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About Abu Dhabi Free Zones

The UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, has developed numerous free zones to support international trade and investment in the Emirates while also offering a favorable business environment. Individuals looking to establish their business can benefit greatly from these free zones, since they operate under specific regulations and offer benefits including tax exemptions, a simplified company setup procedure, 100% foreign ownership, a low-cost operating environment, and complete capital and profit repatriation.

Popular Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

Below we have discussed some of the most sought-after free zones in Abu Dhabi. These jurisdictions cater to a wide array of industries that include aviation, F&B, oil and gas, information technology, etc. As mentioned earlier, free zones can be either industry-specific or general purpose.

Abu-Dhabi-Global-Market-Free-Zone
Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), established in 2015 on Al Maryah Island, is the UAE's latest financial free zone. It operates under English common law, providing legal certainty through independent courts. ADGM supports financial and retail businesses and is popular among high net-worth individuals for services like Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Trusts. The free zone is regulated by the ADGM Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, and ADGM Courts.
KIZAD
Khalifa Industrial Zone
Khalifa Industrial Zone - Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), established in 2012, is the first integrated industrial free zone for trade and logistics, located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Part of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, KIZAD provides excellent access to global markets and robust transport infrastructure, facilitating the import/export of goods. It serves various sectors, including steel, logistics, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Abu-Dhabi-Airport-Free-Zone
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) is a key business park near Abu Dhabi Airport, offering commercial offices, storage facilities, and logistics support. It includes top-tier warehousing and aircraft hangars, serving free zones at Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International, and Al Bateen Executive airports. ADAFZ attracts businesses in electronics, logistics, aviation, and pharmaceuticals, with notable companies like FedEx and DHL.
twofour54
Twofour54
Founded in 2008, twofour54 is an Abu Dhabi media free zone that provides infrastructure and support services for media, broadcast, gaming, and communication companies. It offers fully furnished offices, production facilities, and various activities, including content creation, broadcasting, and advertising. Twofour54 was one of the first free zones in the UAE to license online game development and e-sports.
Masdar-City-Freezone-Abu-Dhabi
Masdar City Freezone Abu Dhabi
Masdar Free Zone, established in 2006 in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, is a special economic zone focused on clean technology and renewable energy. As the fastest-growing free zone in the area, it provides benefits to clean energy startups, simplifying licensing, hiring, and registration. The free zone supports various activities, including trading, data centers, oil and gas services, healthcare, and property development.
Industrial-City-of-Abu-Dhab
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), a 40-square-kilometer free zone located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, is a purpose-built industrial area managed by Abu Dhabi Ports Company. ICAD consists of five industrial clusters, each catering to specific manufacturing sectors: ICAD I for heavy-to-medium manufacturing, ICAD II for light-to-medium manufacturing, ICAD III for small to medium-sized companies, ICAD IV for light industries and technology, and ICAD V for the automotive sector.
Higher-Corporation-for-Specialized-Economic-Zones
Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones / ZonesCorp
Established in 2004, the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) focuses on integrating and developing Abu Dhabi's industrial cities. Approximately half of the Emirate's GDP comes from the six high-quality industrial zones created by ZonesCorp. This free zone uniquely requires only an industrial license for business setup, allowing various entities such as general partnerships, limited liability companies, and joint ventures.

Abu Dhabi Free Zone Benefits

With a host of advantages on offer, free zones stand out as the preferred choice for obtaining a Abu Dhabi trade license. Here are the best advantages of setting up a free zone company.

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Tax benefits*
  • Cost-effective business setup
  • Strategic geographical location
  • Proximity to seaports and airports
  • Business-friendly framework
  • Industry-specific support
  • Provisions for training and mentorship
  • *Subject to certain conditions

Abu Dhabi Free Zone Business Setup

Industry-Specific vs General-Purpose Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, most free zones are designed with a specific industry focus, while a few offer general-purpose setups open to a variety of business types. For example, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) caters primarily to financial services, whereas Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) serves multiple sectors, including electronics and aviation. Many industry-specific zones, like Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD) for logistics and manufacturing, also welcome diverse business activities beyond their primary focus. When setting up in an Abu Dhabi free zone, factors like location, cost, and available facilities should be carefully considered to match business needs and growth plans.

Business Setup Costs in Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Starting a business in Abu Dhabi free zones involves various costs influenced by multiple factors. The type of free zone you choose is a primary consideration, as each zone has its own pricing for trade licenses, often bundled with visa packages. The number of visas required also impacts overall expenses, so it’s essential to consider visa quotas carefully. Other variables include the duration of the license, office lease costs (with flexi-desks generally being cheaper than private offices), and the number of business activities. Certain free zones may also require a minimum paid-up capital, adding to the initial setup costs.

Why Choose Hala Business

1

We guarantee 100% client satisfaction by ensuring a seamless and efficient process throughout all our services.
2

Each client receives a dedicated account manager for personalized support and guidance.
3

Our team provides assistance with opening bank accounts, leveraging established relationships with various banks.
4

We maintain strict confidentiality to ensure a secure experience for all our clients.