Free zones are designated economic areas that offer myriad benefits to different types of businesses. The benefits include tax exemptions, complete foreign ownership and a supportive environment. These free zones help boost the region’s economy by drawing foreign investments.
Considering these advantages, the Abu Dhabi government has established several free zones in its region. Furthermore, setting up businesses in the free zones of Abu Dhabi eliminates the obstacles that come with conventional business setups. To help the entrepreneurs and businesses in the region, we have compiled a list of free zones in Abu Dhabi.
Benefits of Establishing a Business in an Abu Dhabi Free Zone
Free zones in Abu Dhabi are dedicated areas established to promote the growth of local businesses while enhancing cross-border trade. There are numerous benefits of Abu Dhabi’s free zones that local and foreign businesses can avail. One of the key advantages of the free zones in Abu Dhabi is the provision of 100% foreign ownership. This leads to more autonomy and flexibility for foreign investors.
Moreover, businesses in the free zones can access a budget-friendly operational framework. They can also repatriate their capital and profits without dealing with any restrictions.
Another reason why free zones are an ideal place for entrepreneurs to start is because of their tax exemption benefits. Business owners can get complete relief from the import, export, corporate and personal taxes, reducing expenses to a huge extent.
List of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
The free zones in Abu Dhabi offer services to a variety of industries. Here’s the list of the free zones in Abu Dhabi available to new business owners to ensure a smooth business setup:
ABU DHABI AIRPORT FREE ZONE (ADAFZ)
First on the list of free zones in Abu Dhabi is the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ). It is located in proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport. This free zone was established by Skycity, a branch of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
ADAFZ caters to the needs of aviation, airport services, logistics, aerospace and cargo transportation industries. This free zone provides a wide range of resources, such as building plots, workspaces, storage units and logistics services. Their services assist businesses grow and thrive in these industries.
Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City is a result of the collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company and the Abu Dhabi government. Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, this free zone was established in 2006. The primary goal behind its development was to construct an eco-friendly area. Masdar City solely relies on renewable resources. This makes it the global centre for renewable energy and clean technology.
Moreover, businesses in Masdar City enjoy the benefits of the free zone along with access to clean energy. This clean energy and a dedicated space can be utilised by new businesses to test, improve and launch their technologies.
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is the epicentre of logistics, trade and industrial operations in Abu Dhabi. This subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports is located in the Al Taweela area, which lies between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Moreover, KIZAD is linked to one of the world’s top deep-sea ports, Khalifa Port.
This free zone offers services to different industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, distribution and trade. Entrepreneurs save a huge sum due to the low operational costs and customised amenities while being in a prime location in Abu Dhabi.
Twofour54
Twofour54 is another Abu Dhabi free zone that offers excellent infrastructure and thorough support services for creative businesses. It is a media-free zone developed by the Media Zone Authority (MZA). The core objective of this initiative is to position Abu Dhabi as the top leader in Arabic media content production. The Twofour54 free zone is home to various renowned media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Thomson Reuters Foundation and Financial Times.
Abu Dhabi Industrial City (ADIC)
The Abu Dhabi Industrial City is a free zone that facilitates the promotion of business within industries like engineering, oil and gas and construction materials. This free zone is supervised by ZonesCorp, the most prominent industrial zone operator in the UAE. The ZonesCorp also looks after the operations in Al Ain Industrial City.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Established in the capital of the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre. This free zone was developed in 2015 and is ideal for businesses in the finance fields such as wealth management, private banking and asset management. ADGM incorporates three independent authorities. These authorities include the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the ADGM Courts.
Higher Corporation For Specialized Economic Zones (Zonescorp)
Launched in 2004, ZonesCorp is home to many businesses in multiple industries. This free zone incorporates more than 600 well-known companies and is known for bringing in ample foreign investment. It plays a vital role in the industrial growth of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi consists of four ports: Mussaffah Port, Zayed Port, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port. All of these ports are a one-hour drive away from ZonesCorp. This free zone backs businesses in chemicals, oil and gas, food and beverages, textiles, engineering and construction materials industries.
FAQs
What is a free zone in Abu Dhabi?
Free zones in Abu Dhabi are specific areas that adhere to certain rules and regulations. These free zones offer benefits like tax exemption and streamlined business registration processes.
Which free zone is best in the UAE?
Some of the best free zones in the UAE are Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Masdar City and Dubai Media City.
What is the difference between the free zone and the mainland in Abu Dhabi?
Companies in the free zone areas of Abu Dhabi are limited to doing business within the free zone or outside the UAE. On the other hand, businesses in the mainland of Abu Dhabi can operate throughout the UAE.
Free zones are mainly opted for by budding entrepreneurs to kick-start their businesses conveniently. The aforementioned free zones in Abu Dhabi are the perfect option for new entrepreneurs. These areas ensure the smooth operation of business in proximity. Moreover, by offering a streamlined business setup, these zones eliminate the complex process of acquiring licences and permits.
While exploring the opportunities in the free zones of Abu Dhabi, you may also want to consider residential options in the region. Go through these properties for rent in Abu Dhabi, which is close to these business hubs and select the one that suits you best. However, if you are looking for investment opportunities, here are some properties for sale in Abu Dhabi to consider.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top property blog for more information on free zones in different emirates.
