UAE economic zones

21 August 2013

The UAE is home to more free zones than any other Middle Eastern country, with more than 30 zones in Dubai alone

The emirate’s original free zone at Jebel Ali port was set up in 1985, housing a power station and desalination plant. Today, the zone covers more than 48 square kilometres and hosts more than 6,000 companies from 110 countries.

Dubai Airport Free Zone was ranked number one in FDI Magazine’s Global Free Zones of the Future 2012/13 report, with Dubai International Financial Centre coming in at number two. Another four of the UAE’s zones appear in the top 20.

Although Dubai still dominates the free zone market, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates now also have expanding economic areas. The UAE’s zones generally operate as cluster economies, concentrating on sectors such as manufacturing and industry, transport and logistics, media and production, finance, energy and environment, and information and communications technology.

Abu Dhabi is home to five free zones, some of which are still in the developmental stages. Its media zone Twofour54 is flourishing a few years into operation, while plans are in place to develop Khalifa port and the adjoining Kizad zone to help diversify the capital’s industrial base.

The carbon-neutral Masdar City was initiated in 2006 and should be fully operational by 2025 (phase 1 is due for completion in 2015). The Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) also manages several special economic areas, including Al-Ain Industrial City.

Known for ease of establishment and affordability, Ras al-Khaimah is home to the RAK Free Trade Zone, which accommodates 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises from 106 countries. Sharjah’s main zones, meanwhile, are the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone and Hamriya Free Zone, next to a port.

On the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah’s free zone and creative zone have become significant players in the market over recent years, offering low overheads, virtual office space and reduced business licensing costs. The small emirate of Ajman also runs its own free zone, focusing on trade, imports and exports at its dedicated port area. In May 2013, the zone began offering e-commerce business licences to facilitate online partnerships. Umm al-Quwain runs the Ahmed bin Rashid Port and Free Zone, catering to limited numbers of cargo ships.

Fast facts

  • Jebel Ali Free Zone hosts 6,000 companies.
  • There are more than 30 free zones in Dubai alone.
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone was ranked top of FDI Magazine’s 2012/13 list of free zones of the future.
  • Six UAE free zones are in the top 20 worldwide.

Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

Not yet operational, the ADAFZ is being set up next to Abu Dhabi’s airport to attract logistics businesses. Companies operating from the free zone must have a lease in the area. It is situated close to residential developments, and all activities within its boundaries must be environmentally friendly.

Facilities

Services include conference facilities, business centres, banking, hotels and restaurants. The park aims to process company registrations within two working days.

Benefits

  • Fast cargo clearance services
  • One-stop-shop location for investor-related services
  • On-site customs inspection

Industries

  • Aviation and aerospace
  • Logistics, cargo and freight
  • Electronics and electrical
  • Transportation and third-party logistics

Key contact

Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 2 505 5000

Web: www.adac.ae

Back to free zone list

Al-Ain Industrial City (AAIC)

AAIC is on the UAE’s eastern border with Oman, 20km from Al-Ain City. It spans 10 square kilomtres and cost AED125m ($34m) to develop the infrastructure since the city was launched in 2006.

Facilities

AAIC is connected to major cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. There are 300 plots of land allocated into clusters by industry, an administrative centre, factories and workers’ complexes.

Benefits

  • Power and water network in place to supply all types of buildings and facilities
  • Duty-free export of manufactured goods to GCC countries
  • Duty-free import of machinery and raw materials.
  • Free repatriation of pro?t and capital.
  • Competitively-priced utilities

Industries

  • Light manufacturing and repair workshops
  • Agricultural processing and food canning
  • Light manufacturing (textiles, paper and wood)
  • Chemicals and plastics
  • Construction materials
  • Technology
  • Environmental industries

Key contact

www.zonescorp.com

Tel: (+971) 2 550 0000

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Ahmed Bin Rashid Free Zone

Established in 1998 in Umm al-Quwain, this zone grants consultancy and trade licences. Along with port access, the free zone offers more than 118,000 square kilometres of land for light industrial use.

Facilities

Services include logistics and cargo handling, office space and the provision of information technology (IT) infrastructure. Umm al-Quwain is located about 55km from Dubai.

Benefits

  • No corporate taxes for a minimum of 15 years
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits
  • Single-window (one-stop-shop) clearance
  • 100 per cent foreign company ownership

Industries

  • Manufacturing
  • Trading
  • Consultancy

Costs

Land plot rental: From AED20/sq m a year

Office unit rental: From AED25,000 a year

Industrial unit rental: From AED604/sq m a year

Source: Carlton Price

Key contact

Ahmed bin Rashid Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 6 765 5882

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Ajman Free Zone

Established in 1988, Ajman Free Zone is situated close to Ajman port as well as international airports in Dubai and Sharjah. More than 3,000 firms are registered as free zone entities, free zone companies, or branches of international or local companies.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent business ownership
  • Cheap energy
  • Low handling charges
  • 20-year land contracts are renewable for another 20 years, guaranteeing 40 years of tax-free operations
  • Licences start from AED3,900

Industries

  • Textiles, ready-made garments and leather goods
  • Non-metallic minerals
  • Paper and pulp, printing and publishing
  • Food, beverages and tobacco
  • Basic metals
  • Chemicals and plastics
  • Timber, furniture and wood products
  • Metal products, machinery and industrial equipment

Key contact

Ajman Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 6 701 1555

Web: www.afza.gov.ae

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Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ)

Set up in 1996, DAFZ is home to some 1,500 companies, including international firms such as Audi, Airbus, Clarins and Heinz.

Facilities

Amenities include conference rooms, cafes and banks. The area is situated next to Dubai International airport.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent corporate, import and export tax exemption
  • 100 per cent foreign company ownership
  • Full repatriation of capital and profits allowed
  • No currency restrictions
  • Not sector specific

Industries

  • Trade
  • Services
  • Light industry

Key contact

Dubai Airport Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 4 202 7000

Web: www.dafz.ae

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Dubai Biotechnology and Bio-research Park (Dubiotech)

With 85 regional and international companies, including Pfizer, Genzyme and Firmenich, operating from Dubiotech, this free zone is the Middle East’s main life sciences business park. It is a member of Tecom Investments’ science cluster.

Facilities

Still under construction, the zone currently has 25 warehouses ready for rent, office and laboratory space and a business centre. Land plots are also available.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital permitted
  • Guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income and corporate taxes
  • 160 laboratory units over 256,000 square feet of leaseable area
  • 10 million sq ft of land available for development

Industries

  • Therapeutics
  • Diagnostic and analysis
  • Agriculture, forestry and horticulture
  • Environment
  • Life sciences

Key contact

Dubiotech

Tel: (+971) 4 390 2222

Web: www.dubiotech.ae

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Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

The DIAC campus hosts 20,000 students from around the world.

Facilities

The 18-million-sq-ft campus contains 27 academic institutions from 11 countries, offering more than 300 degree programmes. Education programmes for workforce training are also available.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital
  • Guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income and corporate taxes
  • Streamlined company registration
  • Business-friendly company laws and legal framework
  • One-stop-shop services
  • International higher education institutions only

Industries

  • Educational institutes
  • Education services

Key contact

Dubai International Academic City

Tel: (971) 4 360 2060

Web: www.diacedu.ae

Back to free zone list

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai’s capital market, Nasdaq Dubai, is based at DIFC. The centre is governed by English civil and commercial law and its courts use English, Singaporean and Hong Kong laws to oversee businesses under its jurisdiction. DIFC company formation is strictly regulated, particularly for firms dealing with financial services.

Facilities

There are luxury businesses and designer shops in and around The Gate building, and The Ritz-Carlton operates a hotel close to boutique shops and art galleries.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent exemption from corporate, import and export taxes and personal income tax
  • 100 per cent foreign company ownership
  • Full repatriation of capital and profits
  • Wide network of double-taxation treaties available to UAE-incorporated entities
  • Dollar-denominated environment

Industries

  • Financial services
  • Commercial firms
  • Insurance

Key contact

Dubai International Financial Centre

Tel: (+971) 4 362 2222

Web: www.difc.ae

Back to free zone list

Dubai Internet City (DIC)

One of the largest information technology business parks in the region, Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a strategic base for local and international information and communications technology firms targeting nearby emerging markets. DIC plays host to global brands including Canon, Dell, IBM, Intel and Microsoft.

Facilities

Advanced Metro Ethernet broadband infrastructure is available.

Benefits

  • No personal income tax or corporate taxes for 50 years
  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • 100 per cent repatriation of profits
  • No import customs duty, except for imported goods re-exported to local markets

Industries

  • Software
  • Internet and multimedia
  • Telecommunications and networks
  • IT services

Key contact

Dubai Internet City

Tel: (+971) 4 391 1111

Web: www.dubaiinternetcity.com

Back to free zone list

Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV)

DKV is dedicated to learning and human resource management. Hosting 450 businesses, it aims to be one of the region’s leading centres for professional development.

Facilities

  • DKV is equipped with conference halls and meeting rooms
  • Central location
  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital permitted
  • Guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income and corporate taxes
  • Simplified incorporation process

Industries

  • Human resources
  • Development
  • Executive search
  • Assessment and testing
  • Research and development
  • Academic service providers

Key contact

Dubai Knowledge Village

Tel: (+971) 4 390 1111/ 390 2221/367 2221

Web: www.kv.ae

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Dubai Media City (DMC)

Regional and international media companies have been based at DMC since 2001, attracted by its free zone status, business environment and clustering of related companies.

Facilities

DMC offers industry-building programmes, government services and venue management services to various sectors within the media industry, such as events management, media support services and new media. Commercial offices range from 615-10,000 sq ft in size and boutique villas are 5,772 sq ft.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital permitted
  • Guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income and corporate taxes
  • Simplified incorporation process
  • Business-friendly company laws and legal framework
  • One-stop-shop for government services

Industries

  • Advertising and communication
  • Media and marketing services
  • Media support services
  • Event management
  • Event support services
  • Media consultancy
  • New media

Key contact

Dubai Media City

Tel: (+971) 4 391 4555

Web: www.dubaimediacity.com

Selected Tecom costs
 Rent (AED/sq foot a year)Licence fees (AED)
Dubai Knowledge Village35015,000
Dubai Media City140-16015,000
Dubai Outsource Zone11015,000
DubiotechWarehouse: 45. Office: 120. Business centre: 300. Lab complex: 13015,000-25,000
Dubai Studio CityDesk in open office: 9,999 a year7,510 (freelance permit)
IMPZ110from 15,000
Dubai International Academic City350from 15,000
Dubai Internet City160from 15,010
Dubai Silicon Oasis95-15012,000
Source: SMEinfo

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Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ)

DOZ offers free zone access and benefits to companies looking for outsource support in sectors such as human resources and IT, as well as business process, back office and call centre services.

Facilities

The zone caters to captive and non-captive companies, providing state-of-the-art offices. Du, Emirates airline and L&T Infotech are among the firms operating from DOZ. Office space starts at 1,000 sq ft and housing for workers is available.

Benefits

  • Exemption from personal income tax and corporate tax for 50 years
  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • 100 per cent repatriation of profits
  • Metro Ethernet environment
  • Competitive rates for digital voice and high-speed data services
  • Close to Dubai International airport

Industries

  • Customer care
  • Transaction processing
  • IT management
  • Document management
  • Operations support

Key contact

Dubai Outsource Zone

Tel: (+971) 4 367 6666

Web: www.doz.ae

Back to free zone list

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

DSO was set up in 2004 as a hub for technology businesses in Dubai, offering technology investment, services for entrepreneurs and venture capital. Global firms represented include Fujitsu, Schneider Electric and Western Digital. Some developments are still under construction.

Facilities

The area provides a mix of business and residential accommodation.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital
  • No import or export tax
  • No income tax or corporate tax
  • Low operating costs
  • Fast-track business set-up and licensing

Industries

  • Mobile technologies
  • Internet data centre (cloud computing)
  • Arabisation and localisation technologies
  • Software

Key contact

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Tel: (+971) 4 501 5000

Web: www.dsoa.ae

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Dubai Studio City (DSC)

DSC has positioned itself as a leading location for broadcast, entertainment, music and production businesses, and supports media events such as the Dubai International Film Festival.

Facilities

DSC offers 22 million sq ft of sound stages, studios and back lots, as well as office space and satellite communication equipment.

Benefits

  • Registration as a freelancer possible under own name, rather than company
  • Exemption from import customs duty for goods and services

Industries

  • Film
  • Television
  • Music
  • Photography

Key contact

Dubai Studio City

Tel: (+971) 4 391 4664

Web: www.dubaistudiocity.com

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Energy and Environment Park (Enpark)

Enpark caters to businesses in the energy, green building, energy-efficiency, recycling and solid waste industries.

Facilities

The park provides sustainable business operations for companies via sustainable real estate, education programmes and the integration of eco-friendly policies.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital
  • Guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income and corporate taxes
  • Simple company registration
  • Business-friendly company laws and legal framework
  • One-stop-shop for government services
  • Energy conservation and recycling initiatives supported by the UAE government

Industries

  • Renewable energy
  • Energy generation and storage
  • Energy efficiency equipment
  • Water and wastewater
  • Recycling and solid waste

Key contact

Enpark

Tel: (+971) 4 369 2241

Web: www.enpark.ae

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Fujairah Creative City

Launched in 2007, Fujairah Creative City is home to a number of media, consultancy, communications, design and technology firms.

Facilities

A representative office for Fujairah Creative City exists in Dubai and there are also options for freelancers as well as training opportunities with its partner, Fujairah Media Academy. Set-up fees are competitive and the new Fujairah-Dubai highway has cut travel time between the emirates to as little as an hour.

Benefits

  • Low start-up costs with different package options
  • No annual audit
  • No minimum share capital required
  • 100 per cent corporate and personal income tax exemption
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits
  • 100 per cent foreign company ownership
  • No currency restrictions

Industries

  • Audio and visual
  • Media and marketing
  • Publishing
  • Event management
  • New media
  • Business information
  • Film, production and post-production
  • Music and entertainment
  • Import-export

Key contact

Fujairah Creative City

Tel: (+971) 9 207 1333

Web: www.creativecity.ae

Fujairah Creative City costs

Rent: From $24.50/sq m a year

Licences: From $3,405

Registration fee: From $995

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Fujairah Free Zone

Fujairah is benefiting from the creation of a new oil pipeline taking crude to the emirate’s port from Abu Dhabi oil fields, as well as the recent opening of Fujairah City Centre mall, which has boosted the retail sector. Fujairah Free Zone is strategically located by the busy port.

Facilities

Free zone clients are exempt from customs duties on imports of all commodities and finished products for the purpose of export and re-export outside the UAE. Clients do not pay duties on factory machinery or raw materials used in production, and may utilise any of the UAE’s ports and airports for the movement of goods into and out of the country, while still benefiting from customs duty exemptions.

Benefits

  • Access to neighbouring and global markets by land, sea and air
  • Full investment security
  • Served by Fujairah port and Fujairah International airport
  • No annual audit
  • Virtual offices reduce operating costs

Industries

  • Audio and visual
  • Media and marketing
  • Publishing
  • New media
  • Business information
  • Film, production and post-production

Key contact

Fujairah Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 9 222 8000

Web: www.fujairahfreezone.com

Fujairah Free Zone costs

Warehouse rental: From AED200/sq m a year

Office space rental: From AED20,000 a year

Land rental: From AED12/sq m a year

Licences: From $682

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Hamriya Free Zone

Hamriya Free Zone in Sharjah was established in 1995 and covers 24 sq km. The zone targets small and medium-sized companies, and houses sub zones for oil and gas, petrochemical, steel, construction, timber, maritime and perfume firms. Its focus is on industrial development.

Facilities

Located close to Sharjah International airport, the zone has warehouses, factories, land and office space available to let.

Benefits

  • Access to 14-metre deepwater port and 6 metre-deep inner harbour
  • Land for lease for investor development
  • Pre-built warehouses, factories and office units for lease
  • Executive office suites in the International Business Centre for lease
  • On-site worker accommodation

Industries

  • Manufacturing
  • Assembling
  • Processing
  • Storage
  • Distribution
  • General trading
  • Packaging

Key contact

Hamriya Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 6 526 3333

Web: www.hfza.ae

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International Media Production Zone (IMPZ)

Designed as a dedicated facility for the global media production industry, the IMPZ business park caters to graphic art, media production, packaging, printing and publishing companies.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital
  • Guaranteed 50-year exemption from personal, income and corporate taxes
  • Simplified incorporation process

Industries

  • Printing
  • Packaging
  • Publishing
  • Graphic arts

Key contact

International Media Production Zone

Tel: (+971) 4 391 1122

Web: www.impz.ae

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Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)

Jafza was established in 1985 and covers 48 sq km. A variety of industries operate out of the zone, from fashion retailers to automotive, electronics and computer companies. There may be a waiting period due to the zone’s popularity.

Facilities

Close to Jebel Ali port and a metro station, the zone houses hotels, a business and convention centre, and a 600-seat auditorium. Office space, warehouses, light industrial units and land are available to let.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • No income or corporate tax
  • No labour restrictions
  • No currency restrictions
  • One-stop shop for services
  • Low licence fees

Industries

  • Industrial
  • Services
  • Trading

Key contact

Jafza

Tel: 800 JAFZA (52392)/(+971) 4 445 3270

Web: www.jafza.ae

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Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)

Licensing authority and master developer, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre was launched in 2002, and its JLT Free Zone is one of the few that offers freehold property for sale. The free zone has more than 4,500 companies using its facilities and services, ranging from multinational and regional organisations to small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups. A range of business activities are covered, including trading, logistics, graphic design, legal, media, information technology, leisure, retail, education and fashion, as well as various types of consultancies, industry associations and business councils.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • Exemption from personal income and corporate tax for 50 years
  • 100 per cent repatriation of profits
  • Freehold property for sale or lease
  • In-house visa issuance and all related government services
  • Licenses a wide range of business activities

Key contact

Jumeirah Lake Towers

Tel: (+971) 4 424 9600

Web: www.dmcc.ae

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Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad)

Kizad is a new manufacturing hub in Taweelah, located half way between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, next to Khalifa port. The 417-sq-km zone targets petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, trade and logistics and metal companies.

Facilities

Areas of the development are currently under construction. Future infrastructure will include a highway to the UAE’s third-largest city, Al-Ain, and rail links.

Benefits

  • Cluster-based zoning model encourages integration within the industry value chain
  • No foreign exchange controls
  • Exemption from personal and corporate income taxes
  • Subject to an industrial licence, import of raw material and equipment for production purposes is exempt from import duty
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profit
  • Low-cost energy

Industries

  • Aluminium
  • Steel
  • Petrochemicals and chemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals and healthcare equipment
  • Paper, printing and packaging
  • Food
  • Engineered metal products
  • Trade and logistics

Key contact

Kizad

Tel: (+971) 800 102 030

Web: www.kizad.com

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Masdar City

Low-carbon Masdar City was set up in 2006 by Mubadala Development Company, an Abu Dhabi government firm, to encourage economic and sustainable diversification in the emirate. Located about 17km outside Abu Dhabi city, it promotes green technologies.

Masdar City serves as an open technology platform that gives partner companies the opportunity to develop, test and validate their technologies in a large-scale, real-world environment, helping them adapt to the region’s climate and energy consumption patterns.

Facilities

The Masdar Institute’s facilities are based in the city, and they will host the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) when completed in 2025.

Benefits

  • Quick and easy set-up, with a single point for registration, government relations and visa processing
  • A fast-track immigration process designed to ensure swift access to talent and resources
  • Full exemption from personal and corporate taxes
  • No restrictions on capital movements, profits or quotas
  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • No registration fee for UAE nationals or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) backed by the Abu Dhabi government’s Khalifa Fund
  • Khalifa Fund SMEs are eligible for first-year licence fee waiver
  • Licence fee for UAE nationals is fixed at AED10,000 ($2,723) for five activities, plus AED1,000 for each additional activity

Industries

  • Energy generation and storage
  • Environmental consultancy

Key contact

Masdar City

Tel: (+971) 2 653 3333

Web: www.masdar.ae

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RAK Free Trade Zone

Low set-up costs, efficient processing and long-term support have helped RAK Free Trade Zone located in Ras al-Khaimah to attract more than 7,000 businesses since it was established in 2000.

Facilities

RAK Free Trade Zone offers both fixed and shared offices or desks, which can be cost-efficient options for start-ups. Warehouses and plots of land are also available.

Benefits

  • Exemption from all government-levied taxes
  • 100 per cent foreign ownership permitted
  • Range of set-up packages

Industries

  • Commercial
  • General trading
  • Consultancy and services
  • Industry

Key contact

Tel: (+971) 7 204 1111

Web: www.rakftz.com

RAK Free Trade Zone costs

Registration fee: AED7,000

Annual service fee: AED1,200

Licences: From AED3,650

Office space rental: From AED1,250/sq m a year

Warehouse space rental: From AED200/sq m a year

Land rental: From AED35/sq m a year

Back to free zone list

Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia)

Located near Ras al-Khaimah’s Saqr port, Rakia was set up in 2005 to promote commercial investment in the northern emirate, licensing businesses in the Jazeera al-Hamra and Al-Ghail industrial parks. Traditionally, the cement, ceramic and pharmaceutical sectors have been strong in Ras al-Khaimah, but the authority is working to encourage the development of other industries.

Facilities

Rakia oversees business units, industrial parks and offshore companies. Sectors covered include education and technology, real estate, transportation, investments, manufacturing and energy.

Benefits

  • Full exemption from income, sales, wealth and corporate taxes
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits
  • 100 per cent ownership in free zones
  • No foreign exchange control
  • Double-taxation agreements in place with many countries
  • No restrictions on hiring expatriates
  • Capital required only for industrial licences

Industries

  • Manufacturing, processing, assembly and packaging
  • Import, export, distribution, warehousing and trading
  • Support industries
  • Management, consultancy and professional services

Key contact

Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority

Tel: (+971) 7 206 8666

Web: www.rak-ia.com

RAKIA rents

Office space rental: From AED72/sq ft a year

Warehouse space rental: From AED225/sq m a year

Land rental: From AED12/sq m a year

Back to free zone list

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

Located close to Sharjah’s two ports at Khorfakkan on the Indian Ocean and Port Khalid on the Gulf, SAIF Zone was established in 1995 and is home to more than 5,000 businesses. Companies operating in the free zone are involved in trade, services, industry and aviation. Unless restricted by the federal or local authorities, all types of services, professions and trades are allowed.

Benefits

  • Low-cost energy
  • Access to ports in the Gulf and Indian Ocean
  • Air links via Sharjah International airport
  • Support from Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sharjah Expo Centre
  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits
  • Free transfer of funds
  • 100 per cent exemption from corporate and income taxes for companies, investors and employees

Industries

  • Aviation
  • Real estate
  • Freight forwarding

Key contact

Sharah Airport International Free Zone

Tel: (+971) 6 517 8361

Web: www.saif-zone.com

Saif Zone costs

Licence: From AED7,500

Office space rental: From AED1,266/sq m a year

Land rental: From AED0.35/sq m a year

Warehouse space rental: From AED63,000 a year for 125 sq m

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TwoFour54 (The Media Zone – Abu Dhabi)

Founded in 2008 and named after Abu Dhabi’s geographical coordinates, Twofour54 aims to develop Arab media and content creation through training and supporting production and innovation. It is administered by the Media Zone Authority.

Facilities

Twofour54 has invested in studio production and post-production equipment and offers media courses in creative software programmes, graphic design, film and animation. Services available include shared internet, telephone set-up and monthly rental, shared reception services, housekeeping, outside parking for each member of staff, office maintenance services, air conditioning, lighting and power.

Benefits

  • 100 per cent foreign ownership
  • No personal or corporation tax within the UAE
  • Business partner, Tawasol provides one-stop-shop support for government services, customs clearance and visas
  • No minimum share capital

Industries

  • Film
  • TV
  • Broadcasting
  • Music
  • Digital media
  • Events
  • Publishing and other media-related activities

Key contact

Twofour54

Tel: (+971) 2 401 2454

Web: www.twofour54.com

Back to free zone list

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