Abu Dhabi offers a diverse range of business setup options — from low-cost free zones to ADGM’s premium financial centre. Here is a complete overview of all Abu Dhabi business setup paths in 2025.
Abu Dhabi Free Zones
ADGM (Al Maryah Island): Premium financial centre (equivalent to DIFC in Dubai). Financial services, family offices, FinTech. Cost: AED 15,000–50,000+/year. Best for: financial services, funds, tech startups targeting Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth. KIZAD/KEZAD (Abu Dhabi Industrial Zone): 417 km² industrial zone adjacent to Khalifa Port. Manufacturing, logistics, aluminium, petrochemicals. Competitive industrial land rates. Best for: large-scale manufacturing and industrial businesses. Masdar City: Net-zero sustainability hub. Clean energy, green tech, IRENA-related businesses. Premium address for ESG-focused companies. Hub71: Abu Dhabi’s tech startup ecosystem with Mubadala backing. Subsidised packages for accepted startups. twofour54: Media and creative industries. Arabic content specialisation. Abu Dhabi equivalent of Dubai Media City. Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ): Aviation, cargo, and airport-related logistics. Adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Issued by: Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) through the TAMM digital platform (tamm.abudhabi). 100% foreign ownership: permitted for professional licences, most commercial licences since 2021. Key advantage: access to Abu Dhabi government tenders and ADNOC supply chain without a commercial agent. Annual cost: AED 5,000–15,000 for most professional and commercial licences.