Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp)

The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones, also known as ZonesCorp, is a government body that was founded in 2004 in Abu Dhabi. This regulatory body oversees the development and management of specialised economic zones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ZoneCorp, which has various industrial and manufacturing-focused zones in Abu Dhabi, is renowned for its significant contribution to the manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) of Abu Dhabi.

If you are wondering what you need to do to set up your business operations here, then read this article to find out more about the ZonesCorp Abu Dhabi.

What are the Advantages of a ZonesCorp Company?

Some of the key benefits of establishing a company in the industrial zones of ZonesCorp are:

1. Taxes and Profits

All the ZonesCorp industrial cities in Abu Dhabi are tax-free zones, which means that you don’t have to pay any corporate or personal taxes. You are also allowed to transfer all your profits and initial investment back to your home country without any government interference.

2. Progressive Business Environment

The ZonesCorp authorities have ensured that the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) has a business-friendly environment. Since businesses established here are near each other, you can learn and grow from similar industries. In addition, businesses in these zones can exchange knowledge and use shared resources, facilities, infrastructure, and more.

3. Strategic Location

The industrial cities are located near the Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali Airports, which seamlessly facilitate import and export-related activities. The authorities do not charge any duty on the import of raw materials and machinery.

4. Workforce

Since ICAD is one of the leading business hubs in the Emirate, it attracts many skilled individuals. The hiring and onboarding process is also straightforward.

Industrial Zones in ZonesCorp Abu Dhabi

The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones is divided into various industrial zones. These zones are -

ICAD I -Spanning 14 square kilometres, this zone facilitates medium to heavy production, processing, and engineering-related activities. Businesses here are close to the airport, seaport, and city centre.

ICAD II - This zone supports light to medium production, processing, and engineering activities. Key infrastructure developments in the ICAD II zone include an efficient road system with fully functional drainage systems and gas lines.

ICAD III -This zone, covering an area of around 12 square kilometres, is designed for businesses that engage in activities related to a wide range of industries such as food, chemicals and plastics, textiles, oil and gas, engineering, and manufacturing construction materials. The authorities also provide well-constructed and equipped warehouses for you to store your supplies.

Al Ain Industrial City - AAIC (I and II) - This industrial city extends up to 10 and has a well-connected road network leading to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai.

ICAD IV -Located in the western part of Mussafah Industry City, this zone is tailored to fit the needs of technology and light industries.

ICAD V - This zone mainly focuses on the Emirate's automobile industry. The ICAD IV zone also tries to ease parking congestion by providing spots away from the city centre.

Construction and Building Material Zone -Entrepreneurs planning to start a business in the construction and building field can set up their operations here. This zone is located in Al Faya and covers an area of 34 square kilometres.

Activities Permitted by the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones

The activities that you can conduct in the ICAD are mentioned below -

• Manufacturing wood and paper products
• Fibreglass and polymer products
• Food and Beverages (F&B)
• Manufacturing chemicals
• Metals and Engineering
• Assembling products
• Construction supplies
• Fabrics and Leather
• Oil and Gas

Legal Structures in ZonesCorp Abu Dhabi

To establish your business in any of the industrial cities under the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones, you must select a legal structure for your company.

The legal structures available in ZonesCorp are a general partnership company, a limited partnership, a branch, a partnership limited by shares, a limited liability company, a local establishment, a joint venture company, and a private/public joint stock company.

You can connect with Commitbiz experts to understand these legal structures in detail.

How to Set up your Business in ZonesCorp in Abu Dhabi

The process of setting up your company in Zone Corp Abu Dhabi requires obtaining an industrial license. To get this license, you will need to apply online or physically visit the ZonesCorp office and follow the procedure mentioned below -

Step 1 - Select a business structure and activity that you wish to engage in within ZonesCorp in Abu Dhabi.

Step 2 -Pick a name for your business. Ensure that the selected name is unique and does not violate the UAE’s naming regulations.

Step 3 - Request for an application form from the authorities. Fill in the accurate details and submit them to the relevant body.

Step 4 - You will need to finalise a plot within the industrial zones and then draft a lease contract with the correct information.

Step 5 - Next, you need to take initial approval from the environmental department in Abu Dhabi. Once you receive the approval, you need to apply for the construction permit to build your company.

Step 6 - Submit the necessary documents to the relevant authorities to secure your industrial license.

Step 7 - Pay the requisite fees.

Documents Required to Secure the Industrial License in ZonesCorp

Some of the crucial documents that you need to submit to start your company and secure the license include a company contract, an environmental license, a site plan, passport and visa copies of the shareholders, a lease contract, and a power of attorney, etc.

Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones is an ideal location for investors and entrepreneurs like you who want to join a supportive business community while being located in a prime area with ample facilities.

Get in touch with the professionals from Commitbiz to set up your company in ZonesCorp.