List of free-trade zones in the United Arab Emirates

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Free-trade zones in the United Arab Emirates are areas that have a special tax, customs and import regime, and are governed by their own framework of regulations (with the exception of UAE criminal law).

Contents

Background

The UAE has a number of free zones across Dubai, [1] Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. Free zones may be broadly categorized as seaport free zones, airport free zones, and mainland free zones. Free-trade zone exemptions are: [2]

Each Free Zone is designed around one or more strict industry categories. An independent Free Zone Authority (FZA) governs each free zone, and is the agency responsible for issuing FTZ operating licenses and assisting companies with establishing their business in the FTZ. Each free zone has its own specific requirements regarding minimum capital requirements, office or warehouse space and permitted activities; with each possessing the relevant licenses and adequate legislation to enable their dedicated industry to flourish.

Investors can either register a new company in the form of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or simply establish a branch or representative office of their existing or parent company based within the UAE or abroad. An FZE is a limited liability company governed by the rules and regulations of the Free Zone in which it is established. Except for acquiring nationality in the UAE, the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law (CCL) do not apply to FZEs, provided that the Free Zones have special provisions regulating such companies.

Free zone companies can run business within the relevant zone or outside the UAE. Some free zones (including ADGM, JAFZA, DMCC, RAK FTZ) allow for inward redomiciliation of foreign companies, which means a transfer of a corporate seat of an existing company from abroad to the UAE free zone. [3]

There are a few Free Zones in UAE that offer Dual Business License [4] for investors. [5] It is expected to allow them to do business in the Free Zone [6] as well as in the mainland of UAE using the same business license. For Example, Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone [7] offers a Dual License for the investors enabling them to easily offer services in the mainland [8] and Free Zone together. [9]

Free zones

The Microsoft sign at the entrance of the Dubai Microsoft campus, Dubai Internet City Microsoft Dubai.jpg
The Microsoft sign at the entrance of the Dubai Microsoft campus, Dubai Internet City
Dubai Maritime City, Dubai under construction in 2008 Dubai Maritime City on 8 May 2008 Pict 3.jpg
Dubai Maritime City, Dubai under construction in 2008

There are 46 Free Zones operating in UAE. [10]

Abu Dhabi
Dubai [11]
Sharjah
Ajman

Ras Al Khaimah

Fujairah


Umm Al Quwain

Free zones under construction

See also

Related Research Articles

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Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mualla was the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain from 1873 to 1904. He led Umm Al Quwain through a turbulent period in the Trucial Coast's history, with conflicts against neighbouring emirates and almost constantly shifting alliances. On two occasions these conflicts led to him being found to breach the terms of the 1853 Perpetual Maritime Truce with the British. This notwithstanding, he was a signatory to the 1892 Exclusive Agreement, which bound the Trucial Sheikhs and the British together in a protectorate.

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Designated Freezones in the United Arab Emirates are special areas in the United Arab Emirates that are subject to special rules for supplies of goods within the region for VAT purposes. They are instrumental components of the country's economic landscape, contributing significantly to its development and global standing. Established to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, these zones serve as pivotal entities fostering international trade, foreign investment and economic growth.

References

  1. "Free Zone Business Registration – Dubai". UAE: Freezone Registration. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  2. Petch, Neil. "Benefits of UAE Free Trade Zones". Virtuzone.
  3. "Formation of Free Zone Companies in the UAE". Uniwide. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
  4. "Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, UAE - Setup and Licensing". firmz.ae. 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  5. "Dual Business License in the Free Zone". aurionuae.com. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  6. "UAE Freezone Company Formation| Freezone Business Setup". Centriz Corporate Services. Retrieved 2024-04-18.
  7. "SPC Free Zone - Sharjah Publishing City Company Setup and License". firmz.ae. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  8. "Setup your Business in the UAE | Set your Business in Dubai, UAE". firmz.ae. 2024-01-30. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  9. "Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone offers a Dual License for the investors". dubaifreezonecompany.com.
  10. "45 free zones in the UAE: Find the right one for your new business". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  11. "Top 13 areas for new businesses in Dubai". Shuraa Business Setup. 2020-11-15. Retrieved 2021-03-29.