The UAE is scaling up efforts to transform itself into a global industrial and manufacturing hub and attract major investments across key sectors. This is consistent with the Operation 300bn strategy that aims to develop the country’s industrial sector and enhance its role in stimulating the national economy. The strategy will make the environment of business setup in the UAE more attractive for manufacturing businesses.
The UAE’s free zones are bound to play a critical role when the country attracts more foreign investors in line with initiatives such as Operation 300bn. Even though the country has more than 45 active free zones, a few of them are dedicated exclusively to manufacturing businesses. Business setup consultants in the UAE can help you incorporate a company in any of these free zones. Let us discuss some of the top free zones ideal for starting a manufacturing business in the UAE:
Jebel Ali Free Zone
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is one of the oldest and premium free zones in the UAE that support manufacturing businesses. Jafza offers a robust industrial license for investors that wish to set up a manufacturing company in the UAE. The manufacturing activity may involve the purchase of raw materials, importing goods used for manufacturing, or the assembly of the product, production of the final product, and services for sales and support.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is strategically located in the emirate of Sharjah, which is the third-largest emirate in the UAE. The free zone is located close to Sharjah International Airport, which is one of the leading cargo hubs in the GCC region. By obtaining a SAIF Zone license, you can enjoy close proximity to three seaports, including Khorfakkan port, Hamriyah port, and Khalid port. Since these ports are situated on the shores of Sharjah and the Arabian Gulf, businesses can have seamless access to global markets.
Hamriyah free zone
Hamriyah free zone was established in 1995 and is often dubbed an industrial powerhouse. The free zone is dedicated to manufacturing activities and it is the second-largest industrial free zone in the UAE after Jafza. The free zone supports manufacturing activities in the following segments:
- Heavy Industry
- Logistics & Transportation
- Oil & Gas
- Food Industry
- Packaging Industry
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi(KIZAD) is a premium free zone supporting trade, logistics and manufacturing businesses. KIZAD has been created in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and provides investors with access to the best industrial infrastructure, strategic location, excellent connectivity and flexible incorporation rules.
Ajman Free Zone
The process of business setup in the Ajman Free Zone is one of the most cost-effective options available for foreign investors. You can get exclusive benefits such as advanced facilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, cost-effective business setup packages, low taxation, and quick license approvals. Moreover, Ajman is one of the cheapest emirates in the UAE to live, work or do business.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) offers progressive regulations, strategic location and unique business activities & license packages. Just like Ajman, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is also a cheaper option to live, work and do business. The emirate is easily accessible through land, sea and air and offers smooth connectivity to top business hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. RAKEZ’s connectivity to key investment hubs is supported by RAK International Airport, multi-lane superhighways and Saqr Port, the largest bulk port in the Middle East.
Consult with the Best Business Setup Consultants in Dubai, UAE
If you are interested in opening a manufacturing company in the UAE, the free zones listed in this blog may come in handy for you. However, obtaining a manufacturing license in the UAE involves a series of approvals and requirements. Investors should also learn about the rules of business setup in Dubai to expedite the licensing process. However, the process can be made simple by applying through business setup consultants in Dubai such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC).
We have a team of highly qualified consultants who possess sound knowledge of the UAE labour laws and immigration laws and are well-experienced in dealing with the government authorities for obtaining approvals. JBC can also help you meet key requirements such as bank account opening, visa processing, and regulatory requirements related to UAE Corporate Tax, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) etc.
