Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Abu Dhabi, the capital and the second-largest city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and is home to a diverse and vibrant population. Abu Dhabi is a prominent hub for business and industry, focusing substantially on oil and gas, finance, tourism, and technology. The city is known for its modern infrastructure, luxurious hotels, and iconic landmarks, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Yas Island Formula 1 circuit. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has also made significant investments in renewable energy and sustainability to become a leading hub for clean technology in the region. A business setup in Abu Dhabi free zone can be a great idea if you want to establish your presence in the UAE. With seven all-inclusive free zones, each better than the next, Abu Dhabi can bring anyone around to set up a company in the UAE. Each Abu Dhabi free zone has an independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) responsible for issuing free zone operating licenses for companies to establish their business. To be able to register in a free zone in Abu Dhabi, you must be a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (LLC), a foreign or UAE company branch, or a freelancer with a freelance permit.

The Choice of Free Zones In Abu Dhabi

Covering a wide range of sectors, from logistics to media to IT, Abu Dhabi offers business owners and entrepreneurs seven thoughtfully designed free zones to set up their companies and thrive amidst state-of-the-art amenities and businesses of their types. Here’s a little more information about each of these economic zones in Abu Dhabi. Each boasting unique characteristics and offerings, some of the main free zones in Abu Dhabi include:

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ): This free zone is located near Abu Dhabi International Airport and is focused on aviation, logistics, and related industries. It offers a range of facilities and support services for companies operating in the zone.
Masdar City Free Zone: This free zone is focused on renewable energy and sustainability. It offers a range of facilities and support services for companies operating in the clean energy sector.
Twofour54 Abu Dhabi (Media Free Zone Authority): Designed to create a vibrant and diverse media industry in the region, the media free zone in Abu Dhabi has been serving as a platform for media companies to set up and operate in the UAE since 2005. Media companies registered in Twofour54 can enjoy a range of services, including access to state-of-the-art facilities, business support and advisory services, and numerous training and development programs.
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD): This industrial free zone focuses on manufacturing, logistics, and trade. It offers a range of infrastructure and support services to companies operating in the zone.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC): This free zone is located near the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and is focused on the exhibition and events industry. It offers a range of facilities and support services for companies operating in the zone.
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD): Established in the late 1980s on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city to provide a dedicated space for manufacturing and industrial activities, ICAD free zone consists of several zones, each devoted to a specific industry, including engineering, metal fabrication, and plastics. Easily accessible by major roads and highways, it also provides support services such as logistics, transportation, and warehousing.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): This is a financial center that offers a wide range of services, including company formation, business licensing, and banking and financial services.

Ultimately, the choice of free zone will depend on the specific needs and goals of your business. It is essential to research and compare the different free zones in Abu Dhabi to determine the best fit for your company.

Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp)

The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) is a government-owned company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that manages and develops specialized economic zones in the country. These economic zones are designated areas that offer a range of benefits and incentives to businesses, including tax breaks, access to infrastructure and utilities, and streamlined processes for setting up and operating a business. The goal of ZonesCorp is to promote economic development and diversification in the UAE by attracting foreign investment and supporting local businesses.

ZonesCorp manages a number of economic zones in the UAE, including the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone, the Dubai Silicon Oasis, and the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi. These economic zones are home to various businesses, including technology and innovation companies, logistics and supply chain companies, and manufacturing firms.

In addition to managing economic zones, ZonesCorp also provides a range of services to businesses operating within its zones, including assistance with business setup and licensing, access to financing and investment opportunities, and support with market research and business development. The company aims to create a supportive and conducive environment for businesses to grow and contribute to the overall economic development of the UAE.

Advantages of Company Formation in Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Establishing a business in Abu Dhabi free zones can open a treasure chest of perks to local and overseas companies looking to operate businesses within the UAE. Some of the benefits of operating in Abu Dhabi free zones include:

100% foreign ownership
Cost-effective operational environment
100% repatriation of capital and profits
100% exemption from import, export, corporate and personal taxes
Comprehensive support services for acquiring vital permits, licenses, approvals, and clearances from the relevant authorities and finding skilled manpower and suitable accommodation.

Advantages of Company Formation in Abu Dhabi Free Zones

100% foreign ownership
Cost-effective operational environment
100% repatriation of capital and profits
100% exemption from import, export, corporate and personal taxes
Comprehensive support services for acquiring vital permits, licenses, approvals, and clearances from the relevant authorities and finding skilled manpower and suitable accommodation.

The Process of Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Abu Dhabi Free Zone company setup process generally involves the following steps:

Choose the appropriate free zone: Abu Dhabi has several free zones, each with its rules and regulations. You will need to research and choose the free zone that is most suitable for your business.
Obtain approvals and licenses: Depending on the type of business you plan to set up, you may need to obtain various approvals and licenses. This may include approvals from the Department of Economic Development, the Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant authorities.
Choose a business name: You will need to choose a name for your company that is unique and not already in use. The relevant authorities must also approve the name.
Register your company: Once you have obtained all the necessary approvals and licenses, you can register your company with the relevant authorities. This will involve filling out the necessary paperwork and paying any required fees.
Set up your physical office: You will need to secure a physical office space in the free zone. This may involve leasing or purchasing office space or renting a virtual office.
Obtain visas: If you plan to hire employees, you will need to obtain visas for them. This may involve sponsoring their visas and providing them with accommodation.
Register with the Chamber of Commerce: You will need to register with the Chamber of Commerce in order to conduct business in Abu Dhabi. This will involve paying any necessary fees and filling out the necessary paperwork.

Get in Touch with Company Formation Experts

The process of forming a company in Abu Dhabi free zones can be complex and time-consuming. It is advisable to seek the assistance of one of the best professional business setup service providers in Abu Dhabi, such as Ingenious Corporate Services, to help you navigate the process.

The Process of Business Setup in Abu Dhabi Free Zone

Abu Dhabi Free Zone company setup process generally involves the following steps:

Choose the appropriate free zone: Abu Dhabi has several free zones, each with its rules and regulations. You will need to research and choose the free zone that is most suitable for your business.
Obtain approvals and licenses: Depending on the type of business you plan to set up, you may need to obtain various approvals and licenses. This may include approvals from the Department of Economic Development, the Chamber of Commerce, and other relevant authorities.
Choose a business name: You will need to choose a name for your company that is unique and not already in use. The relevant authorities must also approve the name.
Register your company: Once you have obtained all the necessary approvals and licenses, you can register your company with the relevant authorities. This will involve filling out the necessary paperwork and paying any required fees.
Set up your physical office: You will need to secure a physical office space in the free zone. This may involve leasing or purchasing office space or renting a virtual office.
Obtain visas: If you plan to hire employees, you will need to obtain visas for them. This may involve sponsoring their visas and providing them with accommodation.
Register with the Chamber of Commerce: You will need to register with the Chamber of Commerce in order to conduct business in Abu Dhabi. This will involve paying any necessary fees and filling out the necessary paperwork.

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