SAIF-Zone differs from the numerous other Free Zones in the UAE as it is the first Airport International Free Zone. It was established in 1995 in the emirate of Sharjah and is close to Sharjah International Airport, hence the name.
Its proximity to the airport, as well as major trade routes and ports on the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf provides outstanding transport links to the Free Zone. These go throughout the UAE, to the Far East, India and the Mediterranean. The airport is gaining a reputation as a principal cargo hub and SAIF Zone is becoming increasingly beneficial for businesses trading internationally.
In addition to the transport links which provide access to a huge market of billions of consumers and the advantages of logistics that this poses, SAIF Zone offers modern developed facilities. These include features such as storage, parking, furnished offices, warehouses, and land leases with unrestricted development. Everything a business could need for operations is provided by SAIF Zone, so it is no wonder it attracts huge amounts of investment every year. There is also an accessible and efficient business environment to further facilitate companies operating there.
The infrastructure in SAIF Zone is well established and industries such as science and technology will particularly benefit from the modern facilities. The Sharjah government are aware of foreign investment and have a proactive approach to further encourage investment in the emirate and boost the economy. As a result, general expenses in Sharjah are the lowest in the UAE, including labour and living costs.
There are various advantages of setting up a company and conducting business in SAIF Zone. These include complete exemption from Corporation and Personal Income Taxes, exemption from both import and export taxes, full repatriation of capital and profits, wholly foreign owned company forms, twenty five year leases, stable currency, competitive property and management pricing, and operations all day, every day – even on Sundays.
