Established in 1988, the Ajman Free Zone was based upon a structure of scientific techniques. It has only recently seen significant growth in its economy and industry, thanks to the boom of the UAE as a whole. When the Ajman Free Zone Authority was formed in 1996, industrial activity has prospered as a result of their investment and encouragement of investors into the region.
Geographically situated at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf, the Ajman Free Zone is strategically placed within the UAE. It has the capability to access both eastern and western markets, as well as having good transport links being close to Sharjah and Dubai who boast two international airports and four ports between them. Ajman’s own port is great in its own right, with twelve berths and over 1000 vessels docking there annually. Additionally there are plans for a major development of Ajman’s ports to advance its facilities even further.
Other advantages that Ajman boasts include a modern infrastructure, good availability of raw materials, and low living and labour costs. Cost effectiveness is a great advantage of the UAE as a whole, but is particularly beneficial in Ajman. The Free Zone offers low rental prices, modern and advanced infrastructure, huge and cheap workforce, cheap energy, and exemption from import and export duties. Ajman’s industrial sector is particularly strong, with over 250 companies making up 20% of the UAE total. Goods from industries such as metal, timber, food, textile, chemicals and plastics are exported in huge numbers, contributing to the huge industrial growth of the Free Zone.
As with many UAE Free Zones, the corporate benefits of setting up a company in the Ajman Free Zone include no Corporate Tax, no Personal Income Tax, complete foreign ownership, and full repatriation of capital and profits.
