Build Your Innovation Business in Masdar City Free Zone
Start from AED 7,000 in Abu Dhabi's sustainability and technology hub. Over 2,000 companies from 90+ countries. 100% ownership, 0% tax on qualifying income, and a 5 day setup process.
Registered Companies
2,000+
Countries Represented
90+
Occupancy Rate
99%
Setup Time
5 Days
About Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone is Abu Dhabi's dedicated hub for sustainability, clean technology, and innovation. Located just five minutes from Zayed International Airport, the zone operates within a 6 sq km sustainable urban development built around LEED Platinum certified buildings and net zero energy initiatives. Over 2,000 companies from more than 90 countries are registered here, making it one of the UAE's fastest growing business communities. The free zone is owned by Mubadala Investment Company and operates six specialized clusters covering AI, clean technology, life sciences, agritech, smart mobility, and space technology.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Location
- Masdar City, Abu Dhabi (5 min from Zayed International Airport)
- Established
- 2006
- Owner
- Mubadala Investment Company
- Total Area
- 6 sq km
- Registered Companies
- 2,000+ from 90+ countries
- Occupancy Rate
- 99% (2025)
- License Types
- Commercial, Service/Professional, Industrial
- Minimum Share Capital
- AED 50,000 (FZ-LLC), None for branches
Why Choose Masdar City Free Zone
A purpose built innovation ecosystem with world class infrastructure and competitive entry pricing
100% Foreign Ownership
Keep full control of your business. No local partner or sponsor required. You own everything.
0% Tax on Qualifying Income
Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Zero personal income tax. Zero import duties.
Innovation Ecosystem
Work alongside 2,000+ companies, MBZUAI (world's first AI university), and The Catalyst clean tech accelerator. This is where ideas become real products.
LEED Platinum Infrastructure
Operate in some of the world's most sustainable buildings. Net zero energy design, smart building systems, and a living laboratory for testing new technologies.
5 Day Business Setup
Get your license in as few as 5 working days. The One Stop Shop handles everything from registration to visa processing through a single digital portal.
Strategic Airport Location
Just 5 minutes from Zayed International Airport, 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, and 45 minutes from Dubai. Easy access to regional and global markets.
Flexible Workspace from AED 2,000
Start with a flexi desk from AED 2,000 per year and scale to dedicated desks, private offices, or custom labs as your team grows.
Full Profit Repatriation
Transfer 100% of your capital and profits out of the UAE. No currency controls, no repatriation limits, no restrictions.
Packages and Pricing
Transparent pricing with packages for every stage of business growth
Women Entrepreneurship Program
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Trade license
- Up to 4 activities
- Exclusive for women founders
Startup Package (License Only)
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Trade license
- Up to 3 activities
- No workspace included
Business One Package
Billed annually
- 1 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi desk lease
- Trade license
- Up to 3 activities
- Flexi desk lease
- Establishment card
- E-channel registration
- 1 visa with processing
Enterprise Package
Billed annually
- 3 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi desk lease
- Trade license
- Up to 5 activities
- Flexi desk lease
- Establishment card
- E-channel registration
- 3 visas with processing
- PRO services
AED Pricing
Packages and Pricing
Transparent pricing with packages for every stage of business growth
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
One-Time Fees
AED 11,200
AED 6,350
License Types Available
Masdar City Free Zone offers sector focused licensing across innovation and sustainability industries
Commercial License
Service / Professional License
Industrial License
Innovation License
Popular Business Activities
Six specialized clusters covering the technologies that matter most
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Machine Learning Development | Artificial Intelligence |
| AI Research and Development | Artificial Intelligence |
| Data Analytics Services | Artificial Intelligence |
| Computer Vision Solutions | Artificial Intelligence |
| Natural Language Processing | Artificial Intelligence |
| Solar Energy Systems | Clean Technology |
| Energy Storage Solutions | Clean Technology |
| Smart Grid Technology | Clean Technology |
| Carbon Management | Clean Technology |
| Water Efficiency Technology | Clean Technology |
| Biomedical Research | Life Sciences |
| Healthcare Technology | Life Sciences |
| Pharmaceutical Development | Life Sciences |
| Medical Devices | Life Sciences |
| Clinical Research Services | Life Sciences |
Showing 1 to 15 of 30
How to Set Up Your Business
A straightforward 5 step process through the One Stop Shop
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Reserve Your Company Name
Submit your proposed company name through the e-services portal and pay the AED 2,000 reservation fee. The authority coordinates approval with Abu Dhabi DED. This usually takes about 1 day.
