What the Abu Dhabi Investment Office ( ADIO ) can do for you
ADIO is an affiliate of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development ( ADDED ) and offers support to investors and businesses of all sizes so they can achieve success in the region .
ADIO provides data on the local economy and and can connect innovation-focused companies to the Abu Dhabi ecosystem and relevant investment opportunities .
The office can also help with licensing and permits and provide advice on laws and regulations . Its experts are also able to help investors tap into sources of local talent , as well as obtain residency visas for international workers .
Incorporating a business in the UAE is straightforward and can be onshore ( UAE mainland ) or offshore ( one of five free zones ).
A company registered on the mainland can perform activities across the entirety of the UAE . This includes conducting business with federal and local governmental bodies without the involvement of a local commercial agent or national agent .
Incorporation in the five free zones offers benefits including full foreign ownership as well as full repatriation of profits and capital . There are zero taxes for 15 years and import and export of goods in free zones is exempt from customs duties . One such example is Abu Dhabi Global Market ( ADGM ), a financial free zone on Al Maryah Island .
Other free zones include Masdar City Free Zone , which focuses on clean energy technology and renewable energy , and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi ( KIZAD ) located in the Al Taweela area . It offers a world-class transportation infrastructure and its main focus sectors are industrial , trading logistics , FB and pharmaceuticals .
Twofour54 , set up in 2008 , is a free zone specialising in media and creative companies , including gaming companies .
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone ( ADAFZ ) is a business park near the International Airport offering warehousing and logistical services and commercial offices .
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