ZonesCorp
Attracting Industrial FDI
Interview with HE Mohamed H. Al Qamzi,
Chief Executive of the Higher Corporation
For Specialized Economic Zones
Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030
Mohamed H. Al Qamzi is Chief Executive of the
Higher Corporation For Specialized Economic
Zones, better known as “ZonesCorp”. The
organisation plays a major role in driving innovation
and economic diversification.
FDI can be beneficial for the economy as a whole,
as it brings with it know-how and expertise that
can trigger further economic growth. Additional
work will be done to improve the investment
facilitation process, by developing one-stop shops.
Abu Dhabi is looking to attract more strategic FDI,
According to the chief executive, “Our ability to
cluster specific industrial groups together throughout
our developments, means that we save money for
companies that establish within the zones. The
infrastructure that serves each cluster is specifically
tailored to that cluster’s needs. All logistics are well
catered for.”
to encourage export-orientated industries and
improve the know-how and competitiveness of the
Emirate.
The Government has led initiatives to enhance the
international investor perception about the local
business environment.
ZonesCorp is the government backed agency
responsible for the establishment, management and
operation of specialised economic zones in Abu
Dhabi.
According to its own literature, ZonesCorp’s remit is to
“empower [Abu Dhabi] to develop its infrastructure and to
enable the business environment to reshape the Emirate’s
economic landscape through the implementation of
targeted industrialisation and investment programmes.”
It also serves as the licensing authority for all industrialised
activity in Abu Dhabi and plays a pivotal role in strategy and
policy setting in line with Vision 2030.
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Central to this is a strategy of industrial clusters
which Mohamed H. Al Qamzi, Chief Executive
of ZonesCorp describes as “a critical factor in the
attractiveness of Abu Dhabi for any investor”.
The corporation’s zones, ICAD (Industrial City Abu
Dhabi) numbers 1,2,3 & 4 ( and a 5th in the pipeline)
are located around Mussafah on the city’s outskirts.
They are complimented by the existence of Workers
Residential Cities, providing accomodation for the
manpower of the industrial zones.
Al Ain Industrial City is also operated under the
auspices of ZonesCorp and serves as part of Vision
2030’s ongoing commitment to Al Ain, (the Emirate’s
second city) and the outlying regions.
ZonesCorp was created in 2004 by a decree from
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The
organisation serves as one of the first ports of call for
an industrial investor in the Emirate.
Operating through Public-Private Partnership
management structures, ZonesCorp can leverage
“off an enhanced financial capability” and provide
“services to facilitate investors”.