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Abu Dhabi · UAE Free Zone

Masdar City Free Zone

The world's most sustainable eco-city and clean technology hub

Established2006
CompaniesOver 1,000 companies
Area6 square kilometers
LocationAbu Dhabi
Official website

Zone at a glance

Cost efficiency
Setup speed
Flexibility

Relative rating across UAE free zones, scored out of five.

Overview

About Masdar City

Masdar City Free Zone is a pioneering sustainable urban development and free zone dedicated to clean technology, renewable energy, and sustainability solutions. As part of the world's first carbon-neutral city, it offers a unique ecosystem for companies focused on environmental innovation and sustainable business practices.

Governing Authority:Masdar City Authority

Location & Connectivity

Nearest Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport

30 kilometers away

Address

Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Total Area

6 square kilometers

Nearby Landmarks

Abu Dhabi International AirportKhalifa UniversityMohammed bin Zayed CityAl Reem IslandYas Island

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Sectors

Key Industries

Renewable Energy
Clean Technology
Sustainability Solutions
Energy Storage
Smart Grid Technology
Environmental Services

Ideal For

Clean Tech StartupsRenewable Energy CompaniesEnvironmental ConsultanciesSustainable Technology DevelopersGreen Innovation LabsClimate Solution Providers

Licensing

License Types & Costs

Commercial License

For trading and commercial activities in clean technology and sustainability sectors

Starting from
25,000AED

Activities Allowed

Trading in clean technology products, renewable energy equipment, and sustainability solutions

Industrial License

For manufacturing and industrial activities related to clean technology

Starting from
35,000AED

Activities Allowed

Manufacturing of renewable energy components, clean technology products, and sustainable materials

Professional License

For professional services and consultancy in sustainability and clean technology

Starting from
20,000AED

Activities Allowed

Environmental consulting, sustainability advisory, clean technology research and development

Processing Time

5-7 working days

Annual Renewal

10% of initial license fee

Validity

1 year, renewable

Need help choosing the right license type?

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Residency

Visa Information

Available for shareholders, employees, and dependents of licensed companies

2-3 visas

Desk Space

5-8 visas

Private Office

10+ visas

Custom Office

Investor VisaEmployee VisaDependent VisaGolden Visa (eligible categories)
Processing:7-10 working days
Golden Visa Eligible

Investment

Estimated Costs

License Fee
From 20,000 AED
Visa (per person)
~4,500 AED
Office Space
From 18,000 AED/year
Estimated First Year Total
From 42,500 AED
Approximate, starting estimate

Costs vary based on business activity, office type, and number of visas required. Additional fees may apply for specialized clean technology activities.

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Assessment

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • World's most sustainable business environment
  • Access to cutting-edge clean technology infrastructure
  • Strong government support for sustainability initiatives
  • Networking with global clean technology leaders
  • Carbon-neutral operations and facilities
  • Access to research institutions and universities
  • Excellent reputation in the sustainability sector
  • Strategic location for Middle East and Africa markets

Considerations

  • Limited to sustainability and clean technology sectors
  • Higher costs compared to general free zones
  • Specialized focus may limit business diversification
  • Relatively newer compared to established free zones

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Advantages

Why Choose Masdar City?

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Zero corporate tax on qualifying income
Full repatriation of capital and profits
No currency or exchange restrictions
World-class infrastructure and connectivity
Streamlined business registration process

Best For

  • Clean Technology Companies
  • Renewable Energy Businesses
  • Sustainability Consultancies
  • Environmental Research Organizations
  • Green Innovation Startups

Not Ideal For

  • Traditional Manufacturing
  • Fossil Fuel Companies
  • High-Volume Trading Businesses
  • General Service Providers
  • Non-Sustainability Focused Businesses

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