Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones – AbuDhabi

Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones : ZonesCorp of Abu Dhabi is home to many (more than 600) global companies from many different sectors. Established in 2004, the aim of developing the industrial cities across Abu Dhabi prompted its inception. With six first-class industrial zones, these areas contribute significantly, encompassing half of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing GDP.

ZoneCorp has played a pivotal role in shaping the Emirate’s industrial landscape, consequently drawing substantial foreign investment. Notably, ZonesCorp stands out as a favorable destination, attracting investors due to visionary leadership, cutting-edge infrastructure, appealing government incentives, and a pro-business environment. Presently, companies registering at Abu Dhabi ZonesCorp benefit from assured access to skilled and trained staff through numerous training centers.

Types of Entities in ZonesCorp

Differing from other free zones in Abu Dhabi, the ZonesCorp free zone exclusively provides industrial licenses. Moreover, within ZonesCorp, there exists a range of entities one can establish:

General Partnership Company

• Partnership is limited.
• Limited with shares of partnership

Limited Liability Company

• Full repatriation of profits and capitals
• Private joint stock company
• 0% tax
• Duty-free import of raw materials and machinery
• Favourable business environment
• Operational synergies from the co-location of similar industries
• Hassle-free labour procedures
• Public joint stock company

Branch Company

• Local Establishment

Joint Venture Company

Benefits of a Business Set Up in ZonesCorp

ZonesCorp, like many other free zones, also provides many services to the investors. These include

• Strong investment advice is provided to clients.
• Proximity to Jebel Ali Airport and Abu Dhabi Airport
• Cluster-based zoning model, enabling full integration within the industry value chain and deriving synergy benefits.

Business Activities in ZonesCorp

Knowing the business activities allowed at ZonesCorp is crucial. Notably, the activities accommodated at ZonesCorp include the following:

• Metals and Engineering
• Chemicals
• Paper and wood products
• Construction materials
• Food and Beverage
• Assembling products
• Oil and gas
• Plastic and fibreglass products
• Leather and textile products

At the application stage, stakeholders consider industries outside of these sectors from environmental, economic, and synergy perspectives.

List of Zones in ZonesCorp

The different zones found in ZonesCorp are as follows:

• ICAD I

This zone is ideal for heavy to medium processing, manufacturing, and engineering activities, covering an area of 14 sq. km.

Furthermore, the investment volume is over AED 6 million.

Additionally, it is located close to Musafah Sea Port, Abu Dhabi City Centre, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Moreover, the warehouses and infrastructure adhere to international standards.

For a swift and simple business setup, government departments are located together.

• ICAD II

This zone is involved in medium-to-light manufacturing, processing, and engineering activities.

Additionally, it covers a total area of 11 square kilometres.

Moreover, it boasts an investment volume of AED 11 billion.

However, the infrastructure includes a road network of 27 km, gas piping spanning 21 km, drainage systems of 21 km, and 60 km of rainwater piping.

• ICAD III

This zone comprises construction materials, oil and gas, as well as wood and engineering.

Additionally, a total area of 12 square kilometres is covered.

The warehouses and infrastructure were built according to international standards.

Al Ain Industrial City (I and II) is situated on the eastern borders of the UAE.

Moreover, the infrastructure costs about 125 million and covers a total area of 10 square kilometres.

Furthermore, it is well connected with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, encompassing a network of modern highways.

• ICAD IV (to be set up)

Placed on the west side of Mussafah Industrial City, this zone covers a total area of 24 sq. km.

Additionally, it devotes itself to technology and light industries.

This zone is assigned specifically to the Logistics Hub Support

Services area and linked to the upcoming freight railway network.

• ICAD V (to be set up)

This zone effectively satisfies the automotive value chain of Abu Dhabi, establishing a central contact point for various automobile-related services and products.

Moreover, this zone covers a total area of 11 square kilometres.

Additionally, this cluster aims at resolving the Emirates’ parking congestion by providing an alternate hub for taxis, used cars, rental cars, buses, and cars displayed and parked in the city centre.

Construction and Building material Zone (to be built up)

• This zone is situated in Al Faya.
• It covers a total area of 34 square kilometres.
• An ideal zone for construction and building industries

Setting Up a Business In ZonesCorp

Setting up a business in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone is remarkably simple. However, to commence operations in the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, obtaining a relevant license is essential. The first step involves filling out an application form, either online or by visiting the ZonesCorp office. The ZonesCorp authorities complete the other process, which includes

• Application forward to the relevant department
• Reserve the land and prepare the lease contract.
• Procuring approval from the Environment Department
• Arrange for a construction permit and issue a preliminary approval.
• Industrial license issuance

To initiate these processes, applicants must submit the necessary documents along with the application form. These required documents are as follows:

Necessary Documents to set up a business in ZonesCorp

• Authorized company contract
• Environmental license
• Document of contract modification registration in the Ministry of Economy
• Factory site plan which indicates the manufacturing and services area
• Feasible study
• Land plan
• Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry membership certificate
• Power of Attorney (if obtainable)
• Passport copies of the partners
• Valid and approved trade name
• Valid lease contract
• The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) technical information
• Additional information for environment authority