Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates is the perfect location for someone who would want to start a company in the Middle East - it is one of the most rapidly growing markets across the world. It doesn’t take long to start up, either. In a few days’ time, you and your business could be set up and ready to go. 

List of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi

Most of the UAE emirates have set up free zones to boost the economy in the region, promote foreign investment, and drive growth. Free Zone Authority is the government body that registers and issues business licenses to non-resident companies in UAE free zone. There are 8 free zones in Abu Dhabi:

1. Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) Click for details
2. Twofour54 Click for details
3. Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC)Free Zone Click for details
4. Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone (ADGMFZ) Click for details
5. Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ADIC) Click for details
6. Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) Click for details
7. Masdar City Free Zone Click for details
8. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Click for details

The government promotes company formation in Abu Dhabi free zones to facilitate and promote foreign investment, therefore the procedure for business setup is simple, straightforward, less time-consuming, and free from bureaucratic barriers.

Free zones are established as independent jurisdictions which act as a single-window administration and allow an expatriate entrepreneur to wholly own a company (100% shares), without partnering with a UAE national. Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority (FZA) is the independent government body that issues free zone operating licenses, handles registration of non-resident companies, and provides assistance to companies in establishing their business.

The process of setting up a business in Abu Dhabi free zone is not at all complicated. It includes:

1. Determining the Type of Business Activity

Since each business activity has its own rules and regulations, you are required to determine the activity that you are going to conduct, and then go forward with it.

2. Registering the Trade Name

After you are through with the first step, the next one is to register the trade name of your company. You can give the list of your suggested names to the Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority, and if the name is not already registered by the existing company in the UAE, it shall be approved by the authorities and duly registered.

3. Obtaining Approvals from the Free Zone Authority

After getting initial approval for your trade name and fulfilling all the requirements, an investor must obtain approval for issuance of the business license.

4. Issuance of License

Once the approval of the concerned authorities is obtained, the investor may proceed to the stage of fulfilling the legal requirements of business license issuance from the free zone authority.

Found in the emirate of Umm al-Quwain, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is renowned as the best way for entrepreneurs to progress with a modern infrastructure formed for them to flourish in to create positive change for their business. The Umm Al Quwain Free Zone is based just 50 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. This is the perfect setting for SMEs and micro businesses to begin their journey on the career ladder.

The free zone began back in 2014 and is supported by the Umm Al Quwain emirate with the authority to incorporate business with a trade license. With the utilization of modern management skills and flexible licenses, foreign investors are flocking to the call of the free zone.

The list of just a few benefits are as below-

• Low requirements
• Affordable licenses
• 100% corporate and personal tax free
• Modern infrastructure
• 100% foreign ownership
• No investment restrictions across all sectors and industries
• Flexible laws
• Fast formation process
• Capacity to trade across all currencies
• Unrivalled facilities
• Reinstatement of profits

If that isn’t enough to convince you or you would like more information then you should consult with an authorized company formation specialist who will be able to advise and help with the process when setting up your business.

UAQ free zone authority encourages all types of legal business activities in the free zone region but every business company needs to obtain a type of trade license in accordance with the business they are involved in. Umm Al Quwain free zone license fee can differ from license to license. UAQ free zone has certain types of licenses for different types of business activities:

• Trading License - this license falls under the commercial license and ensures that all types of trading activities are accredited by the free zone. The annual fees for this are 27,500 AED.
  
• Commercial license - this allows the importation, exportation, storage and distribution of products.
  
• Service license - this allows the lines of work such as courier services, car rental, logistics and travel agency. The annual fees for this are 21,000 AED.
  
• General Trading License - this license is perfect for international traders as most products can be traded aside from tobacco, pharmaceuticals, alcohol and crude oil. This license is more expensive than the trading license.
  
• Consultancy License - this license is bespoke for those who will be offering a consultancy service such as IT services, accounting services or management consultancy. The annual fees for this are 21,000 AED. A premium consultancy license is also available at 32,500 AED.
  
• Micro Business License - a micro business is one that requires a small budget to start up and does not need a physical office as a base, also meaning that they will not need a visa. This would cover consultancy and trading businesses alike.
  
• Freelancer Permit - this license is created for those who will be carrying out freelance work in their area of expertise such as photography or music. The annual fees for this are 18,000 AED.

Umm al Quwain Free Zone offers an easy procedure to setup the business while providing reasonable prices that makes it an attractive business hub. The fee table below represents an estimation of Umm Al Quwain free zone license fees and other costs relating to business setup in the said free zone. 

Umm Al Quwain isn’t the only free zone that you can startup your business at, however. Ajman is one of the smallest of the seven emirates of the UAW at just 260 square kilometers. The main industries that are working in Ajman are real estate, manufacturing, construction, retail, business services and transport. It is known as the ‘entrepreneurs’ heaven’.

If you were to choose to set up your business in Ajman, you would need to plan your process in detail and be quick to make decisions. You would need to follow the same processes as in UAQ by choosing a company name, decide what your business will involve, pick the correct licence and so forth. There are also plenty of management consultancies in Ajman that would be happy to help you with this difficult part of the process.

The free zone began in 1988 and is based in the Arabian Gulf Coast. It is conveniently placed by the seaports and airports which is a huge benefit to companies, among many. Others are as below:

• No red tape
• Resident or employment visas for employees and the investor
• Legal exemption from importation and exportation duties
• 20 years land leases
• Capacity to own your own office
• No hidden fees or service charges
• Low labor cost
• Laws catered to help your business/company
• 100% reinstatement of profits and capital
• 100% corporate tax free
• 100% foreign ownership
• Cheap energy to businesses
• Easy immigration policies to help you find the best workers

• Free Zone Establishment (F.Z.E.) – It is a single shareholder limited liability company setup
• Free Zone Company (F.Z.C.) – It is comparable shareholder limited liability company set up a business with the exception that it allows multiple shareholders (maximum of 5)

3. U.S.A. Regional Trade Center Click for details

The U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) was established in the year 2011 as a part of Sharjah's objective to become a hub for foreign trade and turn it into an investment-driven economy. The USARTC offers Small and Middle-Sized Enterprises (S.M.E.s) the opportunity to improve commercially and expand their trade in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It helps S.M.E.s by assisting them in exploring and entering the market, including establishing a presence in the U.A.E. and other areas.

4. Sharjah Publishing City Click for details

Sharjah Publishing City (S.P.C.) is an exclusive free zone for printing and publishing. Sharjah Publishing City, a unique free zone is one of the most attractive targets for all the publishers and book lovers. Covering a landscape of 400,000 sq. Meters, it provides great warehousing and office space facilities for company owners.

5. Sharjah Media City Click for details

Sharjah Media City Free Zone, known fondly as Shams Sharjah Media City, was launched in January 2017 with a concept to be a world-class hub for media and creativity in the sector. Similar to other free zones, free zone Sharjah also issues licenses to companies, freelancers and entrepreneurs wanting to set up a business

The Hamriyah free zone is perfect for those foreign nationals who want to start a business that they own 100% of without paying tax. Profits and capital are reimbursed and they are exempt from all taxes There are a few different companies that can be created in Hamriyah Free Zone:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Entity with 1 shareholder
• Free Zone Company (FZC): Entity with 2 to 5 shareholders
• Branch of a Foreign Company
• Branch of a Local Company

The benefits of setting up your business in Hamriyah Free Zone are as below:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Freedom of recruitment
• 100% reimbursement of capital and profits
• Warehouses and office units pre-built
• No customs duty
• Land lease for 25 years
• No restriction on currency
• Bespoke office suites
• Affordable cost of living
• Cost effective energy

License Types & Cost

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, also known as SAIF Zone, is one of the most exclusive free zones in the UAE. It is built adjacent to the Sharjah International Airport. SAIF zone provides appealing business opportunities to entrepreneurs and investors. SAIF zone is known as the symbol of efficient operations – the better alternative for business ventures in the UAE and across the world. Sharjah Free Zone is the best place to set up your business not only because of its foreign investment benefits but also because it provides access to over 2 billion consumers in the Middle Eastern and North African region. Its strategic location makes it easy and convenient for transportation and logistic purposes.

The advantages of starting your company in the SAIF zone are as below:

• No corporate or personal income tax
• Freedom of foreign ownership
• Reimbursement of funds without currency restrictions
• No import and export tax
• Strategic location close to ports and airports
• Leasing facility for up to 25 years
• No hidden charges on transfers of funds
• Business licenses issued within 24 hours
• No restriction on hiring foreign workers

What license types do you need to work in the SAIF zone and what best suits your business?

• Commercial license - this license would be for companies that import, export, distribute, consolidate, store and warehouse goods.
• Service license - this would be for companies that can provide services listed within the contract of the license.
• General trading license - alike to the commercial license, this would be for a larger scale of goods produced by the company.
• Industrial license - this would be for companies that import raw materials across nations and turn them into goods ready to sell.

Sharjah Free Zone License Cost

The USA Regional Trade Centre (USARTC) was set up in 2011 as part of Sharjah’s mission to become a base for foreign trade and boost the economy with investment. The best businesses which would thrive in this environment are consultancy businesses, import and export, distribution and logistics.

The benefits of setting up your business in the USARTC are as below:

• Minimal barrier to MENA market entrance
• No corporate tax
• Flexible services
• No import and export tax
• Support for US businesses
• No personal tax
• 100% foreign ownership
• No restrictions on currency

There are also a number of facilities offered by the USARTC as below:

• Serviced offices - these are the best type of offices for creating a presence in the area and across the region. The offices are executive and can range from 180 square feet to 480 square feet.
• Virtual offices - these are for those companies that would not need a physical base, meaning that they could manage their office from abroad.
• Meeting and conference rooms - these rooms are fitted with flat screens, fast internet, projectors and other video-conference equipment.
• Exhibitions - this is a space of 12,000 square feet that can be used to promote a business’ product.

The Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) is a free zone exclusive for publishing and printing, a haven for book lovers and publishers. It offers warehouses, office space and a landscape of 400,000 square feet.

The benefits of setting up your business in SPC are as below:

• Low cost office spaces
• Local sponsorship
• 25 year leasing contract
• 100% ownership
• Full reimbursement of profit
• Low cost of living
• Trading license provided within 24 hours

Amenities Provided at Sharjah Publishing City

SPC provides a great deal of facilities for new entrepreneurs and business ventures with which they can get a head start for their business:

1. Office Space

A minimum space of 25 sq. meter for office is available and the office rent includes office space, car parking, utility bills, and cleaning of common area. The rent varies between unfurnished and furnished office, where an unfurnished office will cost you AED 1,350 per sq. meter and a furnished office around AED 1,550 per sq. meter (annually).

2. Warehouse

SPC free zone provides cost-efficient pre-built warehouses for new businesses. The cost for warehouses in SPC is as follows:

3. Trade License

As mentioned earlier, business people can get a license within 24 hours in SPC free zone. There are two licenses which a business owner can opt for, according to their business type:

The Sharjah Media City Free Zone began in January 2017 with a mission to be the hub for media and creative businesses in the sector. This free zone is best suited to companies, freelances and entrepreneurs within the creative industries.

The licenses offered are as below:

• Service license - this is best for businesses that offer rendering services.
• Industrial license - this is best for businesses that offer production, transformation, reproduction and manufacturing.
• Trading license - this is best for businesses that offer transfer of goods, retail sale of goods and wholesale.
• Holding license - this is best for businesses that hold assets and stakes of a company.

The benefits of setting up a company in Sharjah Media City Free Zone are as below:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Limited liability companies
• 100% reimbursement of capital and profits
• No-Objection Certificate not needed for startup
• Free transfer of funds
• Cost-effective licensing with all documents issued in 2 days
• No import and export duties
• No corporate tax for up to 50 years
• Set up costs at 11,500 AED

The facilities that are offered by Sharjah Media City Free Zone are as below:

• Dedicated desk - fixed spaces that mean the enterprise only has to work in the space provided to them.
• Dedicated office - an assigned office space that can be used for individuals.
• Shared desk - a communal space for individuals in the same field.
• Shared office - more private space with the opportunity to network with others.
• Creative units - stand-alone offices, showrooms and studios that are currently under construction.

The Khalifa Industrial Zone or KIZAD is a project set up to breathe new life into the industrial sector of the emirate. It was set up in 2010 on a Greenfield site in Taweelah. The long-term mission is for the free zone to achieve economic diversification by 2030.

