In a concentrated effort to attract foreign investment, several free trade zones have been established in and around Dubai.  Unique laws regarding ownership, taxation, recruitment of labour, and income repatriation apply to these areas.  A further advantage of free zones is the assistance they provide in the incorporating or setting up companies with them.  Such benefits make these zones ideal for companies wishing to establish a distribution, manufacturing, storage or service base outside of  the UAE.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), established in 1985, was the first such entity in the Emirates.  Based on its success, other free zones have sprung up around Dubai, including the Airport Free Zone, Internet and Media Cities and Dubai Healthcare City, while Ajman, Fujairah, Hamriya, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi have all incorporated their own versions of this popular model. 

While each of these follows JAFZA’s lead, they also have their own unique base of customers, services and benefits.  This makes for a vast amount of flexibility and packages available to those wishing to set up businesses in the area.

Business Environment

Legally, companies based in free zones are seen as “offshore”, giving them the luxury of full ownership.  In other words, no local sponsorship is required.  There are many additional benefits, but the most attractive are tax exemption and 100% repatriation of profit and capital.  Offshore status also means that companies wishing to trade in Dubai or the Emirates will often have to work through a commercial agent or distributor.

Most free zones are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and offer a great deal of administrative support.  In some, companies can also purchase lease-hold property on which to build their own offices, warehouse or manufacturing centres.

	Dubai Airport Free Zone
	Dubai Healthcare City
	Dubai Internet City
	Dubai International Financial City
	Dubai Knowledge Village
	Dubai Media City
	Dubai Gold & Diamond Park
	Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone