Masdar City Free Zone
2006
1K+
MSC
Physical Address
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
About Masdar City Free Zone
A pioneering sustainable urban community focused on clean technology, renewable energy, and innovation, offering a unique ecosystem for companies in sustainability sectors
About Masdar City Free Zone
Established as Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable development, Masdar City Free Zone represents an innovative and comprehensive approach to business environment creation that prioritizes sustainability integration, knowledge economy advancement, and innovation enablement for enterprises seeking to establish operations with global relevance and future-focused positioning. Developed as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and sustainability strategy, Masdar City was conceptualized as a living laboratory where sustainable business practices, clean technology development, and knowledge-intensive activities are supported through purpose-built infrastructure and forward-thinking frameworks. The operational model follows a sustainability-centered approach focused on innovation facilitation and knowledge creation—establishing a distinctive framework where environmental responsibility, technological advancement, and business excellence form the core value proposition for enterprises across diverse sectors and operational requirements.
What distinguishes Masdar City Free Zone from other business environments is its emphasis on integrated sustainability ecosystems that maximize innovation potential while maintaining full operational efficiency. The zone’s approach includes specialized business clusters, sustainable infrastructure, and comprehensive support solutions—with particular attention to clean technology requirements, research facilitation, and innovation enablement that support diverse business operations across multiple knowledge-intensive sectors. This foundation is complemented by a business-friendly regulatory framework designed to facilitate sustainable 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 a globally-recognized sustainability hub.
Integrated Sustainability Ecosystem
Masdar City Free Zone has developed into a comprehensive ecosystem that supports a wide spectrum of business operations—from clean technology development and renewable energy enterprises to sustainability consulting, research institutions, and knowledge-intensive businesses. This integrated approach creates a dynamic environment where enterprises at various scales of operation can establish business facilities, develop innovation capabilities, and build global market connections with appropriate levels of infrastructure support and ecosystem integration. The zone’s specialization extends to both sustainability focus and innovation potential—accommodating diverse activities across clean energy, green building, sustainable mobility, water technologies, artificial intelligence, and various knowledge sectors with tailored solutions that align with specific operational requirements and strategic objectives in today’s sustainability-focused business landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes innovation enablement through a combination of sustainable infrastructure, knowledge networks, and collaborative frameworks. This approach creates a forward-thinking environment where companies can focus on core innovation activities while benefiting from purpose-built facilities 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 provision, innovation support, and administrative facilitation that enhances the operational capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and global market access.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the MSC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
Education
Educational institutions and training
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industriesEach 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 MSC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Masdar City Free Zone a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Sustainable Urban Environment
Operations within a purpose-designed sustainable city that integrates cutting-edge green building principles, renewable energy systems, resource efficiency technologies, and environmental best practices creating an optimal environment for sustainability-focused businesses.
Innovation Ecosystem
Access to a comprehensive innovation network including research institutions, technology developers, sustainability experts, and knowledge-intensive enterprises creating unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation advancement.
Clean Technology Focus
Specialized infrastructure and support systems optimized for clean technology development, sustainability innovation, renewable energy advancement, and environmental solutions creating an ideal environment for green business development.
Knowledge Economy Integration
Strategic positioning within Abu Dhabi's knowledge economy development with direct connections to research institutions, innovation initiatives, educational facilities, and technology development programs enhancing intellectual capital and innovation potential.
Global Sustainability Network
Connection to international sustainability networks, global green business initiatives, worldwide research collaborations, and multinational environmental programs providing exceptional access to global markets, partnerships, and knowledge resources.
Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Operations within an environment powered by renewable energy systems, clean power generation, and sustainable utility networks reducing environmental impact while demonstrating commitment to sustainable business practices.
Smart City Integration
Incorporation within an advanced smart city framework featuring integrated technology systems, data-driven management, IoT infrastructure, and intelligent urban solutions creating opportunities for smart technology applications and digital innovation.
Resource Efficiency Systems
Access to advanced resource management systems including energy optimization technologies, water conservation infrastructure, waste minimization programs, and circular economy initiatives reducing operational costs and environmental footprint.
Sustainable Mobility Solutions
Integration with innovative transportation systems including electric vehicle infrastructure, autonomous transport pilots, shared mobility options, and sustainable logistics solutions enhancing accessibility while reducing environmental impact.
Green Building Environment
Operations within facilities designed according to world-class green building standards featuring energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, healthy indoor environments, and resource-conscious design enhancing workplace quality and environmental performance.
Research & Development Facilities
Access to specialized research infrastructure, testing facilities, laboratory spaces, and development environments supporting innovation activities, technology advancement, and knowledge creation across multiple disciplines.
Talent Pool Access
Proximity to specialized talent including sustainability experts, clean technology specialists, research professionals, and innovation leaders through connections with educational institutions, research centers, and knowledge organizations.
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 free zone environment.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, full repatriation of capital and profits, exemption from import and export duties, and absence of currency restrictions enhancing financial performance and investment returns.
Sustainability Brand Association
Valuable association with Masdar City's globally recognized sustainability brand, enhancing corporate reputation, environmental credentials, and market positioning for businesses committed to sustainable development and green innovation.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 32-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Masdar City Free Zone
Sustainability Consultation
1-2 days
Engage with Masdar City Free Zone specialists to discuss your business objectives, sustainability alignment, and facility needs. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can integrate with the sustainable ecosystem and identifies the optimal approach for your specific operations.
Sustainability Alignment Assessment
3-7 days
Conduct a preliminary assessment of your proposed business operation to ensure alignment with Masdar City's sustainability principles, resource efficiency standards, and environmental parameters, identifying integration opportunities and optimization potential.
Site Visit & City Tour
1 day
Visit Masdar City to experience the sustainable urban environment, assess available facilities, understand the innovation ecosystem, and identify the optimal positioning for your specific business operation within the various specialized areas.
License Category Selection
1-2 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
2-4 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.
Sustainable Business Plan Development
5-10 days
Prepare a comprehensive business plan detailing your operational strategy, sustainability approach, innovation framework, facility requirements, and growth projections specific to your Masdar City Free Zone operations.
Facility Selection
3-7 days
Identify and select the optimal facility solution for your business including office space, research facilities, retail units, or flexible workspace options based on your operational requirements and growth projections.
Resource Efficiency Planning
5-10 days
Develop detailed resource efficiency plans addressing energy consumption, water usage, waste management, and sustainable operational practices aligned with Masdar City's environmental standards and sustainability objectives.
Initial Application Submission
1-3 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with Masdar City Free Zone Authority.
Sustainability Review Meeting
1-2 days
Participate in review sessions with Masdar City specialists to evaluate your business model, operational approach, sustainability alignment, and innovation potential for integration within the sustainable city ecosystem.
Document Submission
2-5 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, business specifications, sustainability commitments, and operational details through the Masdar City Free Zone application portal.
Application Review
5-10 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by Masdar City Free Zone authorities who evaluate business viability, sustainability alignment, innovation potential, and integration with the zone's development strategy.
Preliminary Approval
2-5 days
Receive preliminary approval for your business project in Masdar City Free Zone, confirming eligibility to proceed with detailed planning and facility preparation for your specific activities.
Lease Agreement Negotiation
3-7 days
Negotiate and finalize the facility lease agreement specifying terms, conditions, operational parameters, and sustainability requirements for your business premises within Masdar City.
Capital Commitment Confirmation
2-5 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, facility reservation fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected facility, establishing the legal framework for your business premises in Masdar City Free Zone.
License Issuance
2-5 days
Receive your Masdar City Free Zone business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and operational functions.
Facility Preparation
10-30 days
Prepare your leased facility for your specific operational requirements including interior design, workspace configuration, technical setup, and specialized installations according to your business needs.
Sustainable Fit-Out
15-45 days
Implement sustainable interior solutions, energy-efficient systems, resource-conscious design elements, and eco-friendly materials in accordance with Masdar City's green building standards and sustainability requirements.
Utility Connections
5-10 days
Establish connections to essential utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and other required services according to your operational specifications and consumption requirements.
Equipment Installation
7-20 days
Install business equipment, operational technology, technical systems, and specialized tools required for your operations according to your operational layout and technical specifications.
Sustainability Compliance Verification
3-7 days
Undergo verification of your facility's compliance with Masdar City's sustainability standards, resource efficiency requirements, and environmental parameters based on your specific business activities.
Health & Safety Compliance
5-10 days
Implement required health and safety systems, emergency procedures, and workplace safety measures in compliance with safety regulations and Masdar City requirements.
Operational Readiness Inspection
1-3 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
2-5 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
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your management team, technical specialists, operational personnel, and support staff according to your visa allocation and operational requirements.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 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.
Ecosystem Integration
Ongoing
Establish connections with relevant partners, research institutions, innovation networks, and collaborative platforms within the Masdar City ecosystem to maximize synergies and development opportunities.
Operational Testing
3-7 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
3-7 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
1-2 days
Launch your business operations, innovation 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, sustainability approach, innovation framework, and growth projections specific to your activities in Masdar City Free Zone, with particular attention to your sustainability alignment and knowledge-based activities.
Permitted Activities
Clean Technology Development
Research, development, and commercialization of clean technologies, sustainable solutions, environmental innovations, and eco-friendly systems for various applications and market segments
Renewable Energy Solutions
Development, implementation, and management of renewable energy systems, clean power solutions, alternative energy technologies, and sustainable energy applications
Energy Efficiency Services
Provision of energy optimization services, efficiency consulting, consumption reduction solutions, and related services for improving energy performance in various applications
Sustainable Architecture
Architectural design services focused on sustainable building principles, green construction methodologies, eco-friendly design approaches, and environmentally responsible development
Green Building Consulting
Consulting services for sustainable construction, green building certification, environmental design, and related advisory services for the built environment
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates