Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)

Free Zones offer a streamlined approach to business setup, particularly for foreign investors. These designated areas provide specialized ecosystems, such as tech hubs or financial districts (e.g., ADGM, DIFC), with benefits like reduced customs duties and tailored support services. However, free zone entities may face limitations, such as restricted local operations, ineligibility for government tenders, and potential challenges with visa quotas and office space.

For more details on free zone setups and to explore a list of 40+ free zones in the UAE, visit: Free Zone Company Setup in UAE.

Both Free Zone and Mainland licenses support local operations. Mainland licenses, however, are crucial for businesses seeking access to government tenders and a wider range of activities. Recent reforms now permit 100% foreign ownership in specific mainland sectors, offering greater flexibility and full access to the UAE market.

Free Zone licenses, by contrast, are tailored to specialized industries, providing unique benefits such as simplified setup processes, cost-efficiency, and access to business-focused communities. The best choice depends on your business goals and operational needs.

Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) offers legal structures to support manufacturing, industrial, and logistics businesses:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): A separate legal entity with one or more shareholders.
• Branch of a Local Company: A branch of a company already registered in the UAE.
• Branch of a Foreign Company: A branch of a company incorporated outside the UAE.

The selection of a legal structure should align with your industrial and operational requirements.

To establish a business in ICAD, the following documents are typically required:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or tenancy contract)
• Completed application form
• Business activity description
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (for corporate entities)
• Certificate of Incorporation or Trade License (for branches)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a current sponsor (if applicable)

Additional documentation may be required depending on the business activity and legal structure selected.

Opening a business bank account for your company is simple with DocuBay. We assist you in navigating the process and connecting with trusted banking partners to find the right solution for your business needs.

Learn more here: Bank Account Opening Services.

DocuBay brings every critical workflow into one secure dashboard, so you no longer juggle multiple portals or deadlines. The platform:

• Manages the full license lifecycle issuing, renewing, and amending trade or professional licenses while AI checks prevent costly errors.
• Handles core legal services-drafting and reviewing contracts, routing documents for notarization or certified translation, and coordinating attestations through accredited partners.
• Keeps you continuously compliant-auto-populating tasks for Permits, UBO, VAT, and corporate tax, then sending smart reminders and live alerts so filings are never missed.

With DocuBay, you get a single source of truth, real-time status tracking, and on-demand expert support everything you need to operate confidently and focus on growth.

Learn more here: Legal & Compliance Services