List of Free Zones in UAE (2024 Updated)

International Humanitarian City (IHC)International Humanitarian City (IHC)International Humanitarian City (IHC)Gold and Diamond Park (DGDP)Over the years, the UAE has become one of the top business hubs, attracting worldwide investors and entrepreneurs. Its continually expanding economy and big breakthroughs create opportunity for the business community to grow and succeed. The country has three key jurisdictions in which you can establish your business: Mainland, Free Zones in the UAE, and Offshore. You can select the best site based on the kind of your business, your budget, and other operations you wish to carry out.

In this article, we will be focusing on the Free Zones in the UAE. Therefore, you will be learning everything about them, what are they, the type of freezones in UAE there are, their benefits, and we will also provide a UAE free zone companies list. Let us observe:

1. Do you know what are UAE free zones?

A free zone is a region inside a nation that has been set aside as a place where companies can function with little to no taxes and minimal regulations. These locations may have different tax and duty regulations than other regions of the nation because these regulations vary from country to country. A free zone could be a territorially constrained region of a nation that provides favorable business conditions. It is possible to specifically create a free zone for manufacturing with an export focus.

Around the UAE, there are numerous free zones that range in size and scope. Some are only a few acres in size and very tiny; while others can cover entire cities and are much larger.

2. Know the types of Free Zones in the UAE

Free zones come in a wide variety of forms, each with specific advantages. Let us see:

• Special Economic Zones (SEZ): SEZs have the goal to draw in foreign investment and advance economic growth. Also, they often give firms tax advantages and other incentives.
• Free Trade Zones (FTZ): FTZs have the objective of boosting global trade. Consequently, businesses with FTZ locations can benefit from lower tariffs and other advantages.
• Export Processing Zones (EPZ): EPZs were established to support companies that are export-focused. An EPZ offers tax benefits and other incentives to businesses that are located there.
• Business Zones (BZ): BZs have been created to promote many kinds of businesses. Lower fees and rent rates are just a couple of the advantages available to businesses in BZs.
• Industrial Zones (IZ): IZs serve to boost industries like manufacturing and others. Taxes and electricity costs are lower for businesses in an IZ.

3. Learn the benefits of business formation in free zones UAE

Here are some advantages of business formation in a UAE free zone:

• Tax Exemptions: Businesses in a free zone have a temporary exemption from paying taxes, giving them a competitive edge.
• Down-cost Labor: Companies in a free zone have access to labor that is reasonably priced, which helps to keep expenses down.
• Market Access: Companies operating in a free zone have access to both domestic and foreign markets, giving them an edge over competitors.
• Infrastructure: Companies operating in a free zone can gain from the development of the infrastructure, which includes roads, services, and communication networks.
• Regulatory Environment: Companies operating in free zones are subject to more benevolent regulations, which support investment.
• Growth: By operating in a free zone, firms can reach new clientele and seize fresh chances for expansion. The free zone can also give companies a footing in a new nation or region, making it simpler for them to grow operations in the years to come.

4. See a list of free zones in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, there are 46 free zones, including the following:

4.1 Dubai Free Zones

In Dubai, there are over 28 free zones, including the following:

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)	One of the most affordable free zones for setting up a business. Offers a license for e-commerce. No need for office. Facilities for a virtual office.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)	One of the two free zones that permit trading in crypto-commodities. Provides a dual license. Development of up to six activities together.
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)	Considered to be one of the best economic zones. Provides a dual license. Offers a range of facilities, including flexi-desks and warehousing. Offers a license for e-commerce.
Gold and Diamond Park (DGDP)	The largest free zone specifically for the sale of gold and diamonds. Provides an e-commerce license.
UAE Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ)	Largest free zone specifically for old automobiles. A variety of building possibilities, from offices to showrooms.
Dubai Design District (D3)	The first and greatest design district in the area is devoted to the art, fashion, and design industries. Within the TECOM group. Concerns with freelancer permits.
Dubai Flower Centre (DFC)	Center of the floriculture sector. The top cool chain management in the globe.
UAE Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)	The largest marketplace in the world for the auto sector. Ideal for car maintenance, import, and export.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)	Largest comprehensive healthcare-free zone in the region.

 

4.2 Other Dubai free zones

Dubai Industrial City (DIC)	One of Dubai’s biggest industrial hubs. In the TECOM group. Worldwide MNCS like Facebook and LinkedIn have a location here.
UAE Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)	Largest free zone in the world for higher education. Provides freelancer permits. In the TECOM group.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)	International financial center with the fastest growth. In contrast to other jurisdictions, this adheres to English Law rather than Sharia Law. Famous for its stock market.
Dubai Internet City (DIC)	Largest IT group in North Africa and the Middle East. Offers a license for e-commerce. In the TECOM group.
UAE Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)	Only free zone in the entire world focused to effective human resource management and education. Provides freelancer license. In the TECOM group.
Dubai Logistics City (DLC)	First multimodal integrated logistics platform in the world. Provides a teaching license.
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)	The UAE’s first location built specifically to serve the maritime sector. Includes six regions, each of which is dedicated to a certain maritime operation.
UAE Dubai Media City (DMC)	The biggest integrated media hub in MENA. Within the TECOM group. Provides a variety of amenities at different places.
Dubai Outsource City (DOC)	The first outsourcing-specific free zone in the entire world. In the TECOM group.
UAE Dubai Science Park (DSP)	The first free zone set up to serve businesses in several science industries. In the TECOM group.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)	Silicon Park is the location of Dubai’s first smart city. Provides a variety of amenities.

 

4.3 Other free zones in Dubai

Dubai Studio City (DSC)	Center of production, broadcasting, and entertainment for the world Grants a freelancer’s permit. Part of the TECOM group.
Dubai Techno Park (DTP)	Some of the most well-known businesses in the IT industry are based here. A participant in Economic Zones World.
UAE Dubai Textile City (DTC)	Of the biggest and most practical textile centers in the area. Jointly established by the Customs Authorities, Dubai Port, and TEXMAS.
International Humanitarian City (IHC)	International humanitarian and aid center. The Dubai government established an independent free zone authority. Provides a variety of services, including office space and warehouses.
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)	The UAE has the world’s oldest free zone. Dubai Ports (DP) World has chosen it as its flagship free zone. Provides an e-commerce license. Grants ISO certification.
Dubai Production City (DPC)	The region’s leading media production center. Provides a freelancer permit. Member of the TECOM group.
Dubai Wholesale City	The first completely integrated wholesale trade hub in the region. Within the TECOM group.

4.4 Abu Dhabi Free Zones in the UAE

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)	International financial center with multiple awards.
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)	One of Abu Dhabi’s most cost-effective free zones. It has one of the best warehouses in the UAE. Allows investors to have up to 5 identical business activities.
TWOFOUR54	Hub for media and entertainment. Offers freelancer license.
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)	One of the free zones with the most cutting-edge technology. Consists of 5 clusters to serve various industries.
ZonesCorp	Largest industrial zone operator in the United Arab Emirates.
Masdar City Free Zone	A free zone for sustainable urban development.

 

4.5 Sharjah Free Zones in the UAE

Here are the Sharjah free zones:

Sharjah Media City (Shams)	Fast-growing free zone. Not limited to media-related activities. Provides freelancing permits. Can register company without attested paperwork.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)	Large costumer base. Many of the most notable companies in the UAE have their headquarters here. Provides high-quality facilities at the cheapest possible cost.
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)	The UAE’s second largest industrial free zone. A wide range of amenities are available, starting with executive offices to customized pieces of industrial property.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)	The first print and publishing free zone in the world Can carry out up to 5 activities under a single license with no additional fees. Dual-licensing is available. Not limited to printing and publishing.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)	Provides a range of facilities, from office space to lab zones. Dual license is available.

 

4.6 Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)	One of the UAE’s largest free zones. Customizable warehouses and industrial land sites for development are available. Provides an e-commerce license.
RAK Maritime City (RAKMC)	Close to ports and the RAK airport. One of the most progressive centers in the Middle East.

 

4.7 Fujairah Free Zones

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZA)	Only the Indian Ocean is accessible. Has the largest oil storage space in the GCC. Provides an e-commerce license.
Creative City Free Zone Authority	Provision is made for a virtual office. A single license can be used to secure up to 20 visas. Can be established without the need for a visa for both investors and workers.

 

4.8 Ajman Free Zones

Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)	Provides an e-commerce license. Investors can select from a variety of alternatives for business activities.
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)	Among the first UAE freezones. Provides a range of services, from flexi-desks to warehousing. Provides a freelancer permit.

 

4.9 Umm Al Quwain Free Zones

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)

Allows for up to three activities from various categories to be performed under a single license. Permits for up to ten licensees from the same category. Provides micro-business licenses and freelancer permits.

 

5. Start your business in any UAE free zone with Connect Middle East

There is no question that establishing a free zone firm has a number of advantages that you may take advantage of. The UAE is launching a number of efforts to help entrepreneurs navigate the business world with ease. Therefore, if you are thinking about starting a business in any Free Zone in the UAE, we can give you the support you need.

With Connect Middle East, investors can go through the company formation process in the UAE swiftly. Our professional team will provide support with business licenses, visa solutions, business centers, and more. As a result, you will not have to worry about going through this procedure by yourself. Consequently, when you partner with us, you will have all the support you need to establish a business presence in the region.

If you want to know more about what we can do for your business setup in Free Zones in the UAE, you can give us a call now at +971 43 316 688. In addition, you can also send us an email at contact@c-uae.com.