International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) was developed by TECOM Investments in 2003. This purpose-built free zone combines strategic positioning with affordable freehold assets. It is a creative commerce hub delivering exceptional value to media-centric businesses and creative enterprises.
IMPZ offers you competitive yields and robust infrastructure. If you’re seeking high-return commercial property investments, this guide reveals why IMPZ deserves your attention. Let’s explore what makes this zone a compelling opportunity for discerning investors.
IMPZ’s strategic placement along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road transforms accessibility. This primary highway provides seamless connections to Dubai’s primary commercial districts.
The six-lane E311 corridor ensures smooth traffic flow even during peak hours. This toll-free access route reduces your operational costs significantly compared to alternatives.
Your connectivity advantage becomes clear with these specific travel metrics:
| Destination | Travel Time | Access Route | Business Advantage |
| Al Maktoum International Airport | 20 minutes | E311 Direct | Logistics & freight operations |
| Expo City Dubai | 20-25 minutes | Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road | Trade exhibitions & networking |
| Jebel Ali Port | 25-30 minutes | E311 South | Import/export businesses |
| Dubai Marina | 25 minutes | E311 to D63 | Client meetings & hospitality |
| Media Bay | 25 minutes | E311 North | Media & creative partnerships |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates | 10 minutes | Al Qudra Road | Residential client base |
| Dubai Sports City | 8 minutes | Adjacent zone | Entertainment & retail opportunities |
| Dubai Studio City | 5 minutes | Neighbouring zone | Content production collaboration |
| Downtown Dubai/DIFC | 30 minutes | E311 to Sheikh Zayed Road | Financial & corporate access |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | 35 minutes | E311 to E44 | International connectivity |
As the table shows, the E311 corridor provides swift access to Jebel Ali Port. Media Bay and Dubai Marina sit within a 25-minute drive. Your business operations benefit from this central yet affordable positioning. Connectivity infrastructure here rivals premium zones at a fraction of the cost.
Current RTA bus routes 367 and F38 serve the area reliably. They connect to major metro stations throughout Dubai. Ibn Battuta Metro Station sits just 15 minutes away via these routes.
Future metro connectivity looks promising under Dubai’s 2040 mobility expansion plans. A new station is expected within 2 km by 2028. This means your property value will likely appreciate as accessibility improves. Strategic location advantages translate directly into operational efficiency. Cost savings follow naturally from this positioning.
Purpose matters when you’re investing in commercial real estate. TECOM Group developed IMPZ specifically for media production, publishing, and creative industries in 2003. Now more than 200 companies operate here. This focused approach creates a thriving business ecosystem you won’t find everywhere.
Free zone licensing makes business setup remarkably straightforward here. Visa processing happens onsite through dedicated service centres. Government approvals move faster than mainland alternatives typically allow. Your operational headaches reduce significantly with this streamlined administrative support.
Let’s examine what makes IMPZ commercially compelling for investors:
| Category | IMPZ Advantage | Investor Benefit |
| Scale | 43 million sq ft, 200+ companies | Established ecosystem with growth runway |
| Setup Speed | 48-72 hour licensing | Lower vacancy periods, faster occupancy |
| Industry Focus | AED 21.96B creative sector | Government-prioritised industry support |
| Market Position | 4.6% of Dubai’s GDP contribution | Economic resilience and policy backing |
| Ownership | 100% foreign freehold | Premium international appeal |
| Tax Benefits | Zero corporate tax | Competitive tenant acquisition edge |
| Track Record | 22 years operational | De-risked investment with proven demand |
Source: Propsearch
IMPZ commercial units cater to diverse business needs and budgets.
Office Spaces
Office spaces here range from compact serviced suites to expansive floor plates. Ready-to-move options suit investors seeking immediate rental returns. Shell-and-core units allow customisation for premium-paying corporate tenants. Co-working configurations attract freelancers and startups willing to pay for flexibility.
Studios & Warehouses
Studios and warehouses serve the zone’s media-focused identity perfectly. High ceilings accommodate production equipment and printing machinery seamlessly. Loading facilities make logistics smooth for content creation businesses. These specialised commercial properties command strong rates from niche tenants.
Retail Opportunities
Retail fronts offer you ground-floor visibility with consistent footfall. Cafés and restaurants perform exceptionally well near office clusters. Supermarkets tap into the residential population’s daily needs reliably. Essential services like pharmacies and salons fill quickly with minimal marketing.
Built-to-Suit Options
Built-to-suit opportunities exist for substantial investors seeking bespoke developments. You can partner with developers to create custom commercial units. This approach suits corporate buyers with specific operational requirements. The approval process remains straightforward under TECOM’s established frameworks.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of IMPZ’s commercial property investment opportunities:
| Property Type | Typical Configuration | Key Infrastructure | Verified Rates | Ideal Investor Profile |
| Offices | 500-25,000 sq ft Shell-and-core & fitted options | Multi-floor towers, parking, fibre connectivity | AED 70-165/sq ft annually (Shell: AED 70, Fitted: AED 120-165) | SMEs, agencies, and corporate offices seeking cost-effective space |
| Studios/Warehouses | 1,000-15,000 sq ft High-ceiling spaces | Production-ready technical specs, loading facilities, three-phase power | Premium rates for specialised units | Media production, printing, content creation, and light industrial |
| Retail Units | 300-1,500 sq ft Ground-floor locations | High visibility, F&B infrastructure, footfall zones | Street-level commercial rates | Cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and essential services |
| Built-to-Suit | Custom specifications Investor-defined | Flexible design, TECOM approval framework | Project-specific pricing | Corporate headquarters, specialised facilities, and major investors |
Source: Cashman
All properties are available on a freehold basis with full ownership rights. Entry points start from AED 800,000 for compact office units. Built-to-suit opportunities accommodate substantial investors seeking bespoke commercial developments.
IMPZ delivers compelling risk-adjusted returns through structural market advantages and sector-specific growth drivers. Full freehold ownership grants you complete asset control with 100% capital and income repatriation rights. This eliminates lease expiry concerns while providing maximum flexibility for your investment strategy.
Here’s how IMPZ stacks up against Dubai’s commercial property landscape:
| Market Metric | IMPZ Performance | Dubai Average | Your Advantage |
| Capital Appreciation (3-Year) | 8-12% annually | 6-8% annually | Higher growth in the affordable zone |
| Rental Yields | 7-11% | 5-7% | Superior cash-on-cash returns |
| Average Price (per sq ft) | AED 800-1,200 | AED 1,500-2,500 | 30-40% cost advantage |
| Service Charges | AED 12-18/sq ft | AED 25-35/sq ft | Lower operating expenses |
| Occupancy Rate | 85%+ | 80-82% | Strong tenant demand |
| Cost vs Business Bay | 35% lower | Baseline | Entry barrier advantage |
| Cost vs DIFC | 40% lower | Baseline | Premium affordability |
| Market Liquidity | High | High | Diverse buyer pool |
Dubai’s creative economy generates AED 21.96 billion annually, growing 6-8% yearly. Content production demand surged 40% post-pandemic as regional streaming platforms expanded regionally. Your property captures this structural sector growth, not merely cyclical demand patterns.
The surrounding residential expansion in Dubai Production City fuels commercial demand organically. More residents translate into consistent customers for retail tenants.
Twenty-two years of operational history demonstrate resilience through various market cycles. Established infrastructure minimises development uncertainty versus emerging zones.
Infrastructure quality directly impacts your property’s rental appeal and value retention. IMPZ amenities provide the convenience that modern businesses and residents expect daily.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of IMPZ’s amenities and accessibility:
| Category | Facility Name | Distance/Location | Services Offered |
| Shopping & Retail | City Centre Me’aisem | 5 minutes (3 km) | Supermarkets, dining, cinema, and retail outlets |
| Carrefour (Onsite) | Within IMPZ | Daily groceries and essentials | |
| Multiple cafés & restaurants | Onsite | F&B, business meetings, casual dining | |
| Education | The Apple International School | Adjacent to IMPZ | British curriculum, nursery to secondary |
| GEMS Metropole School | 8 minutes (5 km) | International curriculum | |
| Ladybird Nursery | Within IMPZ | Early years childcare | |
| Little Land Nursery | Within IMPZ | Pre-school facilities | |
| Healthcare | Mediclinic Parkview Hospital | 10 minutes (6 km) | Emergency services, specialist care |
| NMC Royal Hospital | 12 minutes (7 km) | Multi-speciality medical centre | |
| Pharmacies | Onsite | Multiple locations within the zone | |
| Business Hotels | Rove at the Park | 8 minutes (5 km) | Corporate accommodation |
| Wyndham Dubai Marina | 20 minutes (15 km) | Business-class hotel | |
| Transport | RTA Bus Routes 367 & F38 | Onsite stops | Metro connectivity |
| Ibn Battuta Metro Station | 15 minutes | Red Line access | |
| Parking facilities | Throughout IMPZ | Ample surface & covered parking | |
| Recreation | Dubai Sports City | 8 minutes (4 km) | Sports facilities, community events |
| Jumeirah Golf Estates | 10 minutes (6 km) | Golf courses, leisure amenities | |
| Banking & Services | ATMs & Exchange Centres | Onsite | Multiple banks represented |
| Post Office | Within zone | Courier and postal services |
Moreover, round-the-clock security ensures business operations run safely at any hour. 24/7 utility services mean your tenants avoid costly operational disruptions. Professional maintenance teams keep community facilities functioning smoothly and looking presentable. These operational basics protect your asset value and tenant satisfaction scores.
Smart investors match their capital to opportunities aligning with their goals. Let’s identify who benefits most from IMPZ commercial investments right now.
IMPZ represents a strategic investment destination for forward-thinking commercial property investors. This specialised zone successfully blends creativity, affordability, and substantial growth potential. You gain access to Dubai’s thriving media sector through tangible assets. Competitive acquisition costs enhance your portfolio’s overall yield performance. The free zone framework provides regulatory certainty and operational flexibility. Infrastructure continues improving through TECOM Group’s committed development approach.
Connect with Chestertons’ Commercial Advisory team for customised insights today. We’ll identify investment opportunities matching your specific criteria and objectives. Dubai’s commercial evolution continues to accelerate—position yourself advantageously now.