BEST FREE ZONES IN UAE 2022 TO START BUSINESS?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a thriving hub for business development, attracting both local and foreign investors. This is due to the country’s proactive government, favorable economic policies, and entrepreneurial culture. The UAE also offers tax and financial benefits to foreign investors looking to start or expand their businesses in the country.

One of the key reasons the UAE has become a global business hub is its free zones, which are special economic areas that offer tax and regulatory advantages to businesses. When setting up a company in a UAE free zone, businesses can benefit from full foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and tax exemptions, among other perks. Free zones are designed to promote international business in the UAE and offer 100% foreign enterprise ownership.

If you are considering starting a business in the UAE and are unsure which free zone is right for you, this article discusses some options that may be suitable based on your needs.

1. DMCC Authority Free Zone

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is a free zone in Dubai that is known for its potential and opportunities in the retail and commerce sectors. It is a gateway to global trade and an ideal location for businesses in the financial and commodities sectors. DMCC has received recognition as the “Global Free Zone of the Year” by the Financial Times FDI magazine for four consecutive years and is the largest free zone in the region. It is the only free zone that offers freehold options and is conveniently located in the heart of Dubai’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers district.

2. Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAK EZ)

The Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAK EZ) is a free zone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that was created through the merger of the Ras Al Khaima Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). It is known for its trading activities and is particularly suitable for companies that need warehousing facilities. RAK EZ has customizable warehouses and plots of industrial land available for development, and its activity list is one of the largest among all the UAE free zones. The activities in RAK EZ are divided into categories such as commercial, service, industrial, media, educational, and individual/professional e-commerce.

3. DWC Free Zone

The Dubai World Central (DWC) Free Zone enhances Dubai’s reputation as a leading logistics and trade hub. It is connected to the Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport through the dedicated Dubai Logistics Corridor, forming a single custom-bonded zone that speeds up the flow of sea-to-air and air-to-sea cargo. DWC Free Zone also has direct access to major trans-emirate road networks, making it a highly efficient and connected logistics platform. Its multimodal capabilities provide unprecedented levels of connectivity, speed, and efficiency

4. JAFZA Free Zone

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) prioritizes long-term customer relationships and fosters alliances with global investors by offering them world-class infrastructure, value-added services, and incentives. This allows these investors to take advantage of significant business opportunities in the region. JAFZA was the first free zone in the world to receive ISO certification in 1996 and is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, giving it direct access to a market of over 2 billion people.

5. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)

The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is home to over 3100 companies from a variety of industry sectors, including light industry, pharmaceuticals, trading, manufacturing, logistics, jewelry, IT, and mobile phone accessories. It is conveniently located adjacent to the Dubai International Airport and offers modern facilities with top-quality infrastructure. DAFZA has established itself as a gateway connecting markets in the Middle East and Africa with Europe and Asia. It provides foreign companies with office space and warehouses that they can fully own in a tax-free environment. This allows organizations to easily establish a presence in Dubai and begin operations quickly.

6.KIZAD

The Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) offers licenses for various activities such as trading, logistics, industrial, and services at cost-effective fees. Its low operating costs, ease of doing business, and market accessibility make it a popular choice for investors from around the globe. KIZAD is connected to the Khalifa Port, one of the most advanced deep-sea ports and the first semi-automated container ports in the region, which is located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to facilitate trade in the country.

Starting a business in a Dubai free zone can be a complex process, and it is advisable to seek local guidance and legal advice about the various incorporation and registration formalities. At Hallmark, we provide consulting and advice to streamline the process of setting up a business in a Dubai free zone and make the documentation and paperwork process smooth and hassle-free, so that you can focus on growing your business in Dubai.