In the dynamic landscape of global trade and industry, the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) emerges as a pivotal gateway for businesses aiming to establish a strong foothold in the United Arab Emirates and beyond. As the second-largest industrial free zone in the UAE, HFZA offers a wealth of opportunities across six diverse sectors, including Industrial Manufacturing, Global Logistics, Oil and Gas, Food, the Maritime Industry, and a dedicated Accelerator Hub for burgeoning enterprises.
Centrally located in the emirate of Sharjah, HFZA boasts unparalleled connectivity with seamless access by land, sea, and air, complemented by state-of-the-art infrastructure such as deep-water ports and modern facilities tailored to meet varied business needs. The free zone’s investor-friendly environment is marked by streamlined licensing processes—enabling the company to set up in under an hour—comprehensive support services, and attractive incentives like full foreign ownership and zero corporate taxes.
In this insightful interview, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei Director of Hamriyah Free Zone, delves into how the free zone fosters an ecosystem conducive to both multinational corporations and SMEs. He highlights customized solutions for industries and strategic initiatives like the Accelerator Hub, designed to nurture innovation and growth. Al Mazrouei also discusses the unique opportunities available for Latin American businesses looking to expand into the Middle Eastern market, emphasizing HFZA’s commitment to facilitating global partnerships through efficient regulatory frameworks and robust support systems.
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is the second largest industrial free zone in the UAE. Which sectors or industries are particularly well-supported in HFZA?
Hamriyah Free Zone offers investors the opportunity to open a company in one of the six diverse sectors.
- Industrial Manufacturing Park
- Global Logistics Park
- Oil and Gas
- Food Park
- Maritime Industry
- Accelerator Hub
Each business activity is equipped with a range of solutions that include office spaces, warehouses & industrial plots, supported by attractive packages and simplified procedures.
What specific opportunities does HFZA offer for Latin American businesses looking to expand in the UAE?
HFZA is committed to building a business-conducive ecosystem for all our investors and accelerating their growth and competitiveness. This stems from our strong commitment to our investors and is a part of our mission to provide an incubating environment for their business.
Investors are well served by a host of exclusive value-added services exclusively tailored to their business needs.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: HFZA provides high-quality infrastructure and modern facilities, including offices, state-of-the-art warehouses, and prime industrial land that meet the needs of large investors. We offer rent holidays during construction and competitive lease rates. We also provide on-site labor accommodation that is well-equipped and convenient with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Location and Accessibility: HFZA is strategically located in the emirate of Sharjah, with 360-degree connectivity with a strong land, sea, and air network. We also provide access to a 14-metre deep port and 7-metre deep inner harbour
- Industry-Specific Zones: HFZA has industry-specific zones within the free zone to cater to the needs of all sectors.
- Regulatory Environment: We have a business-friendly regulatory environment that simplifies licensing procedures and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. At HFZA, you can get a trade license in less than 1 hour.
- Customization and Flexibility: We provide flexibility in terms of land allocation and facility customization to accommodate the specific requirements of large tenants. This includes options for scalable spaces.
- Support Services: We offer a range of support services to help ease the process of setting up and operating within the free zone. This includes a VIP lounge for assistance with permits, visa processing, legal and financial services, and business development support. We also provide access to 300+ online services for visas, renewals, and other services.
Can you walk us through the process of starting a business in HFZA?
To set up a business in Hamriyah Free Zone, follow these steps:
- Choose Your License: Options include Commercial (Trading, General Trading, