Free Zones in the UAE

Transcription

Although the greatest possible care has been observed in drawing up this publication, the
possibility always exists that certain information has in time become outdated or is no
longer correct. PKF, therefore, does not accept any liability for the consequences resulting
from activities undertaken on the basis of this publication. Consultation of an expert
remains necessary at all times.
Published by PKF, Dubai. April 2009
PKF is a member of PKF International Limited, an association of legally independent member firms
Accountants &
business advisers
PKF UAE VISION
We will be the first choice for
companies in their selection
of professional advisers
PKF UAE MISSION
We will provide quality service to
our clients by focusing on client
specific needs and providing
solutions to business problems,
thereby adding value through
expertise whilst maintaining integrity,
professionalism and independence
Accountants &
business advisers
Free Zones in
the United Arab Emirates
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE
Contents
Preface
1
PKF in the UAE
3
Introduction
7
Economy
9
Jebel Ali Offshore
13
Ras Al Khaimah Offshore
15
17
Free Zones in Dubai
21
Free Zones in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates
63
Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
77
About PKF
83
PKF International 83
PKF UAE Publications
87
Annexure
89
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Contents
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Contents
Preface
The globalisation of trade and foreign investment over the past decade, as expressed
in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has significantly exposed economies to
competitive pressures of the global economy. New global trading rules under the WTO
present both steep challenges and fresh new opportunities to national economies. In this
respect, trade integration will become a key policy objective if a country is to succeed in
increasing the volume of trade and economic development.
In pursuing this objective, there are a variety of trade instruments that countries in
recent years have begun to develop – the most common of which are Free Trade Zones.
Although the general concept of a Free Trade Zone is uniform in nature, one encounters
a number of different types of Free Trade Zones in different countries. They vary
according to national characteristics and the goals set for them by national governments.
Free Trade Zone is not a new concept. It is at least as old as western civilisations,
having existed in 300 BC in the Greek island of Delos, which as a result became one
of the wealthiest islands in the world for nearly a century. It is estimated that there are
now well over 1000 Free Zones operating in about 120 countries. The reason for this
remarkable growth is that Free Trade Zones have been an extraordinary mechanism for
fostering export-led industrialisation worldwide. They promote economic development
by attracting investment and generating employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Indeed, the zone concept is so powerful, that more and more countries are recognising
a new paradigm of Free Zones. While the old Free Zone was often described as static,
labour-intensive, incentive driven, the new zone paradigm is a dynamic investmentintensive, management driven one, enabling an integrated economic development tool.
In the UAE, the first Free Zone at Jebel Ali came into existence in 1985 and provided
international businesses and corporations a hub, which connected the East and the West
and expanded the horizons of their operations. Today there are more than two dozen
Free Zones in the UAE providing top class facilities and infrastructure for doing business
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Preface 1
and most importantly are industry specific in nature. This booklet contains all relevant
information about these zones.
We sincerely believe that the information provided in this booklet would be a guiding
torch to the investor for selecting a particular zone for his business.
2 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Preface
PKF in the UAE
PKF UAE is a member of PKF International Limited, an association of legally
independent member firms. PKF UAE operates as a branch of a foreign company
providing audit and management assurance, business consulting, regulatory and
taxation and corporate finance services. We provide an integrated service spanning
multiple disciplines to a large number of local, regional and international clients.
With over 30 years presence in the UAE we have offices at Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi,
Jebel Ali Free Zone, the Dubai Internet City. Through each of our offices, our clients
have access to the expertise and experience of more than 100 qualified professionals
including Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants, Certified Public Accountants,
Certified Internal Auditors and MBAs.
Range of Services
PKF professionals in the UAE can provide expert advice on various business issues. Our
services include:
Audit and Management Assurance Services
• External Audit
• Internal compliance audit
• Internal audit - compliance with the requirements of the Dubai Financial Services
Authority
• Organisation reviews and system studies
• Due diligence reviews
• Forensic and other investigations
• Training and consulting on IFRS
• Back office support services – accounting and payroll
• Outsourced accounting and payroll services for companies registered in the
Dubai International Financial Centre
• Management information systems
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF in the UAE 3
Management Advisory Services
• Business practices (process) assessment
• Business risk identification
• Accounting and procedure manuals
• Market analysis and feasibility studies
• Financial projections
• Information memoranda
• Business and share valuations
• Identification and valuation of intangible assets on a business acquisition
• Corporate structuring, acquisitions and disposals
• Joint ventures and strategic alliances
• Advice on partner/shareholder entry/exit
• Fund raising
Offshore and Free Zone Services
• Free Zone and offshore company formation
• Company secretarial services
• Registered agents services
• Entry strategy
• Taxation
Locations in the UAE
DUBAI / DIFC
AI Maidan Tower 2, Suite 301-303, AI Maktoum Street,
P.O. Box 13094, Deira, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: (+971) 4 223 6508; Fax: (+971) 4 223 4524
E-mail: [email protected]
DUBAI INTERNET CITY
Office No.217, Bldg. 13, P.O. Box 500364,
Tel: (+971) 4 390 1410/11; Fax: (+971) 4 390 8836
Dubai Internet City, Dubai, U.A.E. E-mail: [email protected]
4 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF in the UAE
JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE
Lease Office Building 16, Office No.133, 1st Floor, Jebel Ali Free Zone,
P.O. Box 16952, Jebel Ali, U.A.E.
Tel: (+971) 4 881 5452; Fax: (+971) 4 881 5451
ABU DHABI
The Blue Tower, 15th Floor, Sheikh Khalifa Street,
P.O. Box 7479, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Tel: (+971) 2 626 1715; Fax: (+971) 2 626 1716
SHARJAH
Golden Towers, 11th Floor, AI Buhaira Corniche,
P.O. Box 6207, Sharjah, U.A.E.
Tel: (+971) 6 574 0888; Fax: (+971) 6 574 0808
Visit us at www.pkfuae.com
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF in the UAE 5
United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah
Umm Al Quwain
Ajman
Sharjah
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Al Ain
6 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE
Fujairah
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established on 2nd December 1971 and is a
federation of seven emirates, namely: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah,
Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah.
The United Arab Emirates is situated in the Eastern part of the Arab world. It overlooks
the Gulf of Oman to the East and the Arabian Gulf to the North. The Arabian Gulf and
Gulf of Oman are linked by the Hormuz Strait. The UAE covers an area of approximately
83,600 square kilometers (32,654 square miles), including numerous islands. The
coastal area consists primarily of salt marshes. Inland, the topography is predominantly
desert, sand dunes and gravel plains with isolated oases, the largest of which are
located at Al Ain and Liwa. The Hajar Mountains lie close to the sea on the East coast.
The Emirates have a common cultural heritage but the tribal links are very strong within
each Emirate. Abu Dhabi is ruled by the Al Nahyan family, which belongs to the Bani Yas
tribe. Dubai is ruled by the Al Maktoum family, which belongs to the Al Bu Falasah tribe.
The other emirates are also ruled by various families, which belong to powerful tribes of
the respective regions.
The three most populated Emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah; approximately 83
percent of the total population belongs to these emirates.
The official language is Arabic, and all communications with the government must be
in Arabic, although among the expatriate communities various other languages are
spoken. Foreigners will find that English and Hindi / Urdu are widely understood.
English is used for all written communication between businesses.
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Introduction 7
8 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Introduction
Economy
The UAE economy has been transformed from a subsistence economy to one of the
most prosperous and highly advanced societies in the world. The economy experienced
a sudden explosion in GDP in the 1970s and 1980s due to rising oil prices and adverse
conditions in the oil market.
The government has adopted a policy of controlled diversification, which led to the rise
of non-oil sectors and most importantly trade. A combination of diversification and
financial reserves has given the UAE economy considerable resilience, which is reflected
in the economy. New corporate, stock market and banking legislation, review of laws and
development of additional legislative framework are under review. The government is
constantly aiming at promoting efficiency and transparency which will further boost the
economic development in the UAE.
Petroleum dominates the economy of the UAE. At one time an underdeveloped area, by
1985 the region had the highest per capita income in the world. The immense wealth has
been invested in capital improvements and social services in all seven of the Emirates.
Petroleum production is centered in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Industrial development
is essentially petroleum related and is limited by a lack of trained personnel and raw
materials.
The country is on the threshold of a new era involving a booming economy and fast
paced modernisation. Dubai is seeking long term investments as the Emirate’s regional
status opens huge opportunities for multinationals interested in the region’s markets
and its neighbouring areas. The retail sector is expected to boom in the next five years
due to booming population and increased consumer demands. Tourism, commercial,
residential and population growth in the UAE coupled with the expanding road network
infrastructure will increase the total size of the retail sector.
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Economy 9
Population
The population has been growing at a steady rate for the last five years. The UAE has
the highest population growth rate in the Arab World due to improved health services
and the ongoing migration of expatriates to the country. Despite this sharp growth, the
UAE has maintained its position as having one of the highest per capita incomes in the
World. The growth has increased the demand for all kind of goods. Consequently there
has been growth in trade and related activities like imports, manufacturing, etc.
Population (in millions) (Estd)
Total
2005
4.110
2006
4.230
2007
4.490
Source: Business Monitor International Limited
Foreign Trade
The foreign trade has attained a noticeable and continual increase throughout the last
five years. The increase in imports is accredited to intensification of the re-export trade,
a distinctive fact of the UAE economy. The increase has been further supplemented by
the development of capital and consumption goods.
Foreign Trade (US$ in billions) (Estd)
Imports
Export
2005
74.49
117.29
2006
88
145.59
2007
116.60
208.13
Source: Business Monitor International Limited
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The GDP is growing at a steady rate over the last five years. The GDP per capita for the
year 2007 is estimated to be US$ 43,698.
Total GDP for the year 2007 was estimated at AED 698 billion of which the non-oil
sector to attract investments of expertise and capital, the governments of the individual
Emirates contributed AED 437 billion. Estimates for GDP in 2008 are AED 785.8 billion
with non-oil sector seeking to provide an attractive business environment. The GDP by
sector for 2005, 2006 and 2007 is as follows:
10 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Economy
GDP (AED in billions) (Estd)
Oil sector
GDP
Non-oil sector
Total GDP
2005
173
312
485
2006
223
375
598
2007
260
437
697
Source: Ministry of Planning
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Economy 11
12 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Economy
Jebel Ali Offshore
The announcement of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore Companies regulation in January
2003 by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, has been highly appreciated by the investors.
The regulation permits formation of offshore companies within the Free Zone and
confirms the Free Zone’s commitment to continuous growth in a rapid, dynamic and
changing economic environment keeping pace with world-wide developments.
The Offshore companies can be suitably utilized as an investment company; holding
company; real estate holding company; for further investments in local or Free Zone
companies; and for International Trading. Firms of accountants and lawyers as approved
by the Authority are permitted to provide services to clients for registering offshore
companies, registered office and for acting as agents for the companies.
Salient features of the offshore companies are:
• Limited Liability Company
• No minimum capital requirement
• Requirement to have an approved registered agent either within the Free Zone
or in the Emirate of Dubai
• Requirement to appoint shareholder, Directors, Manager and Secretary
• Bearer shares not permitted
• No personal or corporate income tax
• Issue of shares of only one class permitted.
• Requirement to have accounts audited on annual basis.
Offshore companies are allowed to:
• Have contacts with legal consultants, lawyers, accountants and auditors
• Have bank account in theUAE
• Become shareholders in a new or existing Free Zone Entities or an LLC
• Hold shareholders and directors meeting within the UAE
• Carry out International Trading
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Jebel Ali Offshore 13
Offshore companies are not allowed to:
• Carry on business with persons resident in the UAE
• Own an interest in real estate property situated in the UAE, other than a lease property
referred to in the regulations or approved by the authorities
• Carry on a banking business
• Carry on business as an insurance or re-insurance company, insurance agents or
insurance brokers
• Carry on any other business which may, by regulations be prohibited by the
authorities
14 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Jebel Ali Offshore
Ras Al Khaimah
Offshore
Similar to the concept of offshore company, the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone
Authorities have laid down the regulations to incorporate International Companies in
the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZ). The regulation prescribes that the
incorporation of the International Company shall be through a registered agent. The
firms of accountants and lawyers approved and licensed for that purpose by the RAKFTZ
are permitted to provide services to clients for registering International companies,
registered office and for acting as the agents for the companies.
Salient features of the International Company are:
• Companies will have a limited liability status and the possible name suffixes are
“Limited” or “Incorporated” or their abbreviations “Ltd” or “Inc”.
• No minimum capital requirement
• Requirement to have an approved registered agent either within the Free Zone
or in the Emirate of Dubai
• Requirement to appoint shareholder, Directors, Manager and Secretary.
• Bearer shares are permitted. However, the bearer shareholding is permitted with a
restriction that it shall be held by the registered agent acting as a nominee on behalf
of the beneficial shareholder. The beneficial shareholders details and any change thereof would be required to be furnished to the RAKFTZ.
• Shares can be of different classes.
• Provision for the shareholders/members to apply the inheritance law of their choice.
• No personal or corporate income tax
• No requirement to have the accounts audited on an annual basis.
International companies are allowed to:
• Have contacts with legal consultants, lawyers, accountants and auditors
• Have bank account in the UAE
• Become shareholders in a new or existing Free Zone Entities or an LLC
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Ras Al Khaimah Offshore 15
• Hold shareholders and directors meeting within the UAE
• Carry out International Trading
International companies are not allowed to:
• Carry on business with persons resident in the UAE
• Carry on a banking business
• Carry on business as an insurance or re-insurance company, insurance agents or
insurance brokers
• Carry on any other business which may, by regulations be prohibited by the
authorities
Conclusion
In short to attract investments of expertise and capital, the governments of the individual
Emirates seek to provide an attractive business environment. The following are some of
the principle features of the economic and business environment in the UAE:
A virtual absence of taxation.
• Excellent communications systems.
• A well-structured financial sector with no exchange control regulations.
• A coordinated infrastructure that provides all essential utilities to the major centers.
• Free Trade Zones that ensure ease of registration and efficient operating facilities.
• An attractive social environment, including modern educational, medical and
recreational facilities.
• Liberation of property ownership, which is one of the factors contributing to the UAE’s
booming property market.
The Government’s far-sighted planning and fast execution of projects have led to the
most phenomenal development in the second half of the last century - the rise of a city,
the emergence of a new economy.
16 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Ras Al Khaimah Offshore
Free Zones in
the UAE
The Free Trade Zones (FTZs) of the UAE are a veritable opportunity for the country to
showcase its development and special area approach. The UAE in the last decade has
witnessed a quantum increase in industrial development and one of the most significant
and remarkable achievements is the success of Free Zones. Free Trade Zones are
established under a special Decree passed by the Ruler of the Emirate in which the Free
Zone is created.
To date the Free Zones have been successful in attracting a large number of foreign
companies and foreign direct investment. The share of the Free Zones in non-oil
exports has increased considerably along with the net exports from the Free Zones. The
incentives offered by various Free Zones of the UAE are generally similar and include:
100% foreign ownership
100% tax exemption
Quick approval procedures
Full repatriation of capital and profits
Extended leases
Abundant and inexpensive energy
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.
Investors can either register a new company in the form of a Free Zone Establishment
(FZE)/Free Zone Company (FZCO) 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 establishment, incorporated in a Free Zone, owned by one natural or judicial
person, whereas an FZCO is a limited liability company incorporated in a Free Zone by
more than one shareholder, generally up to five. FZE/FZCO are governed by the rules
and the regulations of the Free Zone in which they are established. There is a minimum
capital requirement ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000 depending upon the
selected Free Zone.
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in the UAE 17
Once a legal presence has been established in the Free Zone, the business will need to
lease premises or land and acquire a license from the FZA. Different types of licenses
are issued in different Free Zones, however companies with valid licenses only can
conduct business within the Free Zone or abroad. To sell their products in the UAE, a
UAE registered official agent is required. Services and products can be obtained from
and within the UAE without an agent.
The licenses issued by the FZA can be renewed annually as long as a lease agreement is
in force with the FTZ.
Given hereunder are the various Free Zones established in the Emirate of Dubai:
1. Jebel Ali Free Zone
14. Dubai Multi Commodities Center
2. Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone
15. Jumeirah Lake Towers
3. Gold and Diamond Park
16. Dubai Flower City
4. Techno Park
17. Dubai Airport Free Zone
5. Dubai Internet City - Tecom 18. Dubai Healthcare City
6. Dubai Media City - Tecom
19. Dubai Silicon Oasis
7. Dubai Studio City - Tecom
20. Dubai International Financial Center
8. Int’l Media Production Zone - Tecom
21. International Humanitarian City
9. Knowledge Village - Tecom 22. Dubai Logistics City
10. Dubai International Academic City - Tecom 23. Dubai Maritime City
11. Dubai Outsource Zone - Tecom
24. Dubai Textile City
12. Energy & Environment Park - Tecom
25. Heavy Equipment & Trucks City
13. Dubai Biotechnology & 26. Dubai Auto Parts City
Research Park - Tecom
Given hereunder are the various Free Zones established in the Emirate of Sharjah and the
Northern Emirates:1. Sharjah Airport Free Zone
2. Hamriyah Free Zone
3. Ajman Free Zone
4. Fujairah Free Zone
5. Fujairah Media Zone / Creative City
6. Ahmed Bin Rashid Free Zone (UAQ)
7. Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
8. Rak Media City (RAKIA)
18 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in the UAE
Given hereunder are the various Free Zones established in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: 1. Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
3.Two Four 54
2. Free Trade and Logistics Zone (Taweelah)
The UAE Free Zones have been among the strong pillars of the country’s economic
performance attracting much foreign investments, creating thousands of jobs, and
facilitating the needed transfer of technology into the country. Together, the Free Zones
account for more than half of the country’s non-oil exports and underpin the UAE’s
ranking as the third most important re-export centre in the world.
The Free Zones help in keeping the engine of economic diversification rolling by
attracting foreign investment in the private sector, which is central to the region’s overall
plan aimed at reducing its economic dependence on oil, while creating employment for
its nationals. Moreover, the Free Zones could prove to be the mechanism not only for a
new impetus to diversification, but also for changing the very face of economic activity
in this region.
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in the UAE 19
20 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in the UAE
FREE ZONES IN
DUBAI
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in Dubai 21
THE JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE [JAFZ]
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) was established by decree No. 1 of 1985 and is located
in the Emirate of Dubai. It is around the world’s largest man-made port. Jebel Ali was
initially seen as the ideal base for multinationals to warehouse and distribute their
products in the Gulf. Over the years, the range of industries has grown from distribution
to include the whole spectrum of manufacturing, trading and services and the market
has grown to cover regions well beyond just the Middle East. The Free Zone is home to
approximately over 6000 companies.
Features
• Excellent support service from Dubai Ports Authority’s two modern terminals.
• On-site chamber of commerce, international banks, insurance companies,
consultancies, etc.
• Mortgaging of company-owned facilities (excluding leased land).
• Lease period up to 50 years.
• Types of activities include manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, import/
export, distribution, storage, services, etc.
Form of registration
• As a branch of a foreign company - no minimum capital required.
• As a branch of a UAE company - no minimum capital required.
• As a Free Zone Company (FZCO) - minimum share capital is AED 500,000.
• As a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 1,000,000.
Facility costs and type of license
Facility
Size
Land
Min. 5,000 sq. mts
Pre-built factory & warehouse
313 - 556 sq. mts
with office space
Office
Min. 50 sq. mts
FZE Registration Fee one time AED 10,000
FZCO Registration Fee one time AED 15,000
Branch Registration fee one time AED 5,000
Cost in AED per annum
20 - 80 per sq. mt
120,000 - 220,000
1,800 - 2,200 per sq. mt
22 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in Dubai
Types of Licenses
Industrial
Trading
Service
National Industrial
General Trading
5,500
5,500 - 12,500
5,500
5,500
30,000
• These figures are indicative and subject to change
DUBAI CARS AND AUTOMOTIVE ZONE (DUCAMZ)
DUCAMZ was established with the objective of re-exporting used cars to the Asian and
African Region where the demand exists and continues to grow. This zone is situated
within the Dubai city and comprises of one million square meters of bonded area.
The location has easy access to all airports and seaports in the region. From here the
automobiles are reloaded onto feeder vessels, or on to trucks which travel throughout
the region on a modern network of highways, linking the neighbouring countries to the
Middle East and beyond.
This area is used for the purpose of the re-export of cars. The vehicles are categorized
into two groups, left-hand drive vehicles which are exported into the local markets and
are subject to local regulations and right hand drive vehicles which are mainly exported
to India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and other African Countries.
Features
• Government support services.
• Competitive freight charges.
• Ease of administration problems.
• No restrictions on import of automobiles.
• No import duties.
• Hassle free clearance from Police (traffic department), Customs, Port and Banks.
• Excellent support systems.
• The facilities could be leased for 50 years.
• Type of company activities would include trading in cars only.
• As a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 100,000.
Rental facility
Size
Office Units (for service)
Min 17 sq.mts
Warehouse
Min 334 sq.mts
Open land
Min land 1000 sq.mts
Registration Fee one time (FZCO) AED 20,000
Registration Fee one time (FZE) AED 15,000
Registration Fee one time (Branch) AED 10,000
Type of License
Trading
Service
2,000 per sq.mt
52,000 approx.
20 - 30 per sq.mt
10,000
10,000
GOLD & DIAMOND PARK (GDP)
GDP is a center for gold and diamond manufacturers, traders and retailers. The
center receives special requests from customers for custom made jewellery and other
mementos. GDP is owned by EMAAR and through a long term agreement with Jebel
Ali Free Zone provided with Free Zone facilities. The park has full Free Zone facilities
including 100% foreign ownership. GDP is a competitive place to shop and an enviable
location for retailers and manufacturers.
Features
• Retail shopping facility for visitors.
• 24 hrs security services.
• Chiller systems free of cost.
• Worker accommodation ( as per availability)
• Central gas distribution system
• Type of company activities include gold and diamond trading, designing,
manufacturing and crafting of gold and diamond jewellery, etc.
• As a Free Zone Company (FZCO) - minimum share capital AED 100,000.
Facility, costs and type of license
Facility
Size
Retail outlets
No space restriction Rate decided by the management
Pre-built manufacturing/office units 310 sq.ft -1200 sq.ft 100 - 200 per sq.ft approx
Registration Fee - None
Type of License
Manufacturing
Trading
5,500
5,500
• These figures are indicative and subject to change.
TECHNOPARK (TP)
TechnoPark (TP) is a fully owned subsidiary of Economic Zones World; which is a
part of the government owned organisation that developed the Jebel Ali Free Zone and
internationally renowned DP World. It was established according to Law No. 1 of 2003
issued by H.H. the Ruler’s Court and designed to be the leading local economic zone
in the Middle Eastern Region. TP aims at developing a knowledge-based technologycentric sustainable business hub, which will not only support the country’s research
and development needs in its core sectors but will also support the nation’s long term
economic development and growth. TP is about 3 miles from the Jebel Ali Airport and
offers high tech industries, with special attention to Desalination, Oil and Gas, a chance
to establish themselves in a state-of-the-art facility.
TP is focused on Research, Development and Studies in the field of the country’s
core economic sectors viz Energy including Oil and Gas, Desalination and Water
Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management and hi- technology
driven knowledge based industrial development. The Park’s R & D initiatives focus on
nurturing business ideas or new technologies in respective areas and are also directed at
improving the existing technologies in the country’s core economic sectors to enhance
their production efficiencies.
TechnoPark is the official UAE and Middle Eastern representative of the IASP
(International Association of Science Parks) and a member of the IDA (International
Desalination Association). TechnoPark joins inventors with investors and encourages
new ideas to be developed to further increase the awareness and commitment of the
UAE in areas such as Oil, Solar Energy and Water reuse.
TP actually followed the local rules and regulations of the Emirate of Dubai and
is consequently involved with and related to various concerned authorities and
departments through a one stop shop (OSS) concept. However, TP also allows branches
of Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Companies (FZCO) to be established in
the park, thus the branch of the FZE or FZCO can enjoy the benefits of being a 100%
foreign owned company.
Features
• 100% foreign ownership.
• The freedom to repatriate both capital and profits.
• Abundant inexpensive energy supply.
• Efficient transport and distribution facilities.
• One Stop Services.
• TP is different from other Free Zones as it provides the best of both worlds ie TP is a
local economic zone with additional privileges similar to those of the Free Zones.
Forms of registration
• Limited Liability Company (commercial/ industrial)
• Branch of a Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
• Branch of a Free Zone Company (FZCO)
• Branch of a local and Foreign Company
Facility
Size
Office
Varies
Warehouse
Varies
Land
Min. 10,000 sq.mts
DWC LLC Registration Fee one time AED 10,000
Type of License
Trading
Service
Industrial
Varies
Varies
25 - 80 per sq.mt
5,500
5,500
5,500
DUBAI INTERNET CITY (DIC) - Tecom
The Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a part of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone.
It was formed under Law No. 1 of 2000 of the Emirate of Dubai. The DIC provides
a knowledge-economy ecosystem that is designed to support the development of
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East’s
biggest IT infrastructure built inside a Free Trade Zone.
The DIC is fully supported by the Government of Dubai and has established Free
Zone specific corporate laws that empower the companies in the community and help
them grow. Within a short span of time many global ICT companies have established
themselves in the Dubai Internet City.
The Dubai Internet City is a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in
a vast region extending from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent and Africa to the
CIS countries, covering 1.6 billion people.
Features
• State-of-the-art technology.
• World class technical infrastructure (high bandwidth, low telecom cost, high speed
support infrastructure etc) built by CISCO, SUNMICROSYSTEM, SIEMENS.
• State-of-the-art urban infrastructure (cost competitive, flexible office space, etc).
• Largest commercial internet protocol telephony system in the world.
• Stringent cyber regulations.
• Rich network that companies can tap for resources, partnerships and ideas. • Easy and fast company registration and licensing procedures.
• Lease up to 20 years.
• Type of company activities include Software Development, Business Services, Web
Based and e-Commerce, Consultancy, Education and Training, Sales and Marketing
and Back Office Operations, etc.
• As a branch of a foreign company -no minimum capital required
• As a branch of a UAE company-no minimum capital required.
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) - Minimum share capital is
AED 50,000 and the maximum depends on the authorities after review of the business plan.
Facility
Size
Office
Min. 700 sq.ft
Registration Fee one time (FZ-LLC) AED 3,500
Type of License
Service
180 per sq.ft
15,000
DUBAI MEDIA CITY (DMC) - Tecom
The Dubai Media City (DMC) is a part of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone. It
was formed under Law No. 1 of 2000 of the Emirates of Dubai. The Dubai Media City is
rapidly emerging as a global media hub. The City provides an advanced infrastructure
and supportive environment for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai.
The DMC is fully supported by the Government of Dubai and has established Free Zone
specific corporate laws that empower the companies in the community and help them
grow. The facility offers an environment that allows companies and individuals to operate
with collective synergy and freedom. The Dubai Media City emphasizes “The Freedom
to Create”.
The DMC brings to the media community an advanced infrastructure based upon a
global interconnected network, linked by satellites, computers, internet, television,
radio, journalism, cinema and film production. The City is already home to many
international companies including global giants such as CNN, Reuters, Sony Broadcast
& Professional, McGraw Hill Publishing, Bertelsmann, and MBC, along with regional
companies and new start-ups.
Features
• The most advanced scalable IT network.
• Satellite Uplink / Downlink facilities.
• Post production studios and facilities.
• Shared Business Centers.
• Customer Care Center (provides all technical and support service).
• Special facilities for professional freelancers.
• 50 year lease contract for land and building.
• Type of company activities include broadcast services, music, video/audio
publishing, production and post-production, advertising agencies, studios, etc.
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) - Minimum share capital is
AED 50,000 and the maximum depends on the authorities after review of the business plan.
Facility
Size
Commercial Offices
700 sq.ft onwards
Business Centre
Varies
Registration Fee one time (FZ LLC) AED 3,500
Type of License
Broadcasting company
Publishing
Above the line (one activity)
Below the line (one activity)
Other Commercial
Freelancer Segment (one activity)
200 per sq.ft
350 - 450 per sq.ft
25,000 - 40,000
20,000
20,000
15,000
15,000
7,500
DUBAI STUDIO CITY (DSC) - Tecom
Dubai Studio City (DCS) is a Free Zone dedicated to facilitate the creation and
development of an environment and world-class infrastructure to foster the growth of
the television, film and music industries in the region. DSC is also a part of the Dubai
Technology and Media Free Zone.
Designed to accelerate the growth of the broadcast, film, television and music production
industries, Dubai Studio City (DSC) is an ultra-modern facility integrating every
component of content production & broadcast under one roof. Spread across 22 million
square feet, it will include production, post-production, broadcast, equipment rental,
freelancers, commercial offices, business centre and satellite facilities among others.
It will also have residential areas, hotels, an entertainment centre, film schools and
training institutes. This unique combination of world-class infrastructure, qualified
professionals and unique networking environment will make it the ideal location for
creative people to unleash their imagination. DSC offers an industry cluster environment
with excellent networking opportunities. With all the elements of the film entertainment
industry under one roof, support services such as marketing and ancillary services
are also available, making Dubai Studio City an ideal destination for the audio-visual
industry.
Over the past few years, the audio-visual industry has witnessed a revolutionary
change. With the rapid increase in the number of TV channels, the fastest-growing
media industry today is TV Content Production and Distribution. Technically advanced
animation films are gaining popularity, as digital portable devices reinvent the music
industry. In such a pulsating scenario, it makes sound business sense to invest in a costcompetitive development like Dubai Studio City which has the potential to make history.
Dubai Studio City aims at attracting investors from the production and broadcast
industries. Companies providing support services like animation, dubbing, make-up,
costume design, casting, talent agencies are also invited to be a part of Dubai Studio
City. Film schools and universities offering accredited programs, as well as film
workshops and short courses will be made available at Dubai Studio City. The institutes
and education centres will help identify and groom future talent for the industry.
Features
• Industry Cluster Environment
• Advanced and scalable Telecoms and Broadband
• Networking Opportunities
• Tap into the creative and innovative energy in the zone for new ideas
• Excellent networking opportunities in the Media Hub
• Commercial, residential, educational and recreational facilities
• Type of company activities include TV and radio broadcasting, broadcast management,
filmed entertainment, film production / post production, sound production, various
production services, music & entertainment etc.
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) - minimum share capital
AED 50,000 – AED 2,500,000 depending on the type of license.
Facility
Size
Commercial Offices
Varies
Registration Fee one time (branch) AED 3,500
Type of License
TV & Radio station (terrestrial /satellite)
TV & Radio network (terrestrial /satellite)
Broadcast Management
200 per sq.ft apprx
25,000
40,000
15,000
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA PRODUCTION ZONE (IMPZ) - Tecom
The International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), the first dedicated trade zone created
in the region for media-related production activities. The new initiative is a part of
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision
to develop Dubai into a media hub, provides a highly pro-business environment and a
complete technology and community infrastructure to support and foster the growth of
media production.
Dubai’s International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) is a unique cluster environment
for media production companies from across the industry value chain and from across
the world, to interact and collaborate effectively. IMPZ caters engaging in Graphic Art,
Publishing and Packaging, thus providing a pro-business environment, sophisticated
technology and community infrastructure to support and foster the growth of media
production.
Companies joining IMPZ can avail of 100 per cent ownership. Exempt from almost
all corporate taxes and personal taxes including those for machinery, equipment, raw
materials and spares utilized by the industry. Co-existing at a single location will enable
print companies to coordinate production activities efficiently with feeder companies like
machinery and equipment providers and suppliers of raw materials and spares. For small
and medium-sized businesses, the time and costs involved in sourcing requirements will
be considerably reduced, as they can avail of several shared services.
Superior infrastructure for various activities, available as leasehold land and distinct
units for printing, production and warehousing. Printing companies also have the option
of taking multiple units or having a combination of both land and production units.
IMPZ will deploy and promote eco-friendly industrial environments, where tested
concepts and practices will be adopted to recycle waste and enable companies to
utilize each others’ by-products instead of disposing them as waste. Renewable energy
sources will be included in the site’s infrastructure to guarantee reliable and clean power.
The following clusters are allowed in IMPZ like Printing and Manufacturing Machinery,
Printing Press, Packaging, Publishing, New Media like Digital and Interactive Game
Development , Media Services and Storage.
Features
• State-of-the-art communications.
• High-quality thermally-insulated production units.
• Complete facility for production operations.
• The land could be leased for 30 years.
• Type of company activities would include pre-press, printing, post-press, distribution
services, logistics services, support service providers, etc.
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) - share capital is dependent on
the business activity and varies from AED 200,000 to AED 500,000.
Facility costs and type of licenses
Facility
Size
Office space
Varies
Production/Warehouse units
Varies
with attached offices
Land
Varies
Registration Fee AED 3,500 (one time fee)
150 – 250 per sq.mt
Varies
Varies
Type of License
General Segments
Publishing
15,000
20,000
DUBAI KNOWLEDGE VILLAGE (DKV) - Tecom
Knowledge Village was formed under Law No. 1 of 2000 of the Emirate of Dubai. DKV is
set up to position the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone as a center of excellence
for learning and innovation. This new education and training hub is also set up to
complement the Free Zone’s other two clusters: Dubai Internet City as IT hub and Dubai
Media City as Media hub.
DKV is a vibrant, connected learning community that will develop the region’s talent
pool and accelerate its move to the knowledge economy. Knowledge Village will provide
the infrastructure for developing, sharing and applying knowledge. In addition, KV will
facilitate, promote, and become the flagship for e-Learning throughout the region.
Features
• Conference centers.
• Dormitory.
• Multimedia library and other common facilities.
• Type of company activities include IT and Media Corporate Schools, Executive
Education Centre, HR Development Centre, Professional Training Centers, Vocational
Training Centers, Assessment Centre, Testing Centre, Linguistic Institute, Innovation
Centre, Academic Service Provider, School, e-Learning Provider, etc.
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) - minimum share capital varies
from AED 50,000 – AED 2,500,000 depending on the type of license
Facility
Size
Open offices (furnished)
No space restrictions
Closed office /Exec temp Offices Varies
Commercial office (unfurnished) No space limit
Retail Offices
Various sizes
Type of License
University segment
School segment
Boarding School
General segment
Freelancer
15,000 per desk (upto 6 months)
32,000 - 35,000 (upto 6 months)
200 sq.ft
200 per sq.ft onwards
50,000 - 100,000
300,000
100,000
15,000
7,500
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CITY (DIAC) - Tecom
Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) announced the launch of Dubai International Academic
City (DIAC), the World’s only Free Zone dedicated to international higher education. Located
in Dubai Academic City, DIAC will serve as the regional base for premier international
higher education institutions. Spread across an area of 25 million square feet, the DIAC
campus provides an intellectually inspiring environment for students and faculty.
Dubai Academic City already houses seven universities. DIAC will only house
international universities separating them from other public colleges and institutions
in the area. The project is expected to be completed in the next five to seven years
according to business projections and will have very stringent selection criteria for
approving licenses of colleges.
This thriving knowledge community was founded as part of a long-term economic
strategy to develop the region’s talent pool, to accelerate its move into a knowledge
economy. Benefits for DIAC investors include 100% foreign ownership, 100% tax free,
100% repatriation of profits. There are currently many international universities of higher
learning from diverse regions including Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium,
UK and Ireland operating out of DIAC, however the authority expects to further house 25
international universities to cater to more than 30,000 students in the future.
These institutions offer programs that range in duration from one year to four years.
Major academic programs on offer include engineering, computer science, fashion
and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management and business
management programs.
The selection of international universities depends on a number of criteria including
university ranking, strength and programmes that correspond to the UAE’s industry
needs. DIAC will be spread across an area of 25 million square feet. There will be areas
dedicated to the international education zone, research and development centres, sports
facilities, student unions and student and faculty accommodations.
However currently there is no mandate for the international universities based in DKV to
move to the DIAC. The set-up in DKV is not as appropriate for the universities that need
to expand as DKV will focus more on house training and human resources companies.
At DIAC universities have the option of either building their own campus or moving into
the ready-made buildings .
Features
• Wellness centres, dining facilities and entertainment venues including movie theatres,
gaming centres etc.
• Student Accommodation
• Sports centres
• Multimedia library and other common facilities.
• Type of company activities include Universities, colleges, sports facility management,
library management, accommodation service provider, academic support services, etc.
As a branch of a foreign company - no minimum capital required.
As a branch of a UAE company - no minimum capital required.
As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) - minimum share capital varies
and depends on the authorities after review of the business plan.
.
Facility
Size
Offices
18,000 - 20,000 sq.ft 145 - 180 per sq.ft
Land
250,000 sq.ft onwards 20 - 30 per sq.ft
Type of License
University segment
Branch University segment
50,000 - 100,000
15,000 - 100,000
DUBAI OUTSOURCE ZONE (DOZ) - Tecom
Dubai Outsource Zone is the World’s first Free Zone dedicated to the outsourcing
industry. Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ) provides a comprehensive infrastructure and
environment for outsourcing companies to set up global or regional hubs servicing the
worldwide market. DOZ is yet another initiative of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone.
Dubai Outsource Zone is an initiative of Dubai Internet City, the state-of-the-art global
hub within Dubai. It is the perfect base for companies that provide mid- to high-end IT
and business processes outsourcing (BPO) services. Some of the key sectors covered
are finance, accounting, IT, payroll processing, graphic design, engineering, biotech,
R&D and design. It also serves as a centre for disaster recovery facilities for call centres
located offshore elsewhere in the world. The Zone caters to offshore requirements from
Europe, USA, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
DOZ provides a custom made infrastructure to enable outsourcing companies to set
up efficient operations as well as support their development. The package of telecom
services include reliable and redundant high-bandwidth connectivity, IP telephony, automatic call distribution (ACD), interactive voice response (IVR) and predictive
dialing systems, satellite communication services as well as technical and infrastructure
support. These facilities form part of a plug-and-play infrastructure which helps offshore
service providers start operations quickly with minimal upfront investment.
Features
• 100 percent exemption from taxes
• 100 percent repatriation of capital and profits
• Host of support Services to eliminate problems faced by outsourcing companies and
to reduce operational hassles for outsourcing service providers. They include Speedy
Incorporation and Trade Licensing, Hospitality Services and Event Management
Services, etc.
• Facilities to plug-and-play infrastructure which helps offshore service providers to
start operations with minimal upfront investment.
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) - minimum share capital
AED 300,000.
Facility
Size
Offices
Varies 1,500 sq.ft
Type of License
General Segments
160 - 200 per sq.ft
15,000
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARK (Enpark) - Tecom
Energy and Environment Park (Enpark) is an initiative of Dubai Technology and Media
Free Zone. Enpark is a Free Zone spanning over 8 million square feet of office, research
centre, residential, educational and leisure facilities located next to the Dubai Police
School, United Arab Emirates. Phase I of the ENPARK project is set to be completed by
2010.
Enpark is a special destination for clean energy and environmental technology
companies to operate and a fully-integrated knowledge community that includes
programs, services, partnerships and amenities to support the success of environment
companies and their employees. Combining the unique assets of being at the heart
of the international hub for the Region with the exclusive experience of a sustainable
community, ENPARK’s ambition is to offer a world class sustainable lifestyle and build a
sustainable culture.
The park proposes to create a comprehensive eco-friendly community while ensuring a
high level of welfare and quality of living for residents and workers. ENPARK will work
with leading energy and environment companies to ensure best practices and policies
are implemented in every element in the design and construction of the park.
ENPARK will have renewable and efficient water utilities, as well as clean and efficient
transportation facilities as part of its infrastructure. Intelligent building systems,
including energy management control, renewable energy production monitoring, fire
alarm monitoring and security systems, will be a feature of the park.
The park also emphasizes on Clean vehicle technologies (retrofit/showcases),
circulation within the zone will be dedicated to green cars certification standards,
fully pedestrian friendly area renewable and efficient utilities: water conservation
and reclamation, gas/hydrogen infrastructure. Efficient power, water and cooling
infrastructure augmented by renewable energy as well as advanced waste processing
and recycling. Fully Green Buildings park featuring state-of-the-art telecommunication
infrastructure for this self-contained and self-sustaining community.
Features
• 100% tax free
• 100% foreign ownership
• No corporate tax
• No income tax for 50 years
• No custom duty
• Full currency convertibility
• Hassle-free company laws and legal framework
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) - minimum share capital is
AED 300,000.
Facility
Size
Land
Varies
Executive Office
Varies
Type of License
Varies
Varies
Varies
15,000
DUBAI BIOTECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH PARK
(DuBiotech) - Tecom
DuBiotech would be the World’s first Free Zone dedicated to the biotechnology industry
and is a part of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone. DuBiotech will create a
comprehensive infrastructure and environment to develop biotechnology in the region.
The park will be built in several phases on a 300 hectare area located close to the
Dubailand project. This zone aims at serving knowledge that benefits both the society
and the economy and would be an ideal platform for the regional and international
scientific community to interact closely.
Construction of DuBiotech’s main infrastructure is underway and the first phase was
completed in 2007. The DuBiotech Laboratory Complex will be completed by the end of
2008 and DuBiotech’s Headquarters will be completed by mid 2009.
Discoveries and inventions can be patented through the Industrial Property Directorate
(the UAE equivalent of the Patent Office), at the Ministry of Finance and Industry.
The applications are then examined and following approval, a UAE patent is granted.
Innovators also have the option of applying through the GCC patent office in Saudi
Arabia, which provides GCC-wide protection. Additionally, the UAE is party to the Patent
Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This allows for a centralised application system where any
PCT member state can designate any other PCT member state for patent filing. This is an
easy and cost effective way of protecting a patent internationally.
Intellectual Property (IP) rights are recognised in the UAE and therefore strict
enforcement will exist for DuBiotech based companies. DuBiotech supports companies
registering Intellectual Property rights and expedites processing and registering these
rights. Small and medium enterprises and large biotechnology and pharmaceutical
companies, R&D laboratories, biotechnology related educational and academic
institutions, suppliers, manufacturing, incubators and other associated sectors are
encouraged to establish operations at DuBiotech.
The UAE Ministry of Health oversees the approval of medical drugs and products for
use within the UAE. DuBiotech, through its MOU, regulations and close collaboration
with the UAE Ministry of Health, assists DuBiotech based companies to successfully
launch drugs in national and regional markets. Any drugs that are exported to the US or
Europe have to be approved by the FDA and EMEA respectively. DuBiotech understands
that clinical trial regulations are needed in the region and these are currently under
development. Stem cell research will be conducted in a regulated environment
conforming to international standards.
DuBiotech will be an incubator for researchers and scientists and a centre for production,
creativity and development. In order to achieve that, the authorities will ensure a suitable
environment and the basic infrastructure that will attract the best scientists, research
centers and biotechnology laboratories. BioTiqania Advanced Training Institute was
founded as a spin-off initiative of Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech).
BioTiqania is committed to providing a high standard of innovative technical training in
various scientific and industrial fields.
The park will comprise two main initiatives - an industry cluster and the Foundation
for Research and Innovation (FRI). As part of developing a cluster, DuBiotech seeks
to attract a synergistic mix of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies active in
discovery, R&D, testing, production, storage, sales and distribution. It will also attract
companies offering business support services for this industry such as legal and
venture capital (VC) firms specializing in the biotech industry, educational and training
institutions focused on biotech, and equipment, materials and consumables suppliers.
The main license categories are Therapeutics, Diagnostics and Analysis, Agricultural,
Forestry and Horticulture, Environment, Specialty supplies, Equipment, Life Science
consultancy and Life Science and Biomedical Associations, etc.
Features
• State-of-the-art infrastructure
• Special areas have been set aside for companies who wish to construct their own buildings.
• Dedicated production, warehousing and distribution areas will be created.
• Laboratory space.
• Common facilities include a library, video-conferencing, auditorium, theatre, meeting
rooms, etc
• 24/7 electrical power back up
• Waste management and effluent treatment including the disposal of chemical,
biological and hazardous materials
• As a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC) - minimum share capital varies
depending on the authorities after review of the business plan.
Facility
Size
Land (lease-hold only)
Min 38,000 sq.ft onwards
Executive Office
Varies
Pre-Built Units
Varies
Laboratory Space
Varies
Type of License
Production
Manufacturing
Others
Varies
450/ sq.ft
Varies
Varies
25,000
25,000
15,000
DUBAI MULTI COMMODITIES CENTRE (DMCC)
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has been created as a strategic goal of
the Dubai Government to establish a commodity market place in Dubai. The DMCC was
launched on April 24th 2002 by a decree from the Government of Dubai.
The DMCC offers a unique opportunity for participants in a wide range of metals
and commodities industries. It provides facilities that bring together the gold trade,
the diamond trade (housing a Diamond Exchange), and trading in other selected
commodities. The Centre aims to attract key players throughout the entire value chain of
each of these industry sectors, together with relevant support industries such as finance,
logistics and insurance.
The DMCC offers ownership of business premises in addition to all other standard
Free Zone services. DMCC’s facilities will include a commercial tower, refineries and
manufacturing complex, with close proximity to Jebel Ali Port. Plots of land have also
been allocated for the larger manufacturing units and refineries. DMCC’s activities are
organised into three main areas which are Gold and Precious Metals, Diamond and
Colored Stones and Commodities.
DMCC plans to strengthen Dubai’s position as the leading regional centre for bullion
business by offering improved facilities to enterprises establishing themselves under
the Centre’s auspices. The infrastructure at DMCC will accommodate every facet of the
business - manufacturing, trade, education, certification and technology. Alliances with
other players in the trade such as finance organisations, government institutions, etc.
will promote complete growth of the industry.
To further boost the regional diamond trade, the official announcement was made on
the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), which is the first WFDB (World Federation of
Diamond Bourses) affiliated bourse in the Arab World.
DMCC has also entered into a joint venture between MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange
of India and FTIL (Financial Technologies India Ltd) and has formed the Dubai Gold and
commodities exchange (DGCX). DGCX provides advanced electronic infrastructure and
an organized monitored environment.
DMCC also aims bringing the best of educational institutions to Dubai, to make the
latest in technology and processes available to the local and regional market.
DMCC has been instrumental in implementing the Kimberely Process in the United
Arab Emirates as part of its endeavor to streamline the trade with global standards and
protecting the legitimate diamond industry.
Features
• Trading in various commodities including gold and precious metals, diamonds and
colored stones and various services that compliment the main core business.
• Free hold ownership of business premises
• Diamond exchange
• 50 years tax holiday.
• As a Free Zone Company (DMCCO) - minimum share capital is AED 200,000.
Facility
Size
Office in commercial tower
Flexible
for purchase
Offices in Business Avenue
22 sq.m - 110 sq.m.
Registration Fee one time AED 5,010
1,200 - 1,800 per sq.ft
180 per sq.ft (approx)
Type of License
Manufacturing
8,000 to 25,000
(depends on the units or area leased)
Trading
Service
15,010
15,010
JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS (JLT)
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is a dynamic waterfront community and is one of the
designated areas within the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). The DMCC
Authority (DMCCA) will be the licensing authority for businesses operating in the
Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Businesses in JLT therefore, will benefit from a Free Zone
status, making JLT the first mixed-use Free Zone Freehold development in Dubai.
JLT have attractive residential and office towers alongside hotels, leisure and
retail outlets. Out of the 79 towers, 3 towers will be developed by the Dubai Multi
Commodities Centre. These are the Almas, Au and Ag Towers. The landmark Almas
Tower is the natural focal point of the development, situated on an island surrounded
by water in the centre of the community. The tower shall house the Dubai Diamond
Exchange and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) member businesses in the
gold, diamond, energy and commodities industries.
JLT is situated adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road, between Interchanges 5 and 6. A total
of 79 towers stand tall in this prestigious project that will become one of Dubai’s most
recognised addresses, where property investors have been given the opportunity to own
and develop towers on a freehold basis.
The DMCCA offers investors 100% foreign ownership of businesses established
in JLT. A separate set of DMCCA operating regulations governs Core Companies in
DMCC as compared to Non-Core Companies in JLT. Non-Core Companies are entities
established in the JLT and licensed pursuant to the operating regulations that do not
trade in commodities or other activities that are licensed through DMCC.
A licensee must hold either a valid JLT office lease or be the registered owner of freehold
office space within the JLT and must also hold a valid license issued by the DMCCA in
order to operate in the JLT. Licensees are required to renew their licenses (and leases, if
applicable) within the time frame set by the concerned DMCCA.
DMCCA issues the following licenses to Non - Core companies by the nature of the activity:
• Trading license: To carry out any permitted trading activity.
• Service license: To carry out any permitted service activity.
• Professional license: To carry out any permitted professional activity as per an
existing Dubai license from the concerned authority.
Companies are strictly forbidden from carrying out activities other than those appearing
on their license. Companies violating this rule may be fined as per the operating
regulations. Licensees in JLT cannot under any circumstances legally operate outside
the designated area.
In JLT the following categories will not be licensed:
• Licenses to Core companies of DMCC
• New licenses to “manufacture garments”
• General Trading license
• As a Jumeirah Lake Tower entity (JLT) - minimum share capital is AED 300,000
Facility
Size
Office
Space flexible
Fixed by individual developers
Type of License
Trading/service
20,010
DUBAI FLOWER CITY [DFC]
Strategically located within the boundaries of Dubai International Airport, Dubai
Flower Centre (DFC) is a new hub of growth for the floriculture industry in the 21st
century. With the explosive growth in global trade of flowers and perishables, there is
an increasing demand for innovative logistics and commercial solutions to enable the
industry to reduce transit times, improve quality and grow profits.
To add value to the chain, DFC will operate as a Free Zone, where international traders,
logistic companies and service providers can establish operations in an “offshore”
environment. More than just a logistics hub, the Dubai Flower Centre will also offer
the floriculture industry a commercial base. Through the DFC Free Zone, exporters,
importers and wholesalers can establish trading companies to transact business in a
tax, duty and exchange-control-free environment.
To support the development of trade links, DFC will also provide a range of commercial
and technical services to companies shipping through, or operating within, the facility.
Features
• World class logistics hub.
• Increased capacity and connections to and from major global trading points.
• Provides cost effective, high quality point of import and distribution.
• Range of innovative technology.
• The world’s best cool chain management.
• Resources and facilities to enable cost effective value addition.
• Facilities and support to enable efficient commercial transactions.
• Rapid consolidation and trans-shipment facilities.
• Specialised perishables handling team.
• Flower treatment facilities.
• Type of company activities would include import consolidation, re-export, wholesale/
trading, grower, other value added services, technical service providers, re-packaging,
bouquet making/bunching/assembling and logistics service providers.
• As a branch of a foreign company - no minimum capital required
• As a branch of a UAE company - no minimum capital required
• As a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 1,000,000
Facility, costs and type of licenses
Facility
Size
Office suites
Varies
General lease offices
Varies
Business center offices
Per desk unit basis
Warehouse
Min 350 - 800 sq.mts
Registration Fee - yet to be finalized
Type of License
Trading
Service
Industrial
500 - 2,500 per sq.mt (approx)
500 - 2,000 per sq.mt (approx)
Prices vary depending on usage
Varies
10,000
10,000
10,000
DUBAI AIRPORT FREE ZONE (DAFZ)
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) was established under Law No.2 of 1996 and its
amendment No.2 of 2000. It is wholly owned by the Government of Dubai. DAFZA is the
only airport-oriented Free Zone in Dubai, and it’s located within the boundary of Dubai
International Airport. DAFZA is an ideal location for high-tech/IT products, luxury items,
jewellery, light industry and activities related to the aviation industry.
Features
• Located within the boundaries of Dubai International Airport.
• Fast and efficient cargo clearance services (8-24 hours).
• International Freight Forwarders and Logistics companies at DAFZ.
• Online customer service (e-Services).
• Land with easy access to airport apron.
• Type of activities include manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging,
import / export, distribution, storage, services, etc.
• As a Free Zone Company (FZC) - minimum share capital is AED 500,000.
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 1,000,000.
Facility cost and type of license
Facility
Size
Land
Min. 2,500 sq.m
Light industrial units
350 sq.m
(pre-built units)
Office
Min. 50 sq.m
Type of License
Industrial
Trading
Service
300 per sq.m
800 per sq.m
1,800 - 2,200 per sq.m
10,000
10,000
10,000
DUBAI HEALTH CARE CITY (DHCC)
The Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is formed under Decree No. 1 of 2003. DHCC
initiative is to provide the highest quality of healthcare services to medical care and
wellness seekers from the region (comprised of the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, Northern
Gulf, Central Asia, the Levant, North and East Africa) by creating a world-class cluster of
healthcare professionals and service providers in the heart of Dubai.
DHCC aspires to provide excellent medical care services in selected disciplines that
are relevant to the health problems facing patients in the region. The ‘core’ of the
healthcare cluster economy is a University Medical Complex; consisting of a University
Specialty Hospital, a Post-Graduate Medical School and Nursing School, and a Life
Science Research Center. The combination of these 3 components will enable Dubai to
leapfrog to the forefront of regional medical practices, establishing a position of regional
leadership through leading edge education and research, and thereby becoming a center
of excellence in global healthcare.
DHCC will be a welcoming gateway for patients coming from abroad, visiting doctors,
conference participants, post-graduate interns and staff members. DHCC will cater
to both the medical and the wellness clusters. The Wellness Cluster is a collection of
independent businesses that are designed with the long-term health and wellness of the
patient or customer in mind. The holistic approach will focus on a customer’s well being
and enhancing the quality of life.
Features
• Low operating costs.
• State-of-the-art medical facilities.
• Integrated healthcare community.
• Specialized first class medical care.
• Holistic centers, healthcare malls and other support services.
• The facilities could be leased or on free hold basis.
• The types of activities allowed in DHCC are wellness centers, nutrition centers,
rehabilitation centers, health resorts and spa, health farm, research centers,
pharmaceutical companies, private hospital and clinics, nursing school, science
specialists, university complexes, tele-health and e-enabled services, etc.
• As a Free Zone Company (FZ LLC) - share capital varies, depending on the type of project.
Clinical
- minimum AED. 300,000
Non Clinical - minimum AED.100,000
Hospitals
- To be advised by the authority
Facility
Size
Offices / clinics
Varies
Retail Unit
Varies
Land
Varies
Registration Fee (FZ-LLC) AED 3,500
Type of License
Commercial License
Hospitals
Professional License
30 - 250 per sq.ft
275 - 400 per sq.ft (approx)
Varies
20,000
40,000 - 50,000
Varies
DUBAI SILICON OASIS (DSO)
Dubai Silicon Oasis is an exciting global collaborative initiative, combining decisive
forces that will shape the semiconductor industry under the leadership of Dubai Airport
Free Zone Authority. A combination of forces that will trigger off a paradigm shift in the
worldwide semiconductor industry, to new locations, whilst establishing Dubai as a key
centre of future developments in semiconductors.
The Dubai Silicon Oasis is spread across 6.5 million square meters and it will be the first
and only purpose-built industrial park for the semiconductor industry and is expected to
represent businesses across the semiconductor value-chain.
Spread across 6.5 million sq mts, DSO will provide:
• Developed land for customized buildings.
• Ready-built space (with power, water, telecom, datacom).
Dubai Silicon Oasis will be the definitive environment for the global semiconductor
industry and will provide every facility required for success in today’s fast-changing
world: from incubators, to networking and outsourcing support, business link-ups,
venture capital, consulting, etc.
The most authoritative and comprehensive portal on the semiconductor industry
will be managed out of DSO, which will knit together the significant players in the
semiconductor industry. The portal will be configured to be an excellent marketing
vehicle with the potential to create enormous business opportunities.
The Dubai Silicon Incubation Centre (DSIC) at DSO will provide the facility for
Broadband and Wireless Incubation for the development and commercialisation of
Intellectual Property and will help create regional enterprises at the top end of the
technology spectrum.
Features
• World-class campus, exquisite layout.
• Plug-and-play facilities.
• Comprehensive support facilities for IC companies.
• All suppliers and service providers under one roof - cost and time savings.
• Mutually - supporting community - joint projects, shared facilities.
• Type of company activities would include CAD/CAE companies, design companies,
packaging companies, testing companies, etc.
• As a branch of foreign company.
• As a branch of a UAE company.
• As a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 1,000,000
Facility
Size
Office
Min 50 sq.mts
Warehouse
Min 366 sq.mts
Land Min
5,000 sq.mts
2,300 per sq.mt
600 per sq.mts
150 - 250 sq.mts approx
Type of License
15,000in Dubai
52Manufacturing
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones
Trading
15,000
Office
Min 50 sq.mts
Warehouse
Min 366 sq.mts
Land Min
5,000 sq.mts
Type of License
Manufacturing
Trading
Service
2,300 per sq.mt
600 per sq.mts
150 - 250 sq.mts approx
15,000
15,000
15,000
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE ( DIFC)
The DIFC is the world’s newest international financial centre. The DIFC was initiated
by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He had the original vision to create
an international financial centre in Dubai. The DIFC is expected to make a strong
contribution to the GDP growth of Dubai, as well as that of the United Arab Emirates and
the region as a whole.
The DIFC is an “onshore” financial centre, offering a platform of choice for leading
financial institutions and service providers looking to do business in the region. It
has been established as part of the goal to position Dubai as a recognised hub for
institutional finance, and as the regional gateway for capital and investment. It aims to
play a pivotal role in meeting the growing financial needs and requirements of the region,
while strengthening links between the financial markets of Europe, the Far East and the
Americas.
With the recent economic development, rapid expansion of trade, population growth and
the vast infrastructure projects currently underway, there is a growing requirement for
a financial centre to serve the rapidly expanding needs of institutions and governments
in this region. The DIFC is a Federal Financial Free Zone attached to the Government of
Dubai, established in accordance with United Arab Emirates Federal Law and by Dubai
Law. The President of DIFC is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Ruler of Dubai.
The DIFC concept has evolved as a means of:
• Providing depth to the regional financial markets by broadening the range of
traditional methods of financing currently provided by regional banks.
• Attracting liquidity back into investment opportunities within the region, thereby
contributing to its economic growth.
• Facilitating planned privatisations in the region and enabling initial public offerings of
privately owned companies, thus providing impetus to the programme of deregulation
and market liberalisation throughout the region.
• Contributing to the development of regional stock markets which, in turn, will
contribute towards broadening the capital and ownership base of private sector
companies; and, promoting the growth of Islamic finance and the development of the
region’s reinsurance sector.
NASDAQ DUBAI (Formerly known as The Dubai International Financial Exchange
Limited {DIFX}), a subsidiary of the DIFC Authority, is expected to play a major role in
the development of regional capital markets by attracting key regional companies to
list their shares and other issued securities on the exchange. This, in turn, is expected
to attract international investors and encourage additional portfolio flows to the region,
thereby accelerating the process of the region’s integration with world markets.
The DIFC has three independent bodies overlooking its operations, which enable it
to function as a self contained financial service center and each body is assigned
independent functions. These are DIFC Judicial Authority (DIFC Courts), DIFC Authority
[with its subsidiary DIFC Investments and NASDAQ DUBAI and Dubai Financial Services
Authority (DFSA)].
Legal Restrictions on Authorized Firms in DIFC
• DIFC entities may not offer any products or services to the retail market
• Insurance activities in the UAE are restricted to re-insurance
• UAE federal laws regarding the Criminalisation of Money Laundering apply, while
federal civil and commercial laws do not apply.
• DIFC entities may not take deposits, deal and offer any products or services in UAE dirham
• All DIFC licensed entities must be resident in the DIFC. If no space is available in
DIFC, the entity may apply to be resident in Dubai until such time space is available.
While the DFSA permits a wide range of financial services to be carried out from within
the DIFC, some restrictions apply. Authorised Firms are not permitted to undertake the
following activities:
• Dealing with an individual client with less than US$ 1 million in liquid assets
• Dealing with an institutional client with share capital or net assets less than US$5 million
• Accepting deposits from the United Arab Emirates market
• Conducting insurance business with individuals
• Providing money services unless it is connected with another financial service for
which the firm is authorized
Features
• Internationally accepted laws and regulatory processes.
• A world-class, independent, regulatory agency working alongside other financial
regulatory agencies located in major global jurisdictions.
• A wholly transparent operating environment, complying with global best practices.
• A dollar denominated environment.
• An international stock exchange with primary and secondary listings of debt and
equity instruments.
• A variety of legal vehicles that may be established with capital structuring flexibility.
• The DIFC focuses on several sectors of financial activity like the Banking Services
(Investment Banking, Corporate Banking and Private Banking); Capital Markets (Equity,
Debt Instruments, Derivatives and Commodity Trading); Asset Management and
Fund Registration; Insurance and Re-insurance; Islamic Finance; Business
Processing Operations and Ancillary Services.
• Company with Limited Liability: - Companies with limited liability are incorporated
under Law No. 2 of 2004 – Companies Law.
• Limited Liability Partnership:- Limited Liability Partnerships are formed under
Law No. 5 of 2004 – Limited Liability Partnership Law. By signing and filing with
the Registrar an application for incorporation, any two or more persons may apply for
the incorporation of a Limited Liability Partnership, in accordance with the terms of
the Limited Liability Partnership Agreement.
• General Partnership: General Partnerships are formed under Law No. 11 of 2004 –
General Partnership Law. Under the General Partnership Law, all partners are jointly,
and severally liable without limit, for the debts and obligations of the partnership.
• Branch of a Foreign Entity: Branches of foreign companies, limited liability
partnerships, and general partnerships may be established within the DIFC as
recognised entities.
Entities can be set up in the DIFC either as:
• Authorised firms
• Authorised market institutions
• Ancillary service providers
Facility
Offices
Type of License
Varies
Size
Varies
Varies
Varies
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN CITY (IHC)
International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a global humanitarian and aid hub, given a
Free Zone status in Dubai. IHC is an independent Free Zone created by the Government
of Dubai and chaired by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of HH Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE,
Ruler of Dubai. IHC consolidates Dubai as an essential link in the humanitarian value chain.
International Humanitarian City (IHC) which aims to facilitate aid and development
efforts by providing local and international humanitarian entities with facilities and
services specifically designed to meet their needs. More than 55 organisations and
commercial companies are currently registered with IHC. IHC is a non-religious, nonpolitical and non-profit organisation. IHC brings together United Nations agencies, local
and international aid and development organisations, commercial companies and other
stakeholders in a secure environment that fosters partnerships, social responsibility and
global change.
Currently IHC is located in central Dubai near Business Bay, however IHC will be
expanding to meet the rapidly growing requirements of the global humanitarian
community and relocating to new facilities which will be developed on land allocated
by the Government of Dubai in Dubai World Central (near to new upcoming Jebel Ali
international airport).
Those interested in establishing any organisation / company within IHC and wish
to receive more information about the offering and registration procedures, should
complete the “Expression Of Interest Form”. Upon receipt of this Expression of Interest
Form, a member of the IHC team will contact the potential client you want to meet and
schedule a meeting to discuss your specific needs and what IHC has to offer.
Features
• Strategic location.
• Logistics Hub
• World class infrastructure.
• Ability to assimilate relief aid suppliers.
• Organisations and donors within an integrated city.
• Cost Effective procurement options
• Easy access to the port and the international airport.
• Type of organisations in IHC would include United Nations agencies, local and
international aid and development organisations, well established NGO’s, commercial
companies relief agencies, donors and complimentary business, etc.
• As a Subsidiary - minimum share capital varies .
• As a New Company - minimum share capital varies .
Facility
Size
Office suites
Varies
Business center offices
Varies
Warehouse
Varies
Registration Fee - yet to be finalized
Varies
Prices vary depending on usage
Varies
Type of License
Trading
Service
Industrial
Varies
Varies
Varies
DUBAI LOGISTICS CITY (DLC)
Dubai Logistics City (DLC) is a integrated logistics platform, with all transport modes,
logistics and value added services, including manufacturing and light assembly. DLC
is part of Dubai World Central (DWC), which is a massive, multi-phase development
centred around the world’s largest international airport; the Jebel Ali International
Airport. DWC is the world’s first truly integrated logistics platform, with all transport
modes, logistics and value added services, including manufacturing and assembly, in
a single bonded and Free Zone environment. Hence DLC Free Zone is adjacent to the
upcoming Jebel Ali International Airport and adjacent to the Jebel Ali Port and Free
Zone.
DLC can be used as
• A global supply chain hub for sea-air or air-air transport combinations
• A global hub for value adding logistics operations such as merge-in-transit,
customisation, postponement, packaging and labelling, final assembly
• A distribution hub for the greater region while reducing the number of required
warehouses and improving customer service
• A platform to re-gain control of the distribution channel, e.g. by the introduction of
direct sales
DLC provides this Free Zone platform exclusively for logistics businesses to ensure the
logistics community can optimally collaborate and will find sufficient space to expand
in the future. With the exception of applications for the DLC Office Park, Free Zone
and operations licenses will only be issued to companies closely related to logistics
business, e.g. forwarders engaged in multi-modal cargo handling logistics service
providers offering warehousing and value added services in a multi-client environment
and with multi-modal transport needs contract logistics service providers with dedicated
or custom designed facilities for distribution and value added services industry and
trading companies which self-operate their distribution centers, final assembly and
other value adding activities as part of their down-stream order fulfilment processes
companies supporting the logistics community.
Features
Air cargo terminals: Directly at the apron and designed for air cargo terminal handling
service providers who want to address their individual market of airlines. Land plots
for industry or contract logistics: With most flexible plot layouts to support dedicated
industry or contract logistics facilities and larger multi-client warehousing operations.
Land plots for forwarders: Exclusively for forwarders with access to the airport’s apron
and optimal for mid-sized and larger forwarding businesses who want to combine
shipment handling and consolidation operations and warehousing/distributions
services. Shared forwarders warehouses: Near the air cargo terminals and optimal for
small and medium sized cargo handling operations. Integrator facilities: a dedicated
section for integrator facilities directly at the apron provides amenities facilities
throughout the premises. All logistics services and transport modes are integrated into
a single customs bonded and a Free Zone environment and allow companies to focus on
the optimisation of their supply chains.
As a branch of a foreign / UAE company.
As a Dubai World Central Limited Liability Company (DWC LLC) - Minimum share
capital is AED 300,000 OR capital varies depending on the business plan.
Facility
Size
Office
Varies
Warehouse
Varies
Land Min
10,000 sq.mts
Type of License
Trading
Service
Not yet finalized
Not yet finalized
Not yet finalized
5,500
PKF - Free Zones5,500
in the UAE - Free Zones in Dubai 59
Facility
Size
Office
Varies
Warehouse
Varies
Land Min
10,000 sq.mts
Type of License
Trading
Service
Not yet finalized
Not yet finalized
Not yet finalized
5,500
5,500
DUBAI MARITIME CITY
The principle objectives of Dubai Maritime City are to introduce the World’s first purpose
built maritime cluster, to develop Dubai’s ship repair industry and support Dubai’s
waterfront development. DLC will provide a strategic global location for seven key
industry sectors within the entire maritime business - maritime management, maritime
services, maritime retail and recreation, maritime education and research, ship repair
and maintenance, yacht repair and maintenance.
The state-of-the-art facilities within Dubai Maritime City are comprehensive and will
continue to be developed in anticipation of customer’s demands. Dubai Maritime City
will be a vibrant mixed use development for the maritime industry. This mix includes
industrial, commercial, residential and leisure facilities housed on a man made
peninsula. As a peninsula development, Dubai Maritime City harnesses the benefits of
open sea access for the industrial community, and creates a mesmerising living and
working environment with breathtaking sea views in a vibrant commercial hub.
The facilities in Dubai Maritime City will include office, land, workshop without yard,
warehouse / LIU, ship supply stores, showrooms (including warehouse), retail outlet and
academic areas, staff accommodation, etc. The state-of-the-art facilities within Dubai
Maritime City are comprehensive and will continue to be developed in anticipation of
customer’s demands. All the facilities will be ready in Dubai Maritime City by the end
of 2012. However once a project is approved the FZ authority would give the company
the permission to operate from a facility outside till such time that the facilities are ready
within the Zone.
Features
• Industry Cluster Environment
• Government support services
• Tap into the creative and innovative energy in the zone for new ideas
• Excellent networking opportunities
• Commercial, residential, educational and recreational facilities
• As a Free Zone Company (FZC) - minimum share capital is AED 500,000.
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 1,000,000.
Facility cost and type of license
Facility
Size
Land
Varies
Light industrial units
Varies
(pre-built units)
Office
Varies
Type of License
Industrial
Trading
Service
Not yet finalized
Not yet finalized
Not yet finalized
5,500
5,500
5,500
FREE ZONES IN
SHARJAH AND THE
NORTHERN EMIRATES
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates 63
SHARJAH AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL FREE ZONE (SAIF ZONE)
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) was established by an Emiri Decree
No.2 in 1995. SAIF Zone is placed on the crossroads of major trading routes between
East and West. Sharjah offers excellent global, sea, land and air transport links with
access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers, covering member state of the GCC and
the Arab World, Iran, CIS countries, the Asian Sub-continent and parts of Africa and the
Eastern Mediterranean.
Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and just a few minutes from Sharjah City and
Port Khalid, the location of SAIF Zone is enhanced by its secondary seaport facility
located in the Gulf of Oman at Port Khorfakkan.
Features
• The only Emirate with seaports on the East and West coasts.
• SAIF Zone is the world’s first ISO certified Airport Free Zone.
• Access to ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
• Lease period upto 25 years.
• Type of company activities include manufacturing, processing, assembling,
packaging, Import/export, distribution, storage, services, etc.
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 150,000.
Facility
Size
Land
Min. 2500 sq.mts
Executive Offices
Min. 24 sq mts
Factory/Warehouse
134 - 645 sq.mts
FZE / FZCO Registration Fee AED 10,000 (one time fee)
Branch Registration Fee AED 5,000 (one time fee)
50 - 100 per sq.mts
1650 per sq.mts
Varies from 63,000 - 185,000
PKFof-License
Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones
in Sharjah
and
the Northern Emirates
64Type
Cost
in AED per
annum
Industrial
7,500 -10,000
Land
Min. 2500 sq.mts
50 - 100 per sq.mts
Executive Offices
Min. 24 sq mts
1650 per sq.mts
Factory/Warehouse
134 - 645 sq.mts
Varies from 63,000 - 185,000
FZE / FZCO Registration Fee AED 10,000 (one time fee)
Branch Registration Fee AED 5,000 (one time fee)
Type of License
Industrial
Commercial (3 items)
Service
General trading
Buying and Selling of Real Estate
Real Estate Development
Aviation License
Freight Forwarding and cargo handling
7,500 -10,000
7,500 -10,000
7,500
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
9,000
HAMRIYAH FREE ZONE (HFZ)
The Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) was established by an Emiri Decree No. 6 dated 12th
November, 1995. It is becoming one of the cornerstones of industrial development
within the Emirates.
Hamriyah Free Zone consists of 12 square km of prime industrial and commercial land.
The HFZ Authority is currently developing first class services and facilities that will
complement it’s 14 meter deep water port which will offer a strategic business advantage
to the investors.
HFZ has been awarded the Century International Gold Quality Award for the year 2002.
This makes HFZ the first Free Zone in the World to receive such a prestigious award.
Features
• Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) Access to 3 modern seaports.
• Sharjah is the only Emirate with seaports on the East and West coasts.
• HFZ has access to one of the largest cargo hubs in the UAE at Sharjah International Airport.
• Type of activities include manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, import/
export, distribution, storage, services, etc.
• As a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 150,000.
Facility
Size
Land
Min. 2500 sq.m
E - Office
9.5 sq.m
Executive Office
Min. 15 sq.m
Factory/Warehouse
187 - 614 sq.m
Type of License
Industrial
Commercial (5 items)
Service
National industrial
Commercial (upto 5 items)
General Trading (exceeding 5 items)
20 - 30 per sq.m
25,000 - 35,000
1075 per sq.m.
55,000 - 130,000
2,750
2,750
2,750
2,700
2,750
12,000
AJMAN FREE ZONE (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone was formed under Law No. 3 of 1996 of the Emirates of Ajman.
Strategically situated at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf, Ajman Free Zone is well placed
to serve Eastern and Western markets. Ajman’s proximity to Sharjah and Dubai provides
easy accessibility to the two international airports and four ports. The Free Zone is home
to over 1400 companies approximately.
66 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates
Features
• Economical wage structure and easy access to vast work force.
• Total elimination of all service charges and hidden fees.
packaging, import/export, distribution, storage services.
• As a branch of a foreign / UAE company - no minimum capital required.
• As a Free Zone Company (FZCO) - minimum share capital is US $ 50,000.
• As a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is US $ 50,000.
Facility
E-office centre
Size
One desk space
Offices
16 - 40 sq.mts
Factory/Warehouse
540 sq.mts
Land
Min. 2000 sq.mts
FZE/FZCO - No registration Fee
Type of License
Industrial
Trading
Service
General trading
18,000/- approx
(inclusive of rent, license and other
service charges)
Varies from 1,500 - 1,800 per sq.mts
152 - 190 per sq.mts
Starting from 20 per sq.mts
7,000
Varies from 3,000 to 5,000 depending on the number of items
5,000
7,000
FUJAIRAH FREE ZONE [FFZ]
Fujairah Free Zone was formed under Law No. 6 of 1987 of the Emirate of Fujairah.
Fujairah Free Zone is adjacent to the Port of Fujairah. Companies established there
have easy access to all Arabian Gulf ports. Fujairah Free Zone is also close to Fujairah
International Airport which is the only airport serving the UAE East Coast as well as
Northern Oman. The Port of Fujairah is adjacent to the Free Zone. Investors have easy
access to all Arabian Gulf ports.
Features
• Multi-access to neighboring and global markets by land, sea and air.
• Efficient and cost-effective investment facilitation.
• Served by Fujairah Port and the Fujairah International Airport.
packaging, import/export, distribution, storage services.
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - minimum share capital is AED 150,000.
Facility
Size
Offices
15 - 35 sq.mts
Flexi Desk
Varies
Virtual Office
Varies
Factory/Warehouse
300 sq.mts onwards
Land
Min. 250 sq.mts
FZE Registration Fee AED 5,000 (one time fee)
890 -1700 per sq.mts
15,000
12,000
225 per sq.mts approx
15 per sq.mts onwards
Type of License
Industrial
5,000
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones
in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates
68Commercial
2,500
Service
5,000
Flexi Desk
Varies
Virtual Office
Varies
Factory/Warehouse
300 sq.mts onwards
Land
Min. 250 sq.mts
FZE Registration Fee AED 5,000 (one time fee)
Type of License
Industrial
Commercial
Service
General trading
Real Estate Investment
Real Estate Investment & Development
15,000
12,000
15 per sq.mts onwards
5,000
2,500
5,000
15,000
40,000 - 45,000
50,000
FUJAIRAH MEDIA ZONE (FM ZONE) / CREATIVE CITY
Fujairah is the latest Emirate to make its mark on the media map of the country with its
“Creative City”, a fast growing media hub luring in aspiring media professionals and
companies. Fujairah Media Inc.(FMI) was established as a broadcasting organisation
for the Emirate of Fujairah which is also known as Fujairah Media (FM). FM is a joint
venture between Fujairah Cultural Authority and Arab International Media Services
FZLLC.
Inspired by visionary leadership and armed with a creative mission, the FM have seven
creative zones and each zone has been planned keeping in mind the services and
features required for the respective activities.
The creative zones are as follows:
Audio/Visual
Theatrical arts
Technology
Publishing
Training
Design
Cinema
The Free Zone is proposed to be a 200,000 square meter complex and is located
alongside Fujairah highway connecting to Emirates road. The first phase of the Creative
City is under construction and is expected to be ready by the 4th quarter of 2009.
Currently the FM authority is issuing licenses by providing office facilities at the
prominent Fujairah tower.
The FM zone enjoys a Free Zone status and hence is entitled to a tax free status, 100%
foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits and quick approval procedures,
etc. The Free Zone also allows media professionals to register as freelancers .
The type of licenses issued by the FM zone are as under:
• TV Broadcasting, production, TV management.
• Audio management.
• Advertising Agency, Public Relations Agency, Direct Marketing, Sales Promotion,
Outdoor Advertising, e-Services, Specialty Communication, Branding and Corporate
Identity
• Printing, Publishing, Distribution, Sports Management and Promotion,
Business Events Management, Event Production, Event Ticketing, Exhibition
Organisation and Management, Festival Organisation and Management, Live
Theatrical Shows Management and Promotion, Performing Arts Management
• Research and Information, Planning and Buying, Content Production, Media
Monitoring, Graphic Design .
• Marketing Consultancy, Market Research Consultancy, Concept and Design
Consultancy.
• Digital and Interactive Game Development, Digital Media Library, Distribution and
Management, Digital Signage Development and Management, Interactive Services,
Media Hardware Equipment and System Integration, Media Software Development
and System Integration, Media Web Design and Management, Web Analytics, Search
Engine Optimisation.
• News Agencies, Research and Information Services.
Features
• Seven creative zones
• Aims mainly to attract local and regional clients.
• Focus on smaller businesses and Freelancers.
• Haven for Intellectual property Right (IPR).
• Established terrestrial digital broadcasting, (DVB-H) platform in the Middle East
namely “Jebalcom”.
• Home to 13 channels of various languages.
• Providing production facilities.
• Branch (parent company should be minimum 2 years old)
• FZCO with minimum share capital of AED 150,000
• FZE with minimum share capital of AED 50,000
• Freelancer (no capital required)
Types of license:
Facility
Size
Executive office
Min. 350 sq.fts
Private Desk /Hot desk
(only for freelancers)
Land
Varies
FZE Registration Fee one time AED.4,000/FZCO Registration Fee one time AED.4,000/Branch Registration fee one time AED.4,000/Type of License
Service
Freelancers
*Premium service License
(as decided by the FM authority like
publishing/broadcasting, etc.)
90 per sq.ft
7,900 per desk
Not available
12,500
12,000
US$ 12,000
AHMED BIN RASHED FREE ZONE (Umm Al Quwain)
The Ahmed Bin Rashed Port and Free Zone is located on the West Coast of the
United Arab Emirates, in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain (UAQ). The Free Zone was
formed under decree No. 2 of 1987 of UAQ. The Free Zone complex consists of
845 meters of quay wall with 400 meters capable of handling ocean-going vessels
and 118,000 square meters of land reserved for light Industrial Development.
Features
• Type of activities include manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, import/
export, distribution, storage services.
• Leases up to 15 years.
Facility
Land
Light industrial units (pre-built)
Minimum office space
Type of License
General Trading
Management and consultancy
Service
Size
Varies
Varies
Varies
30 per sq.mts
604 per sq.mts
25,000
5,000
5,000
2,000
RAS AL KHAIMAH FREE ZONE (RAK FZ)
The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Saqr Al Qassimi under decree No.1 on May
1st 2000, created this Free Trade Zone. RAK FZ thereby opened its doors to the
World’s leading businesses.
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Authority oversees three new sub-zones within the Emirate.
The 71 hectare Technology Park is intended to accommodate capital-intensive, high
technology manufacturing and assembly companies. The park is adjacent to the Ras Al
Khaimah Ceramics Factory and other light manufacturing businesses.
The Al Hamra Development, located across the Emirates Highway, is a 325 hectare
waterfront recreational and residential development that includes a hotel, waterfront
villas, marina and golf course. The proximity of the Technology Park to the Emirates
Highway makes it readily accessible to the City Centre, International Airport, Port
Saqr and destinations southward, such as Dubai. The Free Zone is home to over 450
companies.
Features
• Clients can operate to full capacity from their Ras Al Khaimah offices or warehouses
in any of the 3 Free Zone Parks (Business Park, Industrial Park and Technology Park
Free Zones).
• Choice of professionally serviced, prime locations in the heart of Dubai, from which to
concentrate on marketing and management activity.
• Lease period up to 15 years.
packaging, import/export, distribution, storage, services, cargo and freight
forwarding, accounting and audition services, logistical, etc.
• The flexibility to open up offices in the Emirate of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• As a branch of a foreign company – no minimum capital required.
• As a branch of a UAE company – no minimum capital required.
• As a Free Zone Company (FZCO) – minimum share capital is AED 100,000 OR
500,000 (for General Trading )
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – minimum share capital is AED 100,000 OR
AED 500,000 (for General Trading and Real Estate license)
Facility
Size
Business Centre/ Executive Office 12 - 2,200 sq.mts
Flexi office / Shared office
Varies
Flexi desk / Shared work station One desk
Flexi Warehouse
205 sq.mts
Factory/Warehouse
150 - 416 sq.mts
Land
Min. 5,000 sq.mts
FZE/FZCO Registration Fee AED 7,000 (one time fee)
Type of License
Industrial
Commercial (upto 7 activities)
Consulting and service
Real Estate Consultancy
General trading
1,500 - 1,700 per sq.mts
37,690 - 56,040 approx
(inclusive of rent, registration,
license & other service charges)
12,500
20,000
41,000 - 90,400 approx
5,000
3,650
7,500
16,000
15,000
RAS AL KHAIMAH MEDIA FREE ZONE (RAKMFZ) - RAK MEDIA CITY
RAK authorities have established the Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone (RAKMFZ) on
3 January 2006, in order to provide the right atmosphere for genuine and responsible
media companies and to attract genuine top notch professionals from the media
industry. The RAK Government has been playing a major role in encouraging local
and foreign investors to come into the Emirate and use it as a base for their business
activities across the UAE and the GCC region. Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone
(RAKMFZ) is also referred to as RAK Media Free Zone, RAK Media City or Film City.
RAKMFZ follows the “Media Code of Conduct“ followed by other Emirates in the
country. The facility is proposed to play host to media establishments, television
channels, studios for audio-visual productions and computer graphics houses besides
animation studios. The new facility will provide its clients with various media services
including teleport facilities for uplinking images from Ras Al Khaimah to various
satellites. The Free Zone which will lease land to investors who wish to set up their own
media facilities, be it a printing press, a film studio, an advertising agency, a magazine
office or a television studio. Also lease ready-to-use office space and up-linking
facilities to such licence holders.
To make use of RAK’s colourful and rich landscape besides its rich history and heritage
that makes it the ideal venue for film shoots, film studios and establishments linked to
the film industry are also being issued a licence by the RMFZ and many leading filmmakers have expressed interest in setting up in Film City in RAK.
Currently the RAK Media City is going on an expansion drive by investing Dh.80 million
into building 10 studios, 10 dubbing theatres and 20 shooting stages for films and TV
productions. The new facilities, once completed aim to offer a more convenient place for
media-related companies that are establishing business in the UAE with RAK as their
base. The new facilities will be used by publishing, advertising and media houses as
production bases.
Competitive rental costs, service convenience and an upcoming future with economic
growth in RAK are added advantages for the companies starting to have a presence
in RAK. In recent months, more than 20 international companies from the publishing,
advertising and media sector have established activities in the RAK Media Free Zone.
The type of licenses issued by the RAK Media City are as under:
• TV Broadcasting, production, TV management.
• Audio management.
• Advertising Agency,
• Printing, Publishing, Distribution.
• Sports Management and Promotion
• Studios for film, television, audio-visual productions, computer graphics houses and
animation studios, etc.
• Graphic Design
• Consultancy and Research, Concept and Design.
• News Agencies, Research and Information Services, etc.
Features:
• Image uplinking via satellites
• Teleport services
• Competitive rental cost
• Following Media Code of Conduct
• Providing production facilities.
• FZLLC with minimum two shareholders. Share capital of AED 150,000
• FZE with single shareholder. Minimum share capital of AED 100,000
Facility
Size
Executive office
Min. 300 sq.fts
Hot desk (3 to 4 visas)
Desk
FZE / FZ LLC No Registration Fee
Type of License
Service
Broadcasting
Publishing
120 per sq.ft
10,000 per desk
15,000
25,000
20,000
FREE ZONES
IN ABU DHABI
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in Abu Dhabi 77
ABU DHABI AIRPORT FREE ZONE (ADAFZ)
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is constructing a Free Trade Zone at Abu Dhabi
International Airport namely Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ). Occupying a built up
area of over 7 million square metres, the ambitious project will offer investors a range of
facilities and services. ADAC plans to place all amenities under one roof and intends for
all the required facilities to become integrated to ensure that investors receive centralised
service. ADAFZ will be a part of the ongoing airport expansion and is proposed to be
ready by the end of 2010.
ADAFZ will promote Abu Dhabi’s economic development by offering numerous benefits
for investors such as tax exemptions and 100% foreign company ownership. The
creation of the Free Zone marks a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s plans to establish itself as
a dynamic business centre. The Free Zone will also ensure that Abu Dhabi International
Airport will become a thriving cargo and business hub as well as ensuring increasing
non-aeronautical revenues.
With its investment incentives and its strategic geographical position at Abu Dhabi
International Airport the Free Trade Zone is set to become a flourishing business centre
that will attract and promote private sector investments.
ADAFZ will offer World-class infrastructure and multiple facilities in close proximity to
ensure best service access within the Zone for a broad range of industries including:
• Aerospace, Aviation and M.R.O.
• Cargo Freight and Logistics
• Semiconductors
• Oil and Gas
• Engineering, Construction and Building Materials
• Consultancy and Business Advisory Services
• I.T. Solutions and Telecommunications
• FMCG
• Luxury Goods and Jewelry
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
• Industrial Machinery and Engine Components
• Media and Associated Services
• Travel and Tourism Management Companies
78 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
The creation of ADAFZ is driven by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC),
incorporated in March 2006, to lead the development of the Emirate’s aviation
infrastructure. ADAFZ’s establishment is part of ADAC’s objective to finance its airport
development programmes through non-aeronautical revenues, minimising Government
grants.
ADAFZ’s Benefits
• 100% Corporate tax exemption
• 100% Import and export exemption
• 100% Personal income tax exemption
• 100% Foreign company ownership
• 100% Repatriation of capital and profits
Additional Advantages
• One-stop-shop administration services
• Fast and efficient cargo clearance services
• International freight forwarders and logistics services
• Online customer service
• Land with easy access to airport apron
• On-site customs inspection
• 24 hours access to facility
FREE TRADE AND LOGISTICS ZONE (Taweelah)
The Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), DP World and Economic Zones World (EZW)
has entered into an agreement in 2007, which will see DP World operating the Khalifa
Port and EZW operating the Free Trade and Logistics Zone located in Taweelah, Abu
Dhabi.
Involvement with Khalifa Port will represent the next stage in its growing relationship
with ADPC. EZW, one of the largest developers and operators of Free Zones in the World
and is expected to manage an initial 25 km2 trade and logistics Free Zone within the
larger industrial zone in Taweelah, to be located halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The signing of this agreement with DP World and Economic Zones World is yet another
step in the drive towards greater cooperation, integration and to build the commercial
relationship between the neighbouring Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The new port
and logistics hub will solidify the UAE’s position as a world class transport and logistics hub.
The Trade and Logistics Free Zone will expand over an area of 25 square km in its first
phase and will be the first Trade and Logistics Free Zone in Abu Dhabi. The Free Zone is
scheduled to be operational by the end of 2010.
twofour 54 (2454)
Abu Dhabi is home to a new media content creation zone called ‘twofour54’.
Representing the geographical co-ordinates of Abu Dhabi, twofour54 aims to establish
the city as a centre of excellence for Arabic content creation that is internationally
renowned.
The launch of twofour54 has created new industry opportunities for the region, by
providing a collaborative and fully-equipped centre that brings together local, regional
and international companies from across the breadth of the film, broadcast, digital,
publishing and music industries. With some of the World’s leading content companies
already onboard and announcing major plans, twofour54’s advanced ecosystem offers
production facilities, infrastructure, training and a new business incubator - all on one
site - for the development of World class Arabic content by people from the Middle East
region for its 300 million Arab audience.
twofour54 is based near Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi. A 200,000 square metre waterfront
site in the Mina Zayed area of the city has been earmarked for twofour54’s permanent
campus, which should be completed within five years.
twofour54 is built around four pillars located within a campus style environment that
promotes cooperation and creative partnerships amongst the companies involved.
twofour54 tadreeb
twofour54 tadreeb will be the region’s premier vocational training academy, inviting
media and entertainment professionals and graduates to gain and develop skills across a
comprehensive range of media disciplines. twofour54 tadreeb is a dynamic partnership
between twofour54 and global media players to offer world class courses led by highly
experienced instructors. All the academy’s offerings are outcome-driven, practically
focused training programmes. Courses began in January 2009.
twofour54 ibtikar
twofour54 ibtikar provides support and funding for new businesses and promising
creative ideas across print, online, mobile and television platforms in the UAE and
broader MENA region. twofour54 ibtikar offers two funding solutions, the iFund and
the Creative Lab. The iFund offers start-up funding, business-planning and operational
support to entrepreneurs who want to launch new ventures in Abu Dhabi. The Creative
Lab provides seed funding, development guidance, and strategic planning to creative
talent with exciting new content and creative ideas.
twofour54 intaj
twofour54 intaj supplies state-of-the-art production and post-production facilities,
media asset management, broadcast and technical support services to its partners.
This includes five high-definition studios fully equipped with the latest technologies,
the region’s first media asset management services, as well as a highly experienced
pool of dedicated operations and engineering professionals.
twofour54 tawasol
twofour54 tawasol provides holistic support services through its Shared Services and
Property Management departments. Together, they form a one-stop-shop facilitating the
relocation and establishment of content organisations in twofour54.
All establishments in twofour54 are required to be licensed under the Business
Licensing Regulations currently in force. When a licensee is engaged in disseminating
content from the zone, they are also required to hold a Dissemination License in addition
to their Business License.
Form
of registration
Facility
•Office
Branch
(shell)
•Empty
FZLLCoffices
with no
minimum share capital
Registration Fee – AED 2, 500 (one time fee)
Types
Size
Desk space
Varies
of license:
Business License
Dissemination License
Television Broadcasting
Print media
Internet, Radio and other Media
Facility costs
Facility
Office
Empty offices (shell)
Registration Fee – AED 2, 500 (one time fee)
Size
Desk space
Varies
Business License
Dissemination License
Television Broadcasting
Print media
Internet, Radio and other Media
About PKF
PKF International
PKF International is among the top international business advisory networks, measured
by turnover and quality. The present International organisation was formed in 1969
and originally consisted of four member firms: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and
United States. Added to the sustained growth in the number of PKF member firms, this
solidity has provided the foundations for the global sharing of expertise, experience
and skills and the development of services that meet the evolving needs of all types of
clients, from the individual up to the transnational company. At present it has 230 legally
independent firms in 400 locations in 120 countries with an aggregate annual turnover
of US$ 1.7 billion.
The mission of PKF is to provide the highest quality professional services to all clients by:
• Having a close network of member firms each firmly established and respected in its
own country, providing an international perspective but delivering services with a
local focus
• Ensuring that there is a member firm in each mature and emerging market
• Providing appropriate technical guidance and support to enable member firms to excel
• Taking responsibility for the speedy dissemination of information and advice to all
members
• Adopting compatible information systems and technology
• Making it easy for member firms to access the expertise of others
• Encouraging the free interchange of staff
• Guaranteeing a seamless and consistent service for all clients with transnational needs
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - About PKF 83
84 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - About PKF
PKF International
A selection of countries in which PKF International Ltd has representation in.
AFRICA
Angola, Cameroon, Cote D’ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South
Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia
ASIA
China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,
Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vanuatu
AUSTRALIA
Australia, New Zealand
CARIBBEAN AND WEST INDIES
Antigua, Bahamas, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, French Antilles, Grenada, Guyana,
Jamaica, Nevis, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks
and Caicos
CENTRAL AMERICA
Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama
EUROPE
Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Channel Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Isle Of Man,
Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF International 85
Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine,
United Kingdom
MIDDLE EAST
Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, Syria,
United Arab Emirates, Yemen
SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru,
Uruguay, Venezuela
NORTH AMERICA
Canada, Mexico, United States of America
86 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF International
PKF UAE
Publications
As part of the firm’s continuing service to clients, PKF-UAE has produced a number of
publications for their information and benefit. These are as follows:
Practice Profile
A profile of PKF in the UAE
Statement of Credentials
Details of the firm, clients, services and the team
Doing business in the UAE
A guide to the UAE including economic and social background; the regulatory
environment; basic business structures; grants and incentives (including Free Zones);
taxation; and employment
A guide to the major Free Zones in the United Arab Emirates including the salient
features and costs
PKF Update
A quarterly newsletter detailing news from PKF-UAE and matters of interest in the region
All the foregoing publications can be obtained from any of the UAE offices
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF UAE Publications 87
88 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - PKF UAE Publications
ANNEXURE A
Useful Contact Numbers
P.O. Box
Telephone
Government Departments
Chamber of Commerce
Economic Department
662
853
(2) 621 4000
(2) 622 7222
Federal Government Ministries
Economy and Commerce
Finance and Industry UAE Central Bank
UAE Offset Group
901
433
854
908
(2) 626 0000
(2) 672 6000
(2) 665 2220
(2) 626 3000
DUBAI
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Department of Economic Development 1457 594 13223
(4) 228 0000
(4) 223 0000
(4) 222 9922
Finance and Industry UAE Central Bank Jebel Ali Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai Internet City
Dubai Media City
3625
1565
448
17000
2525
73000
53777
(4) 295 4000
(4) 393 9000
(4) 393 9777
(4) 881 3000
(4) 299 5555
(4) 391 1111
(4) 391 4555
ABU DHABI
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Annexure A 89
Useful Contact Numbers
P.O. Box
Telephone
AJMAN
Chamber of Commerce Economic Department
Ajman Free Zone
662 870 932
(6) 742 2177
(6) 744 6244
(6) 742 5444
SHARJAH
Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Economic Department 580
829
(6) 554 1444
(6) 573 4444
UAE Central Bank
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Hamriya Free Zone 3803
645
8000
1377
(6) 574 5000
(6) 559 2592
(6) 557 0000
(6) 526 3333
738 (9) 222 2400
1133
(9) 222 8000
87
(7) 233 3511
10510
5000
10055
(7) 227 1222
(7) 228 4444
(7) 228 0889
436
(6) 765 2400
279
(6) 765 5882
FUJAIRAH
& Agriculture
Fujairah Free Zone
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Chamber of Commerce & Industry & Agriculture
Economic Department
UAE Central Bank
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
UMM AL QUWAIN
& Agriculture
Ahmed Bin Rashid Free Zone
90 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Annexure A
ANNEXURE B
List of UAE Tax Treaties
The Government of the United Arab Emirates has signed an Agreement for the Avoidance
of Double Taxation and The Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on
Income with several countries including:
• The Government of The Republic of Syria, 2000.
• The Government of Canada, 1998.
• The Government of Turkmenistan, 1998.
• The Government of Lebanon, 1998.
• The Federal Republic of Germany, 1995.
• The Kingdom of Belgium, 1996.
• The Government of The Republic of Finland, 1996.
• The Government of The Republic of Singapore, 1995.
• The Government of The Republic of Italy, 1995.
• The Government of The Republic of Egypt, 1994.
• The Government of The People’s Republic of China, 1993.
• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1993.
• The Government of The Republic of Poland, 1993.
• The Government of The Republic of Turkey, 1993.
• The Government of Romania, 1993.
• The Government of The Republic of India, 1992.
• The Government of The Czech Republic, 1996.
• The Government of The Republic of France, 1989.
• The Government of The Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria, 2001.
• The Government of Yemen Arab Republic, 2001.
• The Government of Tunis Republic, 1996.
• The Government of The Kingdom of Morocco, 1999.
• The Government of The Republic of Sudan, 2001.
• The Government of The Republic of Mozambique, 2004.
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Annexure B 91
• The Government of The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 1992.
• The Government of The Republic of Korea, 2003.
• The Government of The Republic of Indonesia, 1995.
• The Government of The Republic of Malaysia, 1996.
• The Government of The Republic of New Zealand, 2003.
• The Government of The Republic of Ukraine, 2003.
• The Government of The Russian Federation, 2000.
• The Government of The Republic of Armenia, 2004.
• The Government of The Republic of Tajikistan, 1995.
• The Government of The Republic of Austria, 2003.
• The Government of The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 2005.
• The Government of The Republic of Philippines, 2003.
• The Royal Government of Thailand, 2000.
• The Government of The Republic of Mauritius, 2006.
• The Government of Mongolia, 2001.
• The Government of The Republic of Seychelles, 2006.
• The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2006.
• The Government of The Republic of Azerbaijan, 2006.
• The Government of The Kingdom of Spain, 2006.
• The Government of The Republic of Malta, 2006.
• The Government of The Kingdom of Netherlands, 2007.
• The Government of The Republic of Bulgaria, 2007.
• The Government of The Republic of Uzbekistan, 2007.
The Government of the United Arab Emirates has signed an Agreement for the Promotion
and Protection of Investments with several countries including:
• The Government of The Kingdom of Sweden, 1999.
• The Government of Switzerland, 1998.
• The Government of Turkmenistan, 1998.
• The Federal Republic of Germany, 1997.
• The Government of The Republic of Finland, 1996.
• The Government of The Republic of Italy, 1995.
• The Government of Romania, 1995.
• The Government of The Czech Republic, 1994.
• The Government of The Republic of Poland, 1993.
92 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Annexure B
• The Government of The People’s Republic of China, 1993.
• The Government of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 1992.
• The Government of Malaysia, 1991.
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Annexure B 93
Notes
94 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Notes
Notes
PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Notes 95
Notes
96 PKF - Free Zones in the UAE - Notes
Although the greatest possible care has been observed in drawing up this publication, the
possibility always exists that certain information has in time become outdated or is no
longer correct. PKF, therefore, does not accept any liability for the consequences resulting
from activities undertaken on the basis of this publication. Consultation of an expert
remains necessary at all times.
Published by PKF, Dubai. April 2009
PKF in the UAE is a member of PKF International Limited, an association of legally independent member firms

Free Zones in the UAE

Transcription

Similar documents

megawave - James Law Cybertecture

Profile New_Dr Zulekha D

Offering of AED 550,000,000 Ordinary Shares through an Initial

Construction of Infrastructure at Ghantoot HQ

Zones 1 and 2 - Tourisme Nouveau

Dubai Today - Gulf for Good

Renate Herrmann`s report

full essay - Contemporary Practices

atlantis, the palm

Untitled