INDUSTRIAL CITY
OF ABU DHABI

FREE ZONE (ICAD)

INDUSTRIAL CITY
OF ABU DHABI

FREE ZONE (ICAD)

Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) is a purpose-built industrial zone managed by ZonesCorp, which provides an efficient platform for manufacturing and logistics businesses. The presence of multiple clusters makes the environment of business setup in ICAD ideal for heavy and light industries such as steel, metal, construction material, logistics, food, and oil & gas.

The ICAD is strategically located in Abu Dhabi city, with a total area spanning 40 square kilometres. The free zone is characterised by multiple industrial clusters and vantage locations. Each industrial cluster in ICAD offers benefits such as cost-effective land plots, excellent connectivity by sea, land and over 200 air routes from Abu Dhabi and Dubai etc. The free zone also offers world-class facilities of the highest technical and environmental standards ideal for a diverse range of industrial companies.  For a speedy business incorporation process, investors can consult with business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi.

Featured Business Sectors in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

The landscape of business setup in ICAD is well suited for companies carrying out manufacturing and logistics activities. ZonesCorp has permitted a wide range of business activities in ICAD to cater to the requirements of such businesses. The following is a list of permitted business sectors in ICAD:

  • Engineering & Metals
  • General Industries
  • Chemical and Plastic
  • Oil and Gas services
  • Construction Materials
  • High Tech Industries
  • Advanced Factory Units

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    Clusters in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

    ICAD consists of multiple industrial clusters that bolster the prospects of manufacturing companies operating within the free zone premises. There are a total of five industrial clusters that facilitate the process of business setup in ICAD. Each of the clusters targets different business sectors and industries. Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi can provide the investors with advice on selecting the right cluster.

    ICAD I                                                                                                                    

    The ICAD I cluster is ideal for businesses engaged in activities such as heavy to medium manufacturing, engineering, and processing.

    ICAD II                                                                                                                   

    The prospect of business setup in ICAD II cluster is suited for sectors such as light & medium manufacturing, engineering, and processing etc.

    ICAD III                                                                                                               

    ICAD III targets industries engaged in light to medium engineering and processing with an international focus. Wood processing and engineering, chemicals & plastics, construction materials, high-tech businesses, food, and textiles industries are the focus sectors of ICAD III.

    ICAD IV                                                                                                              

    Technology and light manufacturing companies can set up their base in ICAD IV.

    ICAD V                                                                                                                                                

    Automotive or automobile manufacturing businesses can open a company in ICAD V

    Infrastructure in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

    ICAD is built with a well-crafted and robust infrastructure. The following are the major infrastructure facilities in ICAD:

    Industrial Land Plots

    ICAD’s extensive range of industrial plots enables the business owners to benefit from central connection to all the major highways, road networks, airports, rail depots and seaports. Investors can choose from a diverse range of plot sizes in different locations within the ICAD clusters, depending on the business requirements of each company. Industrial plots in ICAD have robust connections for power, water, natural gas, telecommunication and sewage services.

    Clusters with Logistics Facilities

    Each cluster in ICAD is based on an efficient master plan developed after considering the impact of transportation and other conditions. ICAD offers logistics services in close proximity to the place where the companies operate, which enables the investors to focus on their core competencies. Business owners in ICAD are able to take advantage of the free zone’s robust logistics and improved access to value-added services at the lowest possible costs.

    Quality Accommodation for Employees

    Since the industrial clusters are located in the outer metropolitan areas of Abu Dhabi, investors need not worry about the quality of accommodation and amenities. ICAD offers the highest standard of living for middle and senior-level managers at the free zone’s staff accommodation. Furthermore, the free zone has built accommodation facilities for labourers at ZoneCorp’s residential cities that are close to the business facilities. The labour accommodation in ICAD is capable of housing any number of workers employed by the free zone entities.

    Process of Business Setup in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

    Getting a business incorporated in ICAD is a fairly straightforward process for foreign investors. If every documentation is proper, obtaining a license in ICAD won’t be a time-consuming process. Since documentation determines the pace of company incorporation, it is better to seek advice from business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi. The following steps must be executed to open a company in ICAD:

    • Determine business activity
    • Choose a legal structure
    • Reserve a company name
    • Submit the documents
    • Select a facility
    • Receive license

    Benefits of Business Setup in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

    ICAD offers a robust industrial ecosystem that creates synergies, enhances efficiencies, value chain benefits and fosters business growth. Setting up a business in ICAD comes with the following benefits:

    • World-class, built-for-purpose infrastructure
    • Wide range of industrial plots
    • Excellent connectivity to main highways, airports, ports and railway routes (Etihad Railways)
    • All industrial plots connected to telecommunication, water, gas, electricity and sewage services
    • A wide array of facilities for logistics and services
    • Proximity to residential communities and facilities, including schools, universities, hospitals, and commercial centres
    • Zero corporate tax & Zero income tax

    Compliance Requirements in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

    Companies licensed by ZOnesCorp must oblige with regulatory requirements such as Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT). Even companies undergoing liquidation in ICAD are required to comply with the regulations. Non-compliance will lead to hefty penalties and severe consequences, including reputation damage. Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi can help the foreign investors comply with ESR, UBO & AML-CFT.

    Enlist the Best Business Setup Services in Abu Dhabi, UAE

    The process of business setup in ICAD is ideal for foreign investors engaged in industrial activities such as logistics and manufacturing. ICAD has achieved rapid growth over the years to become one of the top industrial hubs in the Middle East region. Foreign investors interested in setting up a company in ICAD, however, must familiarise themselves with the UAE laws and regulations before taking the plunge. Learning the complex laws can be taxing for new entrepreneurs but accessing the best business setup services in Abu Dhabi is a robust solution.

    Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi, such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC), can help foreign investors navigate the complex licensing processes. JBC has a team of highly qualified business setup advisers who are well-versed in UAE immigration laws and labour laws. Our team’s knowledge will come in handy for foreign businesspeople while setting up a business in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. JBC offers bespoke business setup services in the UAE, including bank account opening, visa processing, VAT compliance and regulatory services such as ESR, UBO and AML-CFT. Connect with our business setup advisers to quickly start a business anywhere in the UAE.

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