Submit Documents
Upload your passport copies, business plan, and any required corporate documents. The authority reviews everything and prepares your legal documents including your Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Sign Your Lease
Choose your workspace type, whether that is a flexi desk, dedicated desk, or private office. Sign the lease agreement and complete all fee payments for registration and licensing.
Receive Your License
Sign your final legal documents. The authority issues your trade license and Certificate of Registration through the e-services platform. You are now officially licensed.
Process Visas
Apply for your Immigration Establishment Card and e-Channel registration. Process employment visas including medical fitness tests and Emirates ID applications. The One Stop Shop handles the coordination.
Who Is Masdar City Free Zone For
Clean Tech Startups
If you are building solutions in renewable energy, carbon management, water efficiency, or environmental technology, Masdar City is literally built for you. Access The Catalyst accelerator, R&D lab space, and a network of sustainability focused companies.
Primary Benefit
The Catalyst accelerator and venture investment
AI and Data Companies
Masdar City is home to MBZUAI, the world's first graduate level AI university. If you work in machine learning, computer vision, NLP, or data analytics, you will find a community of researchers and companies already operating here. MBZUAI graduates get 50% off licensing.
Primary Benefit
MBZUAI proximity and 50% graduate discount
Women Entrepreneurs
The dedicated Women Entrepreneurship Program offers entry from AED 6,000 with up to 4 business activities. It is one of the most affordable ways for women founders to get a UAE business license.
Primary Benefit
Dedicated program from AED 6,000
R&D Branch Offices
Multinationals establishing a Middle East research hub will find LEED Platinum lab facilities, no minimum share capital for branches, and direct access to Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem.
Primary Benefit
No share capital for branches, LEED Platinum labs
Sustainability Consultants
ESG advisory firms, sustainability reporting consultants, and clean energy transition advisors benefit from operating at the UAE's most recognized sustainability address. The credibility of a Masdar City address speaks for itself.
Primary Benefit
Premier sustainability credibility and networking
How MCFZ Compares
Side by side comparison with other Abu Dhabi and UAE free zones
| Feature Highlight | Feature | Masdar City Free Zone | Dubai Silicon Oasis | KEZAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Package | AED 6,000 | AED 12,750 | AED 9,450 | - |
| Focus Sectors | AI, Clean Tech, Life Sciences | Technology, Startups | Industrial, Logistics | - |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% | - |
| Tax on Qualifying Income | 0% | 0% | 0% | - |
| Setup Time | 5 days | 5 to 7 days | 5 to 7 days | - |
| Flexi Desk From | AED 2,000/yr | AED 8,000/yr | N/A (shared workstation) | - |
| Visa Per Desk | 1 to 3 | 1 to 3 | 1 | - |
| Accelerator Program | The Catalyst (Masdar + bp) | DTEC | None | - |
| Sustainability Certified | LEED Platinum | Standard | Standard | - |
Pricing and features reflect publicly available data as of April 2026. Contact each free zone for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Business in Masdar City?
Join 2,000+ companies in the UAE's fastest growing innovation hub. Get your license in 5 days.
- 100% foreign ownership, no local partner needed
- 0% tax on qualifying income
- License issued in 5 working days
- Packages starting from AED 6,000