Designated UAE economic area offering 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives, and an independent regulatory regime.
UAE Free Zones are geographically defined areas governed by their own authorities, offering benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, customs exemptions, and (historically) corporate tax holidays. Each zone is restricted to specific business activities and generally cannot trade directly in the UAE mainland without a local distributor or branch. DIFC and ADGM are financial free zones with independent common-law systems.
Dubai International Financial Centre, an independent common-law financial free zone with its own regulator (DFSA).
Abu Dhabi Global Market, a common-law financial free zone with its own courts and regulator (FSRA).
UAE onshore licensing regime under federal commercial law, allowing unrestricted trade across the UAE.