Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ)

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ)

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) is strategically located adjacent to the Port of Fujairah, providing companies with easy access to all Arabian Gulf ports, the Red Sea, Iran, India, and Pakistan via weekly feeder vessels. Mainline services from Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Far East, and North America arrive weekly, with departures to the Far East twice a week and to North America once a week. The zone is also close to Fujairah International Airport, the only airport serving the UAE East Coast and northern Oman.

Strategic Advantages

FFZ benefits from a unique combination of geographic location, access to major shipping routes, a fine port, and an airport, coupled with streamlined procedures, making it an ideal place for business. The triple advantage of Accessibility, Connectivity, and Economy (ACE) further enhances its appeal.

Accessibility

Investors benefit from the accessibility and personal touch of the FFZ staff and management.

Connectivity

FFZ offers a unique logistic link to the world through:

• Air: Fujairah International Airport
• Sea: Fujairah Sea Port
• Road: Connections to the Middle East and beyond

Economy

Investors benefit from faster transactions due to shorter delivery times, cheaper tariffs, minimum startup time, and reduced establishment expenses. Licenses can be issued within one working day, making FFZ a cost-effective investment proposition.

Advantages

• Multi-access: Access to neighboring and global markets by land, sea, and air.
• Variety of investment fields: Diverse opportunities for investors.
• Investor-oriented policies: Policies designed to facilitate investments efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Full investment security: Ensured by the regulatory framework.
• Served by Fujairah Port and Fujairah International Airport: Enhancing logistic capabilities.

Licensing and Ownership

Investors can obtain up to 100% ownership operational licenses under different categories based on their lease agreements with the authority.

License Categories

Trading & General Trading License

Allows import, export, and re-export of specified commodities, facilitating operations within the Free Zone and outside the UAE. Special permits for local distribution can be arranged.

Warehousing License

Available upon leasing warehousing facilities, this license allows the use of warehouses for distribution, storage, and packaging of goods.

Manufacturing License

Granted upon approval and implementation of a project, requiring insurance for manpower and machinery. Approvals depend on identifying:

• Area requirements (built-up and open space)
• Electricity, water, and manpower needs
• Environmental aspects

Types of Ownership

New Business Entities

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A sole owner entity.
• Free Zone Company (FZC): An entity owned by 2 to 5 partners.

Branches

New business entities can establish branches of UAE-resident companies or foreign companies. Required documents include:

• Board Resolution of the Parent Company
• Memorandum of Articles attested by the UAE Embassy of the parent company
• Valid operating license of the parent company
• Passport copies of directors, shareholders, and the person in charge, along with two photographs

Conclusion

Fujairah Free Zone’s strategic location, excellent connectivity, and investor-friendly policies make it a prime destination for businesses looking to establish a presence in the region. With multiple access points to global markets and efficient investment facilitation, FFZ offers a compelling proposition for investors.

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