Abu Dhabi is the largest of the 7 emirates of the UAE. Free zones in Abu Dhabi have been established with a view to boost the economy and promote foreign investment, and are ideal for setting up companies in logistics, media and manufacturing sectors etc. A free trade zone in Abu Dhabi is an area within the UAE which is separate from the rest of the region. The goods in the freezone are not subjected to import duties or any other hidden taxes.
Advantages of Abu Dhabi Free Zone
Free Zone establishment has helped UAE become a commercial hub for many businesses’ operation around the world. Each Emirates free zone has its own advantages. Some notable features of Abu Dhabi free Zones are as follows:
- Complete ownership of your company can be held by non-UAE Nationals fully
- No restriction in more than one activity in a single license
- No restriction for employing manpower and suitable accommodation in the region
- Easy transfer of Capital and profits
- Exemption from export and import duties
- Exemption from Corporate and Income taxes, except VAT (as applicable)
- Special consideration in terms of procedures, appointments, and investments in the region
- Benefits of Currency Control, customs duties, taxation and much more
List of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
There are 8 free zones available in Abu Dhabi to set up a new business organization.
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- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ):
This Free Zone provides warehousing and fully serviced office solutions to a broad spectrum of business sectors, along with a number of other significant and very unique advantages.
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- Abu Dhabi Ports Company Free Zone (ADPC):
The main motive of ADPC is to create sustainable growth that boosts and diversifies the economy of Abu Dhabi by developing its infrastructure, real estate and business service in accordance with the private sector.
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- Industrial City of Abu Dhabi:
ICAD includes a range of different kinds of industrial businesses due to great transport connectivity, top-level infrastructure and outstanding facilities of communication.
It is the leading hub of companies with activities in the Oil and gas sector as well as the Energy sector
Is a tax-free media and entertainment free zone based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Twofour54 provides office space, production facilities, talent development initiatives and training, and business support services for media companies
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- Abu Dhabi Global Markets Free Zone (ADGMFZ):
The ADGM Free Zone is controlled by three independent authorities – the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and the ADGM Courts and is the financially freezone in Abu Dhabi
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- Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD):
World’s biggest Freezone offering Licenses for Trading, Logistics, Industrial and Service activities at cost-effective fees. The lowest operating costs coupled with ease of doing business and market accessibility.
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- Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp):
Attractive government incentives, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a pro-business environment make ZonesCorp a favourable location for company formation.
What to consider before choosing the FZ?
Several factors can help decide which FZ is suitable for you:
- Office/Shop/Warehouse required
- Your business activity
- Cost/budget
This blog is written by Ms Heena Arora, Partner Relations Executive at Flyingcolour Business Setup, VAT and Accounting Services, Dubai. If you have any query regarding
company formation in the Abu Dhabi free zone or anywhere across the UAE, then please contact us at +971 4 4542366 or email us at info[at]flyingcolour[dot]com.
*Please Note: This article was published on 04th October 2020. The information provided in the article is based on the policies and rules applicable at the time of writing it. Talk to one of our consultants for any recent updates or changes.
