The United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosts numerous free zones, each designed to attract foreign investments by offering various incentives such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined processes for setting up businesses. Here is a list of some of the prominent free zones and their authorities across the UAE:

Dubai

1. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)

   • Industries: Logistics, manufacturing, trade
   • Website: JAFZA

2. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

   • Industries: Commodities trade, financial services, technology
   • Website: DMCC

3. Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)

   • Industries: Technology, RD, IT
   • Website: DSOA

4. Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA)

   • Industries: Aviation, logistics, trading
   • Website: DAFZA

5. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

   • Industries: Financial services, banking, insurance
   • Website: DIFC

6. Dubai Internet City (DIC)

   • Industries: Information technology, internet services, e-commerce
   • Website: DIC

7. Dubai Media City (DMC)

   • Industries: Media, advertising, broadcasting
   • Website: DMC

8. Dubai South

   • Industries: Aviation, logistics, exhibition
   • Website: Dubai South

Abu Dhabi

1. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)

   • Industries: Manufacturing, logistics, trade
   • Website: KIZAD

2. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

   • Industries: Financial services, banking, insurance
   • Website: ADGM

3. twofour54

   • Industries: Media, entertainment, content creation
   • Website: twofour54

4. Masdar City Free Zone

   • Industries: Renewable energy, clean technology
   • Website: Masdar City

Sharjah

1. Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)

   • Industries: Industrial, trade, manufacturing
   • Website: HFZA

2. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

   • Industries: Logistics, trading, manufacturing
   • Website: SAIF Zone

Ras Al Khaimah

1. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
   • Industries: Manufacturing, trading, services
   • Website: RAKEZ

Fujairah

1. Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA)

   • Industries: Trade, logistics, manufacturing
   • Website: FFZA

2. Fujairah Creative City

   • Industries: Media, advertising, technology
   • Website: Fujairah Creative City

Ajman

1. Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA)
   • Industries: Trading, services, manufacturing
   • Website: AFZA

Umm Al Quwain

1. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)
   • Industries: Trading, manufacturing, services
   • Website: UAQ FTZ

Key Benefits of UAE Free Zones

1. 100% Foreign Ownership: Foreign investors can fully own their businesses.
2. Tax Benefits: Exemptions from corporate and personal income taxes.
3. Repatriation: Full repatriation of profits and capital.
4. Customs Benefits: Exemption from import and export duties.
5. Simplified Procedures: Streamlined registration, licensing, and administrative processes.

Steps to Establish a Business in a Free Zone

1. Choose the Free Zone: Select a free zone that aligns with your business activities.
2. Determine the Legal Structure: Decide on the type of business entity (e.g., Free Zone Establishment, Free Zone Company, Branch of a Foreign Company).
3. Submit Application: Complete the application form and submit it along with the necessary documents.
4. Obtain Licenses: Secure the required business licenses based on your activities.
5. Lease Office Space: Rent office or warehouse space as per free zone regulations.
6. Visa Processing: Apply for visas for employees and investors.

In conclusion, the UAE's free zones offer a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, providing various incentives and a business-friendly regulatory framework.