Free Zones in UAE

UAE houses more than 50 free zones and each of them are unique in its own way. UAE free zones provide complete ownership to foreign investors and that is what makes it special. The free zones are suitable for companies intending to use UAE as a regional manufacturing or distribution base, with the bulk of their business outside the UAE. Let’s take a look at some of the prominent free trade zone destinations in UAE.

Dubai

Dubai is home to more than 30 free zones. It is the high standards of living, excellent infrastructure and flexible regulations that makes Dubai one of the most preferred free zone destinations in UAE. Dubai free zone company formation is relatively easier and economical. Some of the notable free zones in Dubai are Jebel Ali Free Zone(JAFZA), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre(DMCC), Dubai Airport Free Zone(DAFZA), Dubai Media City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Internet City and Dubai South.

A leading business hub in the Middle East is one of the most service driven and customer oriented free zones. The free zone contributes largely to the foreign direct investment of the country.Dubai is the largest free zone in UAE, with more than 15000 registered businesses from a wide range of industries and sectors. The main industry sectors in DMCC are gold, Diamond, pearl, tea, agro and base metals.

Dubai South, previously known as Dubai World Central offers complete turnkey business services and cost-effective office solutions to its investors. The free zone is perfectly designed to suit global business needs.

Abudhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a plethora of opportunities to foreign investors. There are currently five free zones in Abu and company formation in these free zones is a hassle-free process. Abu Dhabi free zones are specialized in industrial, trading, logistics, sustainable energy, communication, media, and IT sectors.

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is home to more than 14, 000 companies that represents more than 50 sectors. The strategic location of the free zone, that provides easy access to the markets of Middle East, North Africa, Europe as well as South and Central Asia, makes RAK free zone unique. The various zones within RAK free zone are customized to meet the specific requirements of investors and it is undoubtedly the best destination to form your company.

Umm Al Quwain

Often regarded as the ‘free zone of the future’, Umm Al Quwain is one of the latest entries in the list of free trade zones in the UAE. UAQ promises a stable economy, open investment climate and low costs of living and labour. One can avail cost-effective leasing options for office space and warehousing at Umm Al Quwain free zone. The advantageous set-up costs at UAQ are extremely beneficial to forward-thinking SMEs and micro-businesses.

Sharjah Free Zones

Business set up in Sharjah free zones come with enormous opportunities. Compared to other free zones in UAE, the cost of setting up a company in Sharjah free zones is reasonably moderate. Some of the renowned free trade zones in Sharjah are Hamriyah Free Zone(HFZ), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone(SAIF) and Sharjah Media City Free Zone(SHAMS). SAIF Zone is the world’s first ISO certified Airport Free zone.

Fujairah Free Zone

Located adjacent to the port of Fujairah, Fujairah Free Zone(FFZ) has easy access to all Arabian Gulf Ports, the Red Sea, Iran, India, and Pakistan. FFZ is an ideal spot to setup your business; thanks to its strategic location and streamlined company formation procedures. Creative City is another free zone in Fujairah.

Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone offers a complete range of custom-made business solutions to its stakeholders. Some of the many benefits of Ajman free zone business setup are complete foreign ownership, repatriation of capital and profits, no corporate tax, single window clearances and cheap energy to businesses. Free zones are one of the best business initiatives by the government of UAE, that has helped the country emerge as a favorable destination globally.