Free zones

52 free zones across the seven emirates

VAT and corporate tax are federal; there are no per-emirate rates. What differs: the authority, audit requirements, VAT designated zone status and local deadlines. Every entry has a source and a verification date. Uncertain facts are marked.

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)

Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi Airports
logisticsVAT designated zoneAnnual audit required

Zayed International, Al Ain International and Al Bateen Executive airports, all FTA designated zones; audited statements within 90 to 120 days of year end

Licences: Trading, Service, Industrial · verified 2026-09-23

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi · ADGM Registration Authority; FSRA; ADGM Courts
financialAnnual audit required

Financial free zone applying English common law directly, own courts and own data protection regulations; small companies (turnover up to USD 13.5m, up to 35 employees) exempt from audit, not usable by QFZPs

Licences: Financial Services (FSRA regulated), Non-Financial, Retail, Tech Start-up, SPV, Foundation · verified 2026-09-23

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD, formerly KIZAD)

Abu Dhabi · KEZAD Group (AD Ports Group)
industrialVAT designated zoneAudit: verification required

Merged KIZAD, Khalifa Port free trade zone and ZonesCorp in 2022; FTA list carries Free Trade Zone of Khalifa Port and Khalifa Industrial Zone

Licences: Industrial, Trading, General Trading, Service · verified 2026-09-23

Masdar City Free Zone

Abu Dhabi · Masdar City Free Zone Authority
technologyAnnual audit required

Clean tech, life sciences, space and AI cluster; audited financial statements reported as required for renewal

Licences: Service, Commercial, Industrial · verified 2026-09-23

twofour54 Abu Dhabi (Yas Creative Hub)

Abu Dhabi · Creative Media Authority (CMA)
mediaAudit: verification required

Media, gaming and creative free zone on Yas Island; audit requirement not published

Licences: Company Licence (LLC or branch), Sole Proprietor (Freelancer) · verified 2026-09-23

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Free up to the draft. You pay only for the tax agent's review.