Overview of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi & the UAE

Free-trade zones in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates are areas that have a special tax, customs and import regime, and are governed by their own framework of regulations (with the exception of UAE criminal law).

Background

The UAE has a number of free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. Free zones may be broadly categorized as seaport free zones, airport free zones, and mainland free zones. Free-trade zone exemptions are:

• 100% foreign ownership of the enterprise

• 100% import and export tax exemptions

• 100% repatriation of capital and profits

• Corporate tax exemptions for up to 50 years

• No personal income taxes

• Assistance with labor recruitment, and additional support services, such as sponsorship and housing.

Each Free Zone is designed around one or more business industry categories and only offers licenses to companies within those categories. An independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) governs each free zone, and is the agency responsible for issuing FTZ operating licenses and assisting companies with establishing their business in the FTZ.

Investors can either register a new company in the form of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or simply establish a branch or representative office of their existing or parent company based within the UAE or abroad. An FZE is a limited liability company governed by the rules and regulations of the Free Zone in which it is established. Except for acquiring nationality in the UAE, the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law (CCL) do not apply to FZEs, provided that the Free Zones have special provisions regulating such companies.

Free Zones

The Microsoft sign at the entrance of the Dubai Microsoft campus, Dubai Internet City

Dubai Maritime City, Dubai under construction in 2008

There are 45 Free Zones operating in UAE. 

Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

• Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM)

• ADPC - Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ)

• Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

• Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones

• Masdar City Free Zone

• twofour54

Dubai

• Dubai Airport Free Zone

• Dubai Auto ZZone

• Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech)

• Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ)

• Dubai Design District

• Dubai Flower Center

• Dubai Gold and Diamond Park

• Dubai Healthcare City

• Dubai Industrial City (DIC)

• Dubai International Academic City

• Dubai International Financial Centre

• Dubai Internet City (DIC)

• Dubai Knowledge Village

• Dubai Logistics City

• Dubai Media City

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

• Dubai Outsource Zone

• Dubai Silicon Oasis

• Dubai Science Park

• Dubai Studio City

• Dubai Techno Park

• Dubai Textile Village

• Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone

• International Media Production Zone

• International Humanitarian City

• Jebel Ali Free Zone

• Jumeirah Lakes Towers Free Zone

• Dubai South or DWC

• Dubai Production City

Sharjah

• Hamriyah Free Zone

• Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

• U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone

• Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

• Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams)

• Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)

Ajman

• Ajman Free Zone

• Ajman Media City Free Zone

Ras Al Khaimah

• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

• RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA)

• Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority

• Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone

• Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone

Fujairah

• Fujairah Free Zone

• Fujairah Creative City

• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

Umm Al Quwain

• Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)

Free zones under construction

• Dubai Maritime City

• Dubai Carpet Free Zone

• Dubai Auto Parts City

• Heavy Equipment and Trucks Zone

• Mohammad Bin Rashid Technology Park

• Dubai International Arbitration Center

About HAIBU Space

HAIBU Space provides beautifully designed, affordable private office work space, business center and serviced office space, and coworking spaces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the MENA region.