Pioneering Business Excellence in the Northern Emirates

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) stands as one of the UAE’s most established and strategically positioned free zones, offering exceptional value and comprehensive business solutions since 1987. As a pioneering business hub in the northern Emirates, UAQ FTZ provides unparalleled opportunities for companies across diverse industries to establish cost-effective operations while maintaining access to global markets.

With its competitive advantages, strategic coastal location, and business-friendly policies, Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone has become the preferred choice for international businesses seeking efficient operations, reduced costs, and streamlined market access.

Why Choose Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone?

UAQ FTZ offers compelling advantages that make it an exceptional business destination:

• Strategic Coastal Location: Direct access to global shipping lanes and nearby seaports ensures trade efficiency.  
• Cost-Effective Operations: Low-cost setup and operational expenses are ideal for logistics, trading, and manufacturing.
• 100% Foreign Ownership: Full business ownership with no Emirati partner required.
• 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income: Tax-exempt status for eligible free zone income, with full profit repatriation.
• Simplified Regulations: Fast-track licensing, minimal paperwork, and efficient compliance processes.
• Multi-Industry Support: Purpose-built infrastructure for trading, maritime, industrial, and service sectors.
• Excellent Transportation Links: Seamless connectivity to UAE highways, airports, and ports for regional and international reach.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, trading, services, or logistics, UAQ FTZ provides the essential infrastructure and support to maximize your business potential.

Industries Thriving in UAQ FTZ

Manufacturing and Industrial Production

Specialized Benefits:

• Industrial Land: UAQ FTZ offers cost-effective, flexible industrial land for customized factory design and future expansion. Plots ranging from around 29,000 sq ft to over 300,000 sq ft are available, with options for 99-year leasehold or freehold for expatriates in designated industrial areas, allowing businesses to build factories tailored to their precise operational needs.
• Utilities Infrastructure: UAQ FTZ provides reliable, essential utilities, critical for continuous manufacturing operations. A recent MoU with Emirates Gas (July 2025) makes it the exclusive provider of comprehensive gas solutions, complementing existing robust supplies of power, water (from AEW and Ajman Municipality), and telecommunications (Etisalat, Du).
• Raw Material Import: UAQ FTZ streamlines raw material import with efficient, simplified customs procedures and 100% import tax exemption within the free zone. Its strategic location, within an hour’s drive of Dubai and Sharjah International Airports and close to major seaports, reduces lead times and costs for raw material acquisition.
• Quality Control Support: UAQ FTZ offers dedicated assistance and resources for adhering to international quality standards (e.g., ISO certifications). Companies operating within the free zone are subject to annual audit requirements by UAQ FTZ approved auditors, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Environmental Compliance: UAQ FTZ provides support and guidance to ensure manufacturing practices meet local and international environmental regulations for sustainable operations. As a Designated Free Zone under Cabinet Decision No. 54 of 2023, it adheres to specific standards and regulations set by the UAE government, which includes environmental guidelines.

Industry Applications

• Design and Expand Facilities: Utilize flexible industrial plots to construct factories precisely to their requirements, with room for future growth, catering to various industrial activities.
• Ensure Uninterrupted Production: Rely on robust and reliable utilities infrastructure, including exclusive gas supply solutions, for continuous manufacturing processes.
• Optimize Supply Chain Efficiency: Streamline the import of raw materials through simplified customs and tax exemptions, reducing lead times and overall supply chain costs.
• Achieve and Maintain High Standards: Implement international quality standards with dedicated support and required audits, ensuring manufactured goods meet global benchmarks.
• Operate Sustainably and Responsibly: Comply with local and international environmental regulations, contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices within the free zone.

Trading and Commercial Activities

Specialized Benefits:

• Strategic Trading Hub: UAQ FTZ is strategically located within an hour’s drive of Dubai and Sharjah International Airports and near major seaports, providing an ideal geographic position for easy market access and efficient supply chain operations across the MENA region, Asia, and Africa.
• Warehouse Facilities: UAQ FTZ offers modern, high-tech warehouses and pre-built facilities for storage and light manufacturing, available at competitive rental rates. This optimizes inventory management and reduces operational costs for businesses of all sizes.
• Customs Advantages: UAQ FTZ simplifies customs procedures with 100% import and export tax exemption within the free zone. This significantly reduces clearance times for goods, minimizing delays and enhancing the overall efficiency of cross-border trade.
• Multi-Modal Transport: UAQ FTZ boasts seamless connectivity to diverse transportation options, including direct access to major highways (like E 311), proximity to international airports, and easy access to sea networks (Hutchison Ports UAQ). This provides flexibility and efficiency in moving goods across different modes and destinations.
• Re-Export Services: UAQ FTZ facilitates efficient re-export activities with its free zone status allowing 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits. Businesses can leverage its strategic location and streamlined processes to act as a key distribution and consolidation point for global markets.

Industry Applications

• Optimize Global Supply Chains: Leverage the strategic hub for efficient import, storage, and re-export of goods, reducing transit times and costs for international trade.
• Streamline Logistics Operations: Utilize seamless multi-modal transport and simplified customs procedures to ensure efficient inbound and outbound movement of diverse commodities.
• Enhance Inventory Management: Access competitive warehouse facilities to manage inventory effectively, respond quickly to market demands, and minimize storage-related expenses.
• Secure Financial Transactions: Benefit from comprehensive trade finance support, including banking services and financial instruments, to conduct secure and smooth international trade transactions.
• Expand Market Reach: Tap directly into the dynamic Middle Eastern markets and broader global economies, enabling significant growth and market diversification.

Logistics and Warehousing

Specialized Benefits:

• Distribution Centers: UAQ FTZ provides modern, well-equipped warehouses and pre-built facilities designed for efficient storage, sorting, and onward dispatch of goods. These facilities come in various sizes and are optimized for logistics and storage, with flexible rental terms (daily, weekly, monthly, or long-term), making them suitable for diverse business needs.
• Container Handling: UAQ FTZ’s strategic location provides direct access to Hutchison Ports UAQ, a four-berth facility with an 845-meter quay. This ensures best-in-class support for efficient movement, loading, and unloading of shipping containers, significantly streamlining cargo flow for import and export operations.
• Cold Storage: UAQ FTZ, through its partners and within the broader UAE free zone framework, offers temperature-controlled storage solutions. These facilities, including ambient, air-conditioned, refrigerated, and cold storage, are essential for maintaining the freshness, quality, and safety of perishable or sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, ensuring product integrity throughout the supply chain.
• Cargo Consolidation: UAQ FTZ’s robust logistics infrastructure supports cargo consolidation services. By allowing businesses to combine multiple smaller shipments from different senders into one larger, more economical load, the free zone helps optimize shipping costs and enhance logistical efficiency, particularly for companies engaged in import, export, and re-export activities.
• Inventory Management: UAQ FTZ supports businesses in optimizing their inventory management. While not directly providing proprietary software, its emphasis on modern warehousing, combined with the availability of compliant accounting and auditing services within the free zone (which often include stock audits and inventory valuation), facilitates precise control and tracking of stock levels, optimizing warehouse space, reducing holding costs, and preventing stockouts or overstocking.

Industry Applications

• Efficient Warehousing and Storage: Leveraging modern distribution centers and specialized cold storage, logistics companies can efficiently manage diverse goods, from general cargo to temperature-sensitive items, ensuring product integrity and efficient order fulfillment.
• Streamlined Cargo Flow: Direct access to a port with robust container handling capabilities ensures seamless import, export, and transit of goods, enhancing the speed and reliability of the supply chain for various industries.
• Cost-Effective Shipping: Cargo consolidation services enable logistics providers to optimize loads, leading to reduced shipping costs and increased efficiency for businesses dealing with varied shipment sizes and complex distribution networks.
• Optimized Stock Control: Supported by modern warehousing and financial services that assist with inventory audits and reporting, logistics companies can offer clients precise inventory tracking and control, minimizing losses and improving supply chain responsiveness.
• Global Distribution Hub: UAQ FTZ’s strategic location and multi-modal transport options allow logistics companies to serve as key regional and global distribution hubs, efficiently connecting various markets and enhancing overall supply chain resilience and reach.

Marine and Maritime Services

Specialized Benefits:

• Port Facilities: UAQ FTZ connects directly to Ahmed Bin Rashid Port, a modern four-berth facility with 845m of quay wall, capable of handling ocean-going vessels. This provides direct access for vessels to international shipping routes, enabling global trade and connectivity.
• Marine Services: UAQ FTZ’s proximity to the port facilitates a range of comprehensive support and services for maritime operations. While specific details on piloting, tug services, and bunkering by AFZ are not explicitly detailed, the presence of various marine service providers, like Sirius Marine Services, in the UAE and within the free zone ecosystem suggests availability for general vessel assistance.
• Shipbuilding Support: UAQ FTZ offers licensing for businesses involved in “Ship and Boats Spare Parts and Components Trading” and supports companies in “Ship Parts Manufacturing.” While not a large-scale shipbuilding hub, the free zone’s industrial license supports manufacturing, and the strategic location near the port is advantageous for related repair and maintenance services.
• Offshore Services: UAQ FTZ offers licenses for “Oil Drilling Rigs & Equipment Trading” and “Oil and Gas Consultancy,” indicating support for businesses serving the offshore oil and gas industry. Its strategic location provides logistical advantages for supply vessel operations and equipment transfer.
• Fishing Industry: Umm Al Quwain’s economy has a strong historical base in fishing, and UAQ FTZ is a popular destination for businesses in the fisheries sector. This indicates infrastructure designed to support commercial fishing operations, likely including dedicated docks, cold storage, and distribution networks for seafood.
• Yacht Services: The emirate of Umm Al Quwain features recreational marine facilities like the Umm Al Quwain Marine Club, which offers boat berthing and related services. While not directly part of UAQ FTZ, the free zone’s proximity and business-friendly environment support companies providing maintenance, repair, and provisions for leisure crafts.
• Maritime Training: While specific dedicated maritime training centers within UAQ FTZ are not prominently highlighted, the broader UAE has established maritime academies like the Sharjah Maritime Academy, which offer comprehensive training programs. UAQ FTZ’s conducive business environment supports the establishment of companies offering specialized maritime courses.

Industry Applications

• Global Shipping and Logistics: Direct port access enables efficient handling of cargo for international import, export, and transshipment, leveraging UAQ’s position near key trade routes.
• Vessel Support and Maintenance: The strategic location and business licenses support companies providing essential marine services, including spare parts trading and potentially maintenance for various vessels.
• Oil and Gas Logistics: The free zone provides a strategic base for companies supporting offshore operations, facilitating the import and trading of specialized equipment for the energy sector.
• Fisheries and Seafood Trade: The infrastructure supports commercial fishing activities, including processing and distribution, catering to both local and international seafood markets.
• Leisure Marine Activities: The proximity to marinas and recreational facilities creates opportunities for businesses offering yacht services, maintenance, and provisions for the leisure marine industry.
• Maritime Workforce Development: The general business-friendly environment in UAQ FTZ supports the growth of maritime training providers, contributing to a skilled workforce for the broader marine industry.

Food Processing and Agriculture

Specialized Benefits:

• Food Processing Facilities: UAQ FTZ provides modern, purpose-built establishments with state-of-the-art machinery for food processing, including options for industrial licenses that allow for manufacturing, processing, and packaging of food products. This includes support for industries like flour mills, bakeries, meat processing, seafood canning, and poultry packaging, ensuring adherence to strict hygiene standards.
• Cold Storage Solutions: UAQ FTZ offers access to comprehensive temperature-controlled storage infrastructure, including options for refrigerated and cold storage warehouses. This is essential for maintaining the freshness, quality, and safety of perishable food items, supporting the growing cold chain market in the UAE (estimated at USD 2.68 billion in 2024).
• Halal Certification Support: UAQ FTZ simplifies the process for businesses to obtain official Halal certification. It provides support and guidance to ensure food products and production processes comply with Islamic dietary laws, crucial for wider market access in Muslim-majority regions.
• Food Safety Compliance: UAQ FTZ assists businesses in meeting stringent international food safety standards (like HACCP and ISO 22000). With new UAE food safety regulations effective from 2025, UAQ FTZ supports companies in adapting to a unified regulatory framework, ensuring traceability, proper labeling, and adherence to high safety standards.
• Distribution Networks: UAQ FTZ’s strategic location provides efficient logistics infrastructure and established networks for the reliable and timely distribution of food products. Its proximity to UAQ’s seaport and major international airports facilitates optimized routes and partnerships with wholesalers and retailers, both regionally and globally.

Industry Applications

• Ensure High-Quality Production: Utilize modern food processing facilities to transform raw ingredients into finished products efficiently, maintaining strict hygiene and quality control throughout the production chain.
• Preserve Product Integrity: Leverage comprehensive cold storage solutions to securely store perishable goods, ensuring freshness and safety from production to distribution, vital in the region’s climate.
• Expand Market Reach (Halal): Gain access to the growing global Halal market by ensuring products and processes comply with Islamic dietary laws and obtaining necessary certifications.
• Adhere to Stringent Safety Standards: Receive support and resources to meet evolving national and international food safety regulations, building consumer trust, and enabling smooth market entry.
• Optimize Supply Chain Efficiency: Benefit from efficient import/export services, streamlined customs, and robust distribution networks to ensure timely sourcing of raw materials and delivery of finished products to regional and global markets.

Technology and Innovation

Specialized Benefits:

• IT Infrastructure: UAQ FTZ offers a robust and cutting-edge foundation for digital operations. This includes high-speed internet, advanced telecommunications systems (including a focus on “cutting-edge operational technologies” by the UAQ Free Zone Authority), and reliable data networks. This essential backbone ensures seamless business functions and data transfer for tech companies.
• Research Facilities: While not explicitly branded as dedicated “research facilities” for technology, UAQ FTZ’s leadership expresses a vision to create a “sustainable industrial smart city” that includes “research and development (R&D) centers.” Furthermore, the free zone supports activities like “Cleanroom Systems Trading,” which are used in scientific research, indicating an environment conducive to technological investigation and advancement.
• Skilled Talent: UAQ FTZ facilitates access to a readily available and highly qualified workforce of technology professionals. The UAE actively positions itself as a global hub for tech talent, attracting software developers, engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts through initiatives like the Golden Visa. UAQ FTZ’s simplified visa processes and investor-friendly environment make it easier for tech companies to acquire and retain this crucial talent.
• Global Connectivity: UAQ FTZ emphasizes seamless global connectivity. Its strategic location, within an hour’s drive of Dubai and Sharjah International Airports and with direct access to major highways and seaports, ensures easy access to global markets. This allows for seamless international communication and collaboration, leveraging advanced networks to facilitate global team collaboration and participation in worldwide digital ecosystems.
• Digital Services: UAQ FTZ actively provides and supports various online platforms and integrated digital tools that streamline business operations. This includes digital business setup processes, online application submissions, and partnerships with digital banking solutions like Wio Bank, which offers seamless digital banking services tailored to businesses within the free zone.

Industry Applications

• Software and Application Development: Companies can leverage high-speed internet and modern office spaces to develop cutting-edge software, mobile applications, and online platforms.
• Data Analytics and AI Solutions: The robust IT infrastructure supports businesses working with large volumes of data, enabling the development of advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning solutions.
• Tech Startup Incubation and Growth: UAQ FTZ’s focus on supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs, alongside its innovation-friendly environment, provides an ideal ecosystem for tech startups to launch, develop, and scale their innovative solutions.
• Global IT Services and Consulting: The strong global connectivity allows IT companies to seamlessly offer their services to international clients, manage remote teams, and integrate into global digital value chains, providing a platform for growth in the global tech market.
• E-commerce and Digital Platforms: Businesses in the e-commerce sector can benefit from the advanced IT infrastructure and digital services for seamless online operations, payment processing, and digital marketing.

Tourism and Hospitality

Specialized Benefits:

• Tourism Infrastructure: UAQ FTZ is part of a broader emirate-wide development strategy that includes significant investment in tourism infrastructure. This encompasses modern roads, utilities, and transportation links, such as the upcoming “Downtown Umm Al Quwain,” a massive coastal city development with 11 kilometers of beachfront, new roads, and public facilities, all essential for supporting tourism operations.
• Eco-Tourism: UAQ FTZ actively supports eco-tourism initiatives. The Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology launched its first ecotrail in early 2025 within the pristine Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve. This initiative, developed in partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF, includes eco-friendly boardwalks and guided dune paths, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about the rich biodiversity. Projects like LuxeGlamp also offer luxurious, eco-friendly accommodation within the Mangrove Reserve.
• Adventure Tourism: Umm Al Quwain offers a variety of facilities and specialized services tailored for outdoor and adventure activities. The UAQ Marine Club provides water sports like kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, and sailing, alongside land activities such as high and low ropes courses and archery. Dreamland Aqua Park, one of the largest water parks in the UAE, also offers thrilling water-based adventures. Kite Beach Center is another popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking.
• Hospitality Services: UAQ FTZ supports the establishment and operation of various types of accommodation. The emirate is seeing new developments in the hospitality sector, with plans for at least four five-star hotels and resorts as part of the “Downtown Umm Al Quwain” project (unveiled in April 2025). Existing hotels like Umm Al Quwain Beach Hotel, Barracuda Beach Hotel, Vida Beach Resort, and Flamingo Beach Hotel provide a range of options for visitors.
• Event Management: UAQ FTZ supports businesses involved in event management and organization. Companies can obtain licenses for “festival management and organization,” indicating the availability of facilities and professional services for hosting conferences, conventions, exhibitions, and other events. This positions Umm Al Quwain as a destination for both business and leisure gatherings.

Industry Applications

• Develop Integrated Resorts and Attractions: Capitalize on the growing tourism infrastructure, including new coastal city developments, to establish and operate a wide range of hotels, resorts, and tourism-related businesses.
• Promote Nature-Based Experiences: Offer responsible eco-tourism activities within the emirate’s natural reserves, such as mangrove kayaking and ecotrails, attracting environmentally conscious travelers.
• Create Thrilling Adventure Packages: Develop and provide a diverse array of outdoor and water-based adventure activities, catering to a wide range of thrill-seeking tourists.
• Expand Accommodation Options: Establish and manage various hospitality offerings, from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly guesthouses, ensuring comfortable stays for a diverse influx of visitors.
• Host Major Events and Conferences: Utilize modern facilities and professional services to host local and international events, boosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism in the emirate.