Deciding between KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) for your UAE company? This side-by-side comparison breaks down costs, visa quotas, setup time, and banking ease so you can make an informed decision.
- KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026
- Quick Verdict
- KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — Full Comparison Table
- When to Choose KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi)
- When to Choose Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
- 3-Year Cost Deep Dive
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) (AED 8,000)
- Fastest setup: KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) (14 business days)
- Easiest banking: KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi)
- Best 3-year value: KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) (saves AED 35,800)
KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) | Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 8,000 | AED 21,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 7,000 | AED 18,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 4,000 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | Flexi |
| Setup Time | 14 days | 14 days |
| Banking Ease | Moderate | Challenging |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 25,200 | AED 61,000 |
When to Choose KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi)
KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 13,000 cheaper in year 1. It is best suited to entrepreneurs and solo founders looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE.
When to Choose Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) wins if a well-established free zone brand is your priority. It suits businesses whose primary clients are international and who can work around the longer bank account opening process.
3-Year Cost Deep Dive
Year 1 costs include the licence fee and first visa. Years 2 and 3 use the renewal rate. Over 3 years with 1 visa:
- KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi): AED 25,200 (Year 1: 8,000 + Year 2: 7,000 + Year 3: 7,000 + Visa: 3,200)
- Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ): AED 61,000 (Year 1: 21,000 + Year 2: 18,000 + Year 3: 18,000 + Visa: 4,000)
KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) saves AED 35,800 over 3 years. For multiple visas, multiply the visa cost by the number of people you need to sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate from both KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) simultaneously?
You can set up separate companies in both zones simultaneously, which some business groups do for different activities or for liability separation. However, each company has its own licence fees and visa costs. Most solo founders and small teams are better served by choosing one zone.
Which zone is better if I need to open a UAE bank account quickly?
KEZAD Group (Abu Dhabi) has a lower banking difficulty score, meaning it is generally easier to open a UAE business bank account as a licensee of this zone. For the fastest bank account opening, also consider using Wio Business or Mashreq Neo Biz, which have lower barriers for new free zone companies.
Is the setup process significantly different between the two zones?
Both zones have a similar setup timeline. The difference of 0 day(s) is minimal — actual timelines depend on document readiness and the free zone’s current application volume.
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