Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp)
2004
800+
SEZ
Physical Address
Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
About Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp)
Focuses on developing and managing industrial zones, providing comprehensive infrastructure and support services for manufacturing and industrial companies
About Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones
Established as Abu Dhabi’s authoritative economic zones organization, Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) represents a comprehensive approach to economic zone development that prioritizes sectoral diversity, strategic specialization, and operational excellence for enterprises seeking to establish business operations with regional reach and integrated market access. Developed as a fundamental component of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy, ZonesCorp was conceptualized as a coordinated framework where diverse economic activities, industrial operations, and commercial functions are supported through purpose-built infrastructure and specialized development frameworks. The operational model follows a multi-zone approach centered on sectoral specialization and strategic distribution—creating a distinctive framework where operational flexibility, geographic advantage, and business enablement form the core value proposition for enterprises across diverse sectors and operational requirements.
What distinguishes ZonesCorp from other economic zone authorities is its emphasis on coordinated zone ecosystems that maximize strategic advantage while maintaining full operational diversity. The organization’s approach includes multiple specialized zones, distributed development areas, and comprehensive business solutions—with particular attention to sector-specific requirements, geographic optimization, and operational flexibility that support diverse business operations across multiple industries and locations. This economic foundation is complemented by a business-friendly regulatory framework designed to facilitate diverse operations, with streamlined processes for establishment, licensing, and operational compliance that address the essential requirements of organizations seeking an efficient pathway to business presence in strategic locations with regional reach.
Diverse Economic Zone Portfolio
ZonesCorp has developed a comprehensive portfolio of economic zones that supports a wide spectrum of business operations—from industrial manufacturing and logistics operations to commercial activities, worker residential developments, and specialized business functions. This integrated approach creates a dynamic environment where enterprises at various scales of operation can establish business facilities, develop operational capabilities, and build regional market presence with appropriate levels of infrastructure support and strategic positioning. The organization’s specialization extends to both sectoral focus and geographic distribution—accommodating diverse activities across manufacturing, logistics, commercial services, and various business sectors with tailored solutions that align with specific operational requirements and strategic objectives in today’s economic landscape.
The organization’s ecosystem emphasizes operational flexibility through a combination of diverse zone options, strategic locations, and business enablement. This approach creates a business-oriented environment where companies can focus on core activities while benefiting from purpose-built infrastructure and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive development planning and strategic positioning. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, facility development, operational support, and administrative facilitation that enhances the operational capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and regional market access.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the SEZ free zone
Agricultural
Agricultural and farming operations
Construction
Construction and infrastructure services
Industrial
Manufacturing and productionEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose SEZ for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Diverse Zone Portfolio
Access to a comprehensive portfolio of specialized economic zones strategically distributed across Abu Dhabi Emirate, offering diverse location options, infrastructure configurations, and operational environments tailored to specific business requirements and sectoral needs.
Strategic Abu Dhabi Locations
Prime positioning within Abu Dhabi's key economic corridors with excellent accessibility to major markets, transportation networks, and essential business facilities, providing strategic advantages for operations with regional reach.
Sector-Focused Zones
Purpose-designed economic areas with specific infrastructure, technical specifications, and operational parameters optimized for particular sectors including manufacturing, logistics, commercial services, and specialized business activities.
Business-Enabling Environment
Comprehensive ecosystem specifically designed for business excellence with specialized infrastructure, operation-oriented services, and enabling frameworks that prioritize operational efficiency and business productivity.
Flexible Facility Options
Diverse facility solutions including land plots, ready-built factories, warehousing facilities, and specialized operational environments that accommodate various business scales, operational requirements, and development needs.
Comprehensive Infrastructure
Reliable infrastructure networks providing essential utilities, services, telecommunications, and operational support with capacity and reliability designed specifically for diverse business operations and facility requirements.
Regional Market Access
Strategic positioning that facilitates efficient access to regional markets, distribution networks, and commercial centers throughout the UAE and neighboring GCC countries, enhancing market reach for products and services.
Business Clustering
Established business clusters where complementary enterprises, operational partners, and related activities are co-located to maximize operational synergies, business efficiency, and collaborative opportunities.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your business enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international companies full control over strategic direction, operational management, and business development within a globally-oriented economic environment.
Secure Tenure
Reliable land and facility tenure through established lease agreements providing operational stability, investment security, and development certainty for business projects requiring substantial infrastructure and operational facilities.
Growth Capabilities
Flexible development frameworks that accommodate business expansion, operational growth, and increased capacity allowing enterprises to align facility development with business evolution and market demand.
Worker Residential Cities
Access to comprehensive worker residential developments in close proximity to economic zones, providing quality accommodation for operational staff, technical personnel, and support workers with comprehensive amenities and transportation connections.
Environmental Management Systems
Established infrastructure and technical support for environmental management including waste handling facilities, emissions control systems, and environmental compliance frameworks that facilitate regulatory adherence for business operations.
Operational Support Services
Comprehensive business support services including administrative assistance, regulatory guidance, operational facilitation, and specialized business support that enhance operational efficiency and business effectiveness.
Business Community
Integration within an established community of business enterprises, operational entities, and commercial specialists creating opportunities for business collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 33-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp)
Business Consultation
1-2 days
Engage with ZonesCorp business development specialists to discuss your operational objectives, facility requirements, and business needs. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the zone infrastructure and identifies the optimal approach for your specific business operations.
Zone Selection
2-5 days
Identify the most appropriate ZonesCorp economic zone for your business based on your operational requirements, sector focus, location preferences, and strategic objectives, ensuring optimal positioning for your specific activities.
Operational Feasibility Assessment
5-10 days
Conduct a preliminary feasibility assessment of your proposed business operation to ensure alignment with the selected zone's infrastructure capabilities, utility availability, and operational parameters, identifying any specialized requirements or technical considerations.
Site Visit & Zone Tour
1 day
Visit the selected ZonesCorp zone to assess available locations, evaluate infrastructure, understand logistics connections, and identify the optimal positioning for your specific business operation within the various specialized areas.
License Category Selection
2-3 days
Determine the most appropriate license category based on your specific business activities, operational focus, and strategic objectives, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your operations.
Company Name Reservation
3-5 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Business Plan Development
7-15 days
Prepare a comprehensive business plan detailing your operational strategy, business processes, facility requirements, equipment specifications, utility needs, logistics requirements, and growth projections specific to your ZonesCorp operations.
Facility Requirements Specification
5-10 days
Develop detailed specifications for your facility including land area requirements, building specifications, utility demands, infrastructure needs, and specialized features necessary for your business operations.
Initial Application Submission
3-5 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with ZonesCorp Authority.
Technical Review Meeting
1-2 days
Participate in technical review sessions with ZonesCorp specialists to evaluate your business processes, operational requirements, facility specifications, and technical parameters for feasibility and compliance assessment.
Document Submission
3-7 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, business specifications, technical requirements, and operational details through the ZonesCorp application portal.
Application Review
7-15 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by ZonesCorp authorities who evaluate business viability, technical feasibility, infrastructure requirements, and alignment with the zone's development strategy.
Preliminary Approval
3-7 days
Receive preliminary approval for your business project in ZonesCorp, confirming eligibility to proceed with detailed planning and facility development for your specific activities.
Lease Agreement Negotiation
5-10 days
Negotiate and finalize the land lease agreement or pre-built facility lease specifying terms, conditions, development requirements, and operational parameters for your business premises.
Capital Commitment Confirmation
3-7 days
Provide documentation confirming the commitment of required capital for your business project, meeting the investment requirements for your specific operation and facility development.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, land reservation fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1-2 days
Formally execute the lease agreement for land or pre-built facilities, establishing the legal framework for your business premises in ZonesCorp.
License Issuance
3-7 days
Receive your ZonesCorp business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the economic zone for specified business activities and operational functions.
Detailed Design Development
15-30 days
For land plots - develop detailed architectural and engineering designs for your facility including building plans, operational layouts, utility systems, and technical specifications in accordance with ZonesCorp building regulations.
Design Approval
7-15 days
For land plots - submit facility designs for review and approval by ZonesCorp planning department and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and operational regulations.
Construction Permitting
7-15 days
For land plots - obtain necessary construction permits, building approvals, and development authorizations from relevant authorities to commence facility construction.
Facility Construction/Preparation
60-180 days
For land plots - undertake construction of your facility according to approved designs and specifications. For pre-built facilities - prepare the premises for your specific operational requirements and equipment installation.
Utility Connections
10-20 days
Establish connections to essential utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and other required services according to your operational specifications and consumption requirements.
Equipment Installation
10-30 days
Install business equipment, operational machinery, technical systems, and specialized tools required for your operations according to your operational layout and technical specifications.
Environmental Compliance Certification
7-15 days
Obtain necessary environmental permits, compliance certifications, and operational approvals from environmental authorities based on your specific business activities and environmental impact.
Health & Safety Compliance
7-15 days
Implement required health and safety systems, emergency procedures, and workplace safety measures in compliance with safety regulations and ZonesCorp requirements.
Operational Readiness Inspection
3-5 days
Undergo facility inspection and operational readiness assessment by relevant authorities to verify compliance with building codes, safety standards, environmental requirements, and operational regulations.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-7 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, technical specialists, operational staff, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
7-15 days
Begin processing employment visas for your management team, technical specialists, operational workers, and support personnel according to your visa allocation and operational requirements.
Bank Account Opening
7-15 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Abu Dhabi, facilitating financial operations for your business including operational funding, transaction processing, and expense management.
Operational Testing
5-10 days
Conduct trial operations, system testing, equipment calibration, and operational verification to ensure all business processes and technical systems function according to specifications.
Operational Certification
5-10 days
Obtain final operational certificates, business approvals, and activity authorizations from relevant regulatory authorities specific to your business sector and operational activities.
Commencement of Operations
1-3 days
Launch your business operations, commercial activities, and operational processes following completion of all setup requirements, regulatory approvals, and operational certifications.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (6 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Business plan
Comprehensive business plan outlining your operational strategy, business approach, development framework, and growth projections specific to your activities in ZonesCorp zones, with particular attention to your business methodology and operational requirements.
Permitted Activities
Manufacturing Operations
Establishment and operation of production facilities, manufacturing plants, industrial processing units, and fabrication operations for various products, components, and materials
Light Manufacturing
Production of consumer goods, finished products, specialized items, and manufactured components through assembly operations, processing activities, and production processes of moderate scale and intensity
Food Processing
Production, packaging, processing, and manufacturing of food products, beverages, nutritional items, and consumable goods through various industrial food preparation techniques
Building Materials Production
Manufacturing of construction materials, building components, structural elements, and related products for the construction industry through various industrial processes
Metal Processing
Processing, fabrication, treatment, and manufacturing of metal products, components, structures, and specialized items through various metallurgical and production techniques
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates