List of Free Zones in UAE – United Arab Emirates

The UAE is one of the most preferred destinations for global business. It provides many choices for company formation, namely, Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore. One popular choice is the Free Zone. Free Zones are places that facilitate doing business. There are many benefits of Free Zones for foreign investors. This guide will focus on UAE Free Zones. Continue reading to learn more.

What Are Free Zones?

In the UAE, Free Zones are designated special economic zones. They have their own rules and laws. These rules are different from the rest of the country. Free Zones enable foreign investors to have 100% ownership of their businesses.

They also provide tax benefits. Every Free Zone specialises in particular types of businesses or sectors. This setup assists in the attraction of foreign investment and leads to the growth of the economy.

Benefits of Free Zones for Foreign Investors

There are many benefits of Free Zones in the UAE. Some of the many key benefits of Free Zones for foreign investors:

• In Free Zones, foreigners have full ownership of the business. This is not always possible in other parts of the UAE.
• Free Zone companies are exempt from corporate or personal income taxes. Many savings may result from this.
• Free Zones also do not impose import or export duties. This makes trading of goods cheaper.
• It’s simple to set up a business in a Free Zone. There is less paperwork and fewer rules.
• The Free Zones have very good infrastructure and services. This comprises offices, storage facilities, and modern technology.

List of Free Zones in Dubai

Dubai has the most number of Free Zones in the UAE. Each Dubai Free Zone concentrates on a different industry. Here is a comprehensive list of Dubai’s Free Zones:

1. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
2. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
3. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
4. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
5. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Meydan Free Zone
6. Dubai Internet City (DIC)
7. Dubai Media City (DMC)
8. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
9. Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
10. Dubai South  (Dubai World Central)
11. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
12. Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech)
13. Dubai Maritime City (DMC)
14. Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)
15. Dubai Design District (d3)
16. Dubai Science Park (DSP)
17. Dubai Textile City
18. International Humanitarian City (IHC)
19. International Media Production Zone (IMPZ)
20. Dubai Production City (International Media Production Zone, or IMPZ, was its previous name)
21. Dubai Outsource City
22. Dubai Studio City
23. Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
24. Dubai Techno Park
25. Dubai Auto Zone
26. Dubai Flower Centre
27. Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
28. Dubai Industrial City
29. Dubai Wholesale City (Dubai Industrial Park)
30. Dubai Logistics City (Dubai South Logistics District)

These Free Zones offer unique benefits depending on the industry they serve. They offer an ideal setting for businesses to prosper in Dubai.

Free Zones in Other Emirates

Free Zones exist in other emirates as well. Here is a brief overview:

• Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, has many Free Zones which concentrate on various fields. These zones help the emirate’s diversification of the economic goals. They are:

1. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
2. twofour54 Abu Dhabi
3. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
4. Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)
5. Masdar City Free Zone
6. Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) Free Zones:
   • Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone
   • Zayed Port Free Zone
   • Musaffah Port Free Zone
   • Corniche Free Zone
   • Al Sila’a Free Zone

• Sharjah Free Zones

Sharjah, known for its cultural heritage, also hosts several business-friendly Free Zones. This includes:

1. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
2. Sharjah Media City (Shams)
3. Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
4. Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)
5. Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
6. Sharjah Human Resources Development Free Zone (SHRD)
7. Al Zahia Free Zone
8. Sharjah Technology and Innovation Park (STIP)

• Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones

Ras Al Khaimah offers cost-effective Free Zone options for various businesses. They are:

1. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
2. Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone or RAK FTZ
3. RAK Maritime City Free Zone
4. RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)
5. RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) Free Zone
6. RAK Media City (RAKMC)

• Ajman Free Zone

Ajman, the smallest emirate, has zones supporting various business activities. These zones are:

1. Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
2. Ajman Media City Free Zone
3. Ajman China Mall Free Zone

• Fujairah Free Zone

Fujairah, located on the east coast, provides unique opportunities through its Free Zone. Namely,

1. Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ)
2. Fujairah Creative City
3. Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
4. Fujairah Port

• Umm Al Quwain Free Zone

Umm Al Quwain offers an affordable Free Zone option, the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, for businesses.

Each of these Free Zones has its objectives and advantages. Some focus on certain industries, whereas others are more comprehensive

Top Five Cheapest Free Zones

Some Free Zones offer more affordable solutions for companies on a budget. The following five UAE free zones are cheapest:

1. Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

SRTIP is in line with the UAE’s 10-year plan to become a global leader in renewable energy, water management, environmental technology, and others. SRTIP offers businesses in professional, commercial, and industrial categories affordable trade licenses beginning at AED 5500.

1. Ajman Media City (AMC)

AMC is a new hub for global businesses for its fast and easy company formation process, especially for the media and entertainment sectors. Starting at AED 8500 for trade licenses, AMC is perfect for SMEs in service, consultancy, media training, and the e-commerce sector.

1. Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS)

SHAMS is the most rapidly expanding media Free Zone in the UAE and is a perfect ecosystem for enterprises. The trade licenses start from AED 5750, with SHAMS available for trading, media, holding, social media influencing, service, and consultancy businesses.

1. Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone (RAKEZ)

Strategically located near RAK airport and seaport, RAKEZ proves to be the cheapest for business owners. Starting at AED 5499, SME packages from RAKEZ include flexible warehousing services and numerous business types such as commercial, service, industrial, media, educational, and professional.

1. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), Dubai

Located in Silicon Oasis City, IFZA is a competitive Dubai Free Zone. The basic setup packages start from AED 12,900, and IFZA permits up to three activities under one license and is more inclined towards professional and commercial licenses. Explore affordability and convenience in one of the cheapest Free Zones in the UAE.

In conclusion, Free Zones are a crucial part of the business landscape in the UAE. They offer many benefits including tax benefits and 100% ownership for foreign investors. So, whether you’re a big firm or a small startup, there’s likely a Free Zone that fits your needs. With the right choice, a UAE Free Zone can be a great place to grow your company.