registered office in the free zone to which all communications and notices may be addressed.

We at Commitbiz can help you start a business in IHC Free Zone. Our advisors have developed comprehensive capabilities and emerged as the chosen partner in several innovative and path-breaking initiatives undertaken by various businessmen worldwide. 

Contact us today to know more.