Join Abu Dhabi's R&D Hub for Sustainable Technology
Masdar City is a global hub for renewable energy, AI, and future mobility. Establish your company within a unique government-backed ecosystem designed to accelerate innovation and commercialization.
Registered Companies
1,700+
From Zayed Int'l Airport
5 Minutes
Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
0%
Foreign Ownership
100%
Year Established
2006
Abu Dhabi's Global Hub for Sustainable Innovation
Masdar City Free Zone is a pioneering special economic zone dedicated to clean technology, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development. Part of Abu Dhabi's strategic vision, it provides a unique 'living lab' ecosystem for over 1,700 companies—from startups to multinationals—to research, develop, and commercialize breakthrough technologies.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Supervising Authority
- Masdar City Free Zone Authority
- Primary Focus
- Sustainability, R&D, AI, Mobility
- Minimum Share Capital
- AED 50,000 (Proof of deposit not required for licensing)
- Annual Audit Requirement
- Required upon license renewal
- Dual License Option
- Available for mainland Abu Dhabi operations
- Corporate Structures
- FZE, FZCO, Foreign Branch
The Strategic Advantage of Masdar City
Establish your business in an ecosystem built for growth, profitability, and global impact.
Unique Innovation Ecosystem
Operate within a global R&D hub alongside world-class institutions like MBZUAI and IRENA, and access government-led clusters for SAVI (Mobility) and AGWA (Agri-Tech).
Zero Tax Framework
Benefit from 0% personal income tax and eligibility for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, maximizing your company's profitability and reinvestment potential.
Complete Business Control
Secure your investment with 100% foreign ownership and enjoy the freedom to repatriate 100% of your capital and profits without restriction.
Strategic Global Connectivity
Position your business just 5 minutes from Zayed International Airport, 20 minutes from central Abu Dhabi, and 45 minutes from Dubai for seamless logistics and client access.
Flexible Dual Licensing
Expand your market reach with the unique ability to obtain a dual license, permitting operations on both the Abu Dhabi mainland and within the free zone.
A 'Living Lab' for a Sustainable Future
Leverage the world's first carbon-neutral city as a platform to pilot, demonstrate, and commercialize your green technologies to a global audience.
Transparent Pricing for a Premium Ecosystem
Our costs reflect the value of a unique R&D hub, providing financial predictability for your entry into a world-class innovation environment.
Innovation Hub Package
Billed annually
- 1 Resident Visa(s)
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- Trade License Fee
- Establishment Card
- Flexi-Desk Facility Lease
- All one-time registration fees
Core License Package
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Trade License Registration
- Ideal for holding companies
- No visa eligibility or workspace
Custom Corporate Package
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Private Office or Light Industrial Unit
- Private Office or Light Industrial Unit
- Multi-Visa Allocation
- Tailored for established R&D teams
AED Pricing
Transparent Pricing for a Premium Ecosystem
Our costs reflect the value of a unique R&D hub, providing financial predictability for your entry into a world-class innovation environment.
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 4,600
AED 2,500
Find the Right License for Your Business
Masdar City offers a range of licenses designed to support innovators, service providers, and technology leaders.
Innovation & Tech License
Professional Services License
Commercial License
Industrial License
Freelance Permit
Permitted Business Activities
Masdar City supports a broad spectrum of activities, with a primary focus on technology and sustainable innovation.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Technology & Innovation |
| Research and Development (R&D) | Technology & Innovation |
| Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) | Technology & Innovation |
| Clean Tech & Information & Communication Technology | Renewable & Clean Energy |
| Sustainability Consultancy | Renewable & Clean Energy |
| Renewable Energy Equipment Trading | Renewable & Clean Energy |
| Biotechnology and Life Sciences Research & Development | Life Sciences |
| Medical Research | Life Sciences |
| HealthTech Solutions Development | Life Sciences |
| Management Consultancy | Professional & Consultancy |
| IT/Software Development Consultancy | Professional & Consultancy |
| Human Resources Development | Professional & Consultancy |
| Regional Head Quarters & Holding Companies | Commercial & Trading |
| E-commerce | Commercial & Trading |
| General Trading | Commercial & Trading |
Showing 1 to 15 of 18
Your Streamlined Setup Process
Launch your business in Masdar City efficiently with our clear and supportive incorporation process.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Consultation & Application Submission
Discuss your business needs with our team and submit the required documents, including your business plan and shareholder information, via our online portal.
Initial Approval & Payment
Receive your initial approval from the authority. You will then receive an invoice to complete the payment for your chosen package.
License & Legal Documents
Once payment is confirmed, the authority will issue your official trade license and company registration documents.
Immigration & Visa Processing
We will apply for your company Establishment Card, followed by the entry permits and residency visas for your team.
Who Thrives in Masdar City?
The Sustainable Tech Pioneer
Ideal for SMEs with market-ready solutions in clean energy or sustainable urban development seeking a high-profile 'living lab' to pilot and commercialize their technology.
Primary Benefit
Operate within a globally recognized, purpose-built sustainable city.
The AI & R&D Innovator
Perfect for tech startups or corporate R&D teams in AI and machine learning looking for direct access to top-tier academic talent and research partners at MBZUAI.
Primary Benefit
Unmatched proximity to a world-class AI research university.
The Future Mobility Specialist
Best suited for companies developing autonomous driving or smart mobility solutions, providing a dedicated testing ground within the government-led SAVI cluster.
Primary Benefit
Direct integration into the government-backed SAVI cluster.
The Strategic Multinational HQ
A prime choice for corporations needing a regional HQ with access to local and international markets, benefiting from a prestigious address and a dual license option.
Primary Benefit
Seamless business across Abu Dhabi with a flexible dual license.
The Agri-Tech & Water Security Entrepreneur
Designed for innovators solving food and water challenges, offering strategic alignment with national priorities via the dedicated AGWA cluster.
Primary Benefit
Fast-track growth through the government-backed AGWA cluster.
Masdar City vs. Alternatives
See how our specialized innovation ecosystem compares to other leading UAE business hubs.
| Feature Highlight | Masdar City Free Zone | Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) | Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Sustainability, R&D, AI, Mobility | Broader Technology & Electronics | International Financial Centre |
| Best For | R&D, tech piloting, 'builders' | Tech SMEs, integrated community | FinTech, Holding Companies, Law Firms |
| Unique Feature | 'Living Lab' ecosystem, Gov't Clusters | Large integrated tech park with residential | Independent Common Law Jurisdiction |
| Dual License (Mainland Access) | Yes | Yes (via DED partnership) | No (Separate jurisdiction) |
| Industrial Facilities | Light Industrial Units & Land Plots | Light Industrial Units & Warehouses | No (Office space only) |
| On-site R&D Partners | MBZUAI, IRENA | Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) | ADGM Academy (Finance focused) |
This comparison is for informational purposes and reflects our assessment of the competitive landscape. We recommend conducting your own due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Position Your Business at the Forefront of Innovation
Join over 1,700 pioneering companies in Abu Dhabi's dedicated hub for technology and sustainability. Get your personalized quote and setup plan today.
- Remote incorporation available
- Dedicated support team
- Access to government-backed clusters