The benefits of setting up your business in KIZAD is as below:

• Easy transport
• Quick set up of new businesses
• No hassle banking
• No personal and corporate tax
• Industrial synergy
• 100% reimbursement of profits and capital
• No customs duty
• 100% foreign ownership

The types of licences offered in KIZAD are as below:

• Industrial license - ideal for businesses that import raw materials and export the finished goods.
• Service license - ideal for businesses that provide marketing, management consultancy, restaurants, warehouses, travel and tourism.
• Trading license - ideal for companies that deal in the general trading of goods.

Another free zone on offer in Abu Dhabi is the Abu Dhabi Ports Company Free Zone or ADPC. This was set up in 2012 and was created to increase trade and incoming investment opportunities.

The free zone offers provision of ports and industrial zone services and has developed long-term relationships with leading local and international customers. They want to create long-term economic viability while having a low environmental impact.

The types of licenses allowed in Abu Dhabi Port are as below:

• Trade license - ideal for companies involved in import/export.
• Service license - ideal for companies that provide services such as consultancy, banking and other professional services. They will not need an additional license from the DED.
• Industrial license - ideal for companies that import raw materials for manufacturing.
• National industrial license - ideal for companies who wish to carry out their operations in the manufacturing sector.

Another free zone available for setting up your business is right in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Global Market or ADGM, which was established in 2015. This is the perfect place for investors who want to set up a company in the finance sector to begin their new business.

The benefits of ADGM are as below:

• No restrictions on nationality with reference to share ownership
• 100% foreign ownership
• No physical office space needed
• No tax for 50 years
• Availability of professionals
• No requirement for corporate documents to be legalised
• No restrictions on reimbursement of capital and profits

If these benefits appeal to you then there are plenty of options available to you. But all of the business activities will need to follow an easy four step registration process.

1. Complete the application form
2. Fill out the registration form
3. Apply for a commercial licence
4. Apply for a FAWRI account and Establishment Card. These are needed to apply for ADGM issued visas.

The documents required to apply are as below:

• Completed and signed beneficiary form
• Copy of passport
• Copy of business plan
• Application form for the name of the company
• Completed data protection form
• Statement of capital and initial shareholding
• Trade name reservation document
• Confirmation of restricted scope of the company
• Statement of guarantee
• A copy of lease agreement for the office space
• Copy of Articles of Association
• A statement with the intended address for the company

The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ADIC) has been created with the highest technological standards and is located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. The benefits of setting up your business with ADIC is as below:

• Total reimbursement of capital and profits
• Excellent location
• Freedom of foreign ownership
• Benefits from utility partnerships
• Easy access to licenses, permits and visas
• Advanced communication networks
• No customs duty on importation and exportation
• Transport links to Europe, Asia, Middle East and North Africa

The following procedure explains how to set up a company in ADIC:

1. Determine which business you want to look into
2. Determine the legal form of your business
3. Register your business name
4. Achieve approval from the Free Zone Authority
5. Achieve approval from other authorities
6. Get a license

The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones is one of the biggest free zone and is also home to over 600 of the well-known global companies. The businesses that are allowed in the Zonescorp are businesses that produce chemicals, food, oil, leather, construction materials, wood and fiberglass. The benefits of the free zone are as below:

• Full reimbursement of capital and profits
• Well positioned for Abu Dhabi Airport and Jebel Ali Airport
• No tax
• Investment advice on offer
• Duty-free import of raw materials
• No hassle labor procedures

The documents required for setting up a business in Zonescorp are as below:

• EAD technical information
• Authorised company contract
• Valid lease contract
• Document of contract modification registration
• Approved trade name
• Environment license
• Passport copies
• Power of attorney
• A factory site plan
• Feasibility study
• Membership certificate in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Masdar City Free Zone was set up in 2006 and is just 6km away from the emirate of Abu Dhabi wit close links to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is a project created by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and its mission is to make the area energy efficient. The businesses that would benefit the most from setting up here are renewable energy businesses, marketing, oil and gas services, business centres and property development services.

The benefits of setting up your business here are as below:

• Excellent facilities
• 100% foreign ownership
• Cost effective licensing
• No corporate and personal income taxes
• Full reimbursement of capital and profits
• No import tariffs
• Easy set up

The procedure for setting up your business in Masdar City is as below:

• Register your business name and submit the form to the DED of Abu Dhabi.
• Submit a licence form
• Open a bank account
• Obtain a license and sign your lease agreement

Licensing Cost in Masdar City Free Zone

Masdar Free Zone has 4 different types of licensing tariffs for companies. These tariffs are very cost-efficient for start-ups and even for MNCs:

Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi was established in the year 2008 to provide a business hub for local, regional and international media companies. It is a media free zone set up by the Media Zone Authority (MZA) to position Abu Dhabi as a regional center of excellence and a prominent player in the Arabic media content creation industry. MZA aims to create a platform for the inclusive development of Arabic media and entertainment content in all spheres (Events, Film, Digital Media, Publishing, Music, Broadcast, Gaming, etc.)

There are 3 major key pillars through which twofour54 delivers its advanced infrastructure for setting up business in Abu Dhabi free zones. They are:

It is supported by business enabler twofour54 Tawasol (one-stop-shop).

Business Licensing Segments in twofour54

Twofour54 focuses on media and entertainment organizations and issues license primarily for the following segments:

• Mobile
• Gaming/Animation
• Production
• TV/Film
• Online
• Publishing

Benefits Offered By Twofour54:

• On-site HD production facilities
• 100% foreign ownership
• A media training academy on site
• No taxes on corporate income
• 30% cash allowance for film/TV production overseas
• Full return of capital and profits
• No tax on personal and import income

The Free Zone Authority in Dubai is the government organization that handles registration formalities and issues business licenses to non-resident companies or foreign-owned businesses for company formation in Dubai free zones. Business setup in Dubai free zone brings a sea of opportunities for networking, collaborating and extensive growth in the business. The appealing tax regime and many incentives offered by the free zone authorities make Dubai the most preferred nation by an investor for company formation.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Free Zone

Free zones are the most favorable locations for business setup equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, duty and tax exemptions, world-class business amenities, flexible government policies, and unmatched facilities.

List of Free Zones in Dubai

Dubai has more than 20 free zones offering a wide range of activities for company formation:

1. Dubai Academic City Click for details
2. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) Click for details
3. Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech) Click for details
4. Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ) Click for details
5. Dubai Design District Click for details
6. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park Click for details
7. Dubai Healthcare City Click for details
8. Dubai Industrial City (DIC) Click for details
9. Dubai International Academic City Click for details
10. Dubai International Financial Centre Click for details
11. Dubai Internet City (DIC) Click for details
12. Dubai Knowledge Village Click for details
13. Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone Click for details
14. Dubai South Free Zone Click for details
15. Dubai Logistics City Click for details
16. Dubai Media City Click for details
17. Dubai Maritime City Click for details
18. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre or Jumeirah Lakes Towers Free Zone Click for details
19. Dubai Outsource Zone Click for details
20. Dubai Silicon Oasis Click for details
21. Dubai Studio City Click for details
22. Dubai Techno Park Click for details
23. Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Click for details
24. International Media Production Zone Click for details
25. Jebel Ali Free Zone Click for details
26. Economic Zones World Click for details
27. Dubai Flower Centre Click for details
28. Meydan Free Zone Click for details
29. International Humanitarian City Click for details

Dubai Academic City (DAC) is a free zone established in the year 2006 by TECOM Investments and covers an area of almost 129 million square feet. Its aim is to make Dubai an education hub, an initiative the Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) is also a part of. DKV has got a large network connection with multi-national universities worldwide. Down the line, after the initiation of DAC, DKV and DAC joined their hands to boost and bring a positive slope in the educational sector.

Dubai Academic City (DAC) not only encourages or promotes educational institutions but also acts as a platform for other businesses for their setup. DAC is keenly interested in inviting foreign investors to set up their businesses in the campus and help the center and the nation grow. Let’s have a look at the business options that they provide for foreign investors.

1. Land

Being an institutional hub and a home to a lot of international institutions, the free zone does have shopping malls, retail outlets, and apartments in its arena. The center has an open option for investors who want to establish their businesses.

2. Business Spaces

Carrying out different businesses involves different types of space wherein it fits. Dubai Academic Center provides specific business spaces based accordingly the type and size of employees. These include a hot desk, executive desk, and commercial spaces.

A hot desk is generally provided to budding startups, and office space is shared among various clients operating different businesses. Executive desks are provided to businesses that have few employees. Furnished desks and chairs are provided within an area coverage of almost 100 square feet.

Moving further, they also provide commercial spaces that are mostly open spaces and are designed in such a way that the business activities can be carried out with ease. Such spaces are a bit costly as compared to the above-mentioned space categories and they also hold facilities like projectors, etc.

3. Retail and Kiosk Spaces

Dubai Academic City (DAC) has convenient retail stores and kiosk spaces inside the DIAC campus for the ease of students.

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) a place for 1600 companies from all around the globe carrying out their operations in the UAE. Established in the year 1996, DAFZA is a strategic plan of the UAE government towards an investment-driven economy. Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the fastest growing free zones in Dubai. There are various business industries present in DAFZA, like aviation, freight & logistics, IT & telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food & beverage, jewelry, and cosmetics. Dubai Airport Free Zone is located next to Dubai International Airport, which provides numerous amenities to the industries established in DAFZA. International investors reap great benefit from the dynamic growth of this Dubai Free Zone, through the free trade zone’s excellent tax and investment incentives.

Advantages of Business Setup in Dubai Airport Free Zone

DAFZA provides many business advantages for the companies established under it. Here are some of the advantages you get for company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone:

Dubai a spectacular city of innovation and technology which has free zones for the development of every sector of the city. DuBiotech is a Dubai Free zone which was established with the aim of developing biotechnology and research. The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) was launched in the year 2005 by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, making it a world attraction for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. This is the first free zone which is built and dedicated to the research and development of life science methods. DuBiotech invites and encourages companies and investors from all around the globe to form their biotech and other related companies in this free zone and contribute their work.

Types of Business Licensing Options in DuBiotech

DuBiotech or Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park provide different clusters for companies to penetrate in, such as:

Dubai Cars and Automotive City were established in April 2000 with an aim to re-export used cars to the Asian and African markets. Also known as DUCAMZ, it is located in Ras Al Khor and has an easy access to the regional airport and seaport, including Dubai International Airport and the Jebel Ali Port as well as modern highways which link the Middle East countries. The total size of this free zone is 8 million sq. ft, making DUCAMZ free zone the largest free zone of its kind. They offer comprehensive infrastructure to meet the high demands in the automotive industry, providing competent highway connectivity and boosting all mod cons necessary to relocate cars within and outside the region.

The vehicles sold by DUCAMZ are divided into 2 categories:

1 - Left-hand drive vehicles to be exported to the local markets and fall under the regulations of the UAE

2 - Right-hand drive vehicles dedicated to African countries mostly

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in DUCAMZ

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No restriction on the number of imported cars
• Economical freight charges
• Availability of skilled workforce
• No personal income and corporate tax for 50 years
• No currency restrictions
• Hassle-free clearance from Police (traffic department), Customs, Port and Bank
• Excellent support services from Dubai Ports Authority and other service institutions such as Shipping, Insurance, Banking, Automobile Workshops and Restaurants

Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA), formerly known as Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), was launched in the year 2000 to establish Dubai as a worldwide hub for knowledge-based industries such as media, IT, fashion, movie & production, science & technology, etc. The DCCA regulates 7 industries of a total of 9 free zones. It has more than 4,500 companies currently operating and around 70,000 people working in the free zones. It is responsible for developing and implementing regulations which are in line with the global standards so that the companies can operate effectively in the free zones. The free zone is divided into 4 clusters:

The media cluster

• The education cluster
• The information and communication cluster
• The sciences cluster

There are 9 free zones in DCCA. They are:

• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Knowledge Park (formerly, Dubai Knowledge Village)
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Design District
• Dubai Outsource City (formerly, Dubai Outsource Zone)
• Dubai Production City (formerly, Dubai International Media Production Zone)
• Dubai International Academic City
• Dubai Science Park (formerly, Energy & Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech))

Benefits of Setting Up a business in DCCA

• 100% foreign ownership
• A 50-year exemption from personal income and corporate taxes
• Exemption from customs duty
• Full repatriation of capital and profits
• Convenient proximity to Dubai’s world-class airport, seaports, and major motorways
• Easy access to high-end residential accommodation
• Customized real-estate options to suit your organizational needs

Located in the heart of the city, Dubai Design District was launched in the year 2013 by the UAE’s Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The vision behind launching the Dubai Design District free zone was to build a tailor-made design hub that would foster emerging local talent and provide a home for creative thinkers. It is a global design and fashion hub and taps into the huge potential of the luxury fashion and interior design industry.

Types of Licenses Available in Dubai Design District Free Zone

There are 2 types of licenses available in Dubai District Free Zone:

The cost structure to set up a business in D3 is as follows:

Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) is the new hub for the growth of the floriculture industry in Dubai. It is located near Dubai International Airport and is established to meet the needs of the developing floriculture centre in the country. The flower centre’s first phase was finished in the year 2004 at a cost of $50 million. The construction is not yet completed and will continue in two more phases. At present, the Dubai Flower Centre has 19 tenants coming from 11 countries and is expected to serve two billion consumers once fully operational. Thus, Dubai Flower Center Free Zone apart from increasing the country’s revenue and offering jobs to the locals also allows people from other countries to take part in the industry.

Business Activities Allowed in DFC

Any activity related to perishable items like floriculture, horticulture, fruits & vegetables, etc. is allowed in DFC. The free zone also allows:

• Trading
• Logistics
• Retail

Types of Business Entities in DFC

1. Free zone Establishment
2. Free zone company
3. Branch of a foreign company

Types of Licenses Issued in DFC

There are two types of licenses issued in DFC:

• Trading License
• Service License

Founded in 2011, the flagship attraction and treasure trove of some of the finest jewels in the world, Gold and Diamond Park is another free zone in Dubai city. Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Gold and Diamond Park has become an attractive spot for the residents and also for foreign tourists visiting the city. Gold and Diamond Park has a collection of the most spectacular jewelry, precious stones, gemstones, gold, silver, platinum, and many other high-end accessories & ornaments. The Gold and Diamond Park is built with an aim of providing a bundle of all the precious jewels in the world under a single roof and making it hassle-free for customers to trade in gold and diamonds. The jewelry the park consists of is worth billions of dollars.

Gold and Diamond Park Dubai caters to and fosters:

Established in 2002 by the UAE Prime Minister and Dubai’s Ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) lies in the heart of the city and is one of the numerous specialized ‘cities-within-a-city’ in Dubai meant for healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Located beside Rashid Hospital in Bur Dubai, DHCC is at a stone’s throw distance from the serene environs of the Creek Side Park and Dubai Creek and is reachable through Sheikh Zayed Road from Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

DHCC is dedicated to excellence in healthcare and patient care across multiple specialties and is constantly adding new services and expertise under its wing to establish itself as the pioneer in global healthcare. The entire gamut of medical services is delivered at Dubai Healthcare City by eminent healthcare professionals who follow international quality standards to provide the best medical help to the patients.

Types of Business Licenses Available in DHCC

The cost for licensing and registration varies for ‘new company set up’ and ‘branch setup’. There are 3 types of business licenses available in DHCC:

1. Service License
2. Industrial License
3. Trading License

Dubai Industrial City (DIC), also known as Dubai Industrial Park, located near the Jebel Ali International Airport, was founded in 2004 and completed in the year 2015. DIC is stretched over a sprawling area of 560 million sq. ft., which now accommodates more than 200 companies, food & beverage zone, base-metal & transportation zone, warehouses, and an extensive conservation zone along with logistics, education, and other facilities. DIC is an ideal hub for investors who are targeting global markets. Dubai Industrial City (DIC) is a member of TECOM Investments and is the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Advantages of Setting Up a Business in DIC

An entire Dubai free zone which is built only for the development and growth of the industrial sector in Dubai speaks volumes of the government’s focus on industrial development in the emirate. This Dubai free zone contributes to the betterment of the companies involved in the manufacturing of goods. Companies in Dubai Industrial City enjoy the following benefits:

• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• No personal income tax or corporate tax
• Duty-free imports of machinery, equipment and raw material for the production
• Tariff-free access to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and MENA markets for manufacturers adding 40% value locally, as a result of UAE’s Free Trade Agreement
• Great potential for the industrial sector
• Top-notch and advanced IT infrastructure
• DIC has the world’s largest IP telephonic network
• A well-structured environment and availability of various business clusters, including some of the biggest companies
• A dynamic international community and a great opportunity for business networking and connections
• Simple company formation and availability of all basic amenities under a single roof
• Availability of skilled labor and multi-lingual experienced employees
• 24*7 security and visa facility