As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers a stable, powerful, and strategic base for businesses aiming for long-term growth and regional influence. The Emirate’s world-class free zones are highly specialized economic hubs, each tailored to specific, high-growth industries from finance and tech to media and logistics.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of the leading Abu Dhabi free zones, their specializations, and estimated 2025 costs to help you determine where to best position your company in the capital.
Abu Dhabi Free Zones at a Glance: Quick Comparison
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate starting costs and are subject to change. They can vary significantly based on the specific business activity, office requirements, and number of visas.
| Free Zone | Best For | Approx. 0-Visa License Cost | Approx. 1-Visa Package Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masdar City | Tech, Sustainability, R&D | AED 10,000 | AED 19,000 |
| twofour54 | Media, Gaming, Creatives | AED 15,000 | AED 25,000 |
| KEZAD | Industrial, Logistics, Trading | AED 14,000 | AED 22,000 |
| ADGM | Finance, Legal, FinTech | AED 25,000+ | AED 40,000+ |
Detailed Breakdown of Top Abu Dhabi Free Zones
1. Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City is a pioneering sustainable urban development and a global hub for renewable energy and cleantech. It’s a dynamic ecosystem for innovation, R&D, and technology companies.
Best For: Renewable Energy, Clean Tech, AI, Mobility, Agri-Tech, and R&D.
Typical Package Inclusions:
- Your official Business License
- Eligibility for residency visas
- Access to the “Tech Hub” with flexible office and co-working spaces
- Fast-track registration for startups and tech companies
Key Benefits: Operates within a unique “green” ecosystem, offers special startup packages, and provides access to a network of tech innovators and research partners.
Approximate Costs:
- License without visa: Starting from AED 10,000
- Package with 1 Investor Visa: Starting from AED 19,000
2. twofour54 Abu Dhabi
Named after the geographic coordinates of Abu Dhabi, twofour54 is the capital’s thriving hub for media, entertainment, and gaming, home to global brands and creative freelancers alike.
Best For: Media Production, Gaming Development, Marketing, PR, and Freelancers.
Typical Package Inclusions:
- Your specific media or service license
- Eligibility for residency visas
- Access to world-class production and post-production facilities
- Options for freelancer permits and co-working spaces
Key Benefits: A vibrant creative community, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong government support for the media industry.
Approximate Costs:
- License without visa: Starting from AED 15,000
- Package with 1 Investor Visa: Starting from AED 25,000
3. KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi)
KEZAD is one of the largest industrial and logistics hubs in the world. Directly integrated with the advanced Khalifa Port, it is built for trade, manufacturing, and large-scale industrial operations.
Best For: Logistics, Manufacturing, Industrial, Assembly, Food Processing, and General Trading.
Typical Package Inclusions:
- Your Industrial, Trading, or Service License
- Eligibility for a high volume of employee visas
- A wide range of industrial land plots and pre-built warehouses for lease
- Dual license option allowing operation in both KEZAD and Abu Dhabi Mainland
Key Benefits: Direct access to a deep-water port, streamlined customs processes, and massive-scale infrastructure designed for industry and trade.
Approximate Costs:
- License without visa: Starting from AED 14,000
- Package with 1 Investor Visa: Starting from AED 22,000
4. ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
ADGM is an award-winning international financial centre operating under its own jurisdiction based on English Common Law. It is the premier destination for financial services, FinTech, and legal firms.
Best For: Banks, FinTech, Wealth Management, Law Firms, and Professional Services.
Typical Package Inclusions:
- Registration with the ADGM authority
- Your Financial or Non-Financial Business License
- Eligibility for residency visas tied to office space
- A highly prestigious business address on Al Maryah Island
Key Benefits: Operates under an internationally recognized legal framework with its own courts, offers a 0% tax environment on a fully international standard, and is the region’s leading financial hub.
Approximate Costs:
- License without visa: Starting from AED 25,000+ (costs are highly variable)
- Package with 1 Investor Visa: Starting from AED 40,000+
How to Choose the Right Abu Dhabi Free Zone for You
Choose Masdar City if… your business is in technology, sustainability, AI, or R&D and you want to be part of an innovative ecosystem.
Choose twofour54 if… you are a media company, a game developer, or a creative freelancer looking for a vibrant community and top-tier facilities.
Choose KEZAD if… your business involves manufacturing, trading, or logistics and requires world-class port and industrial infrastructure.
Choose ADGM if… you are a financial, legal, or FinTech firm that requires an internationally recognized regulatory framework and a prestigious address.
Calculate Your Exact Abu Dhabi Business Setup Cost
Abu Dhabi’s free zones are built for strategic, long-term success. The best choice depends entirely on your industry and business plan. Use our free, interactive Cost Calculator to get a personalized, itemized quote for your chosen Abu Dhabi free zone.
