45 free zones in the UAE: Find the right one for your new business

11:51AM Wed 22 Mar, 2017

March 22,2017 | Gulf News If you want to have 100 per cent ownership of your company, regardless of type of business, you need to opt for a license and location in one of the many free zones of UAE. They are designed to encourage foreign investment with easier start-up processes, labour and immigration procedures, 100 per cent ownership for all nationalities and other legal services. Each free zone has its own authority and its own rules, which are applicable to investors looking to set up firm in those zones.

Advantages

1. Allows 100 per cent foreign national ownership of firm with no requirement of local sponsor or local service agent. 2. Waiver of corporate taxes (time-bound and renewable for further periods). 3. Exemption from personal taxes as well as import and export taxes. 4. 100 per cent repatriation of revenue and profits. 5. Documentation is less and more suited to foreign investors. 6. Long-term leasing options (up to 25 years) available at great terms to investors. 7. Recruitment and workforce processes are simplified, faster and cheaper. 8. Easy availability of legal, housing, immigration, labour and other facilities. 9. Incorporation is faster than when done outside free zones 10. 100 per cent free transfer of funds Note: Gulf News is not responsible for any changed or updated information on UAE law, kindly contact the free zones or government authorities for any individual queries.

List of free zones


Dubai

Free Zones in Dubai
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai Auto Zone
Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone
Dubai Design District
Dubai Flower Centre
Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai Industrial City
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai Logistics City
Dubai Maritime City Authority
Dubai Media City
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Dubai Outsource Zone
Dubai Science Park
Dubai Silicon Oasis 
Dubai Studio City
Dubai Techno Park (New name: National Industries Complex)
Dubai Textile City
Energy and Environment Park
International Humanitarian City
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Jumeirah Lakes Towers Free Zone
Dubai Production City

 

Abu Dhabi

Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Airport Business City
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Abu Dhabi Ports Company
Higher corporation for specialized economic zones/ ZonesCorp
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi
Masdar City
TwoFour54

 

Sharjah

Free Zones in Sharjah
Hamriya Free Zone Authority
Sharjah Airport Free Zone Authority
USA Regional Trade Center Free Zone

 

Fujairah

Free Zones in Fujairah
Creative City Fujairah
Fujairah Free Zone Authority

 

Ras Al Khaimah

Free Zones in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Investment Authority Free Zone
RAK Maritime City
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone
Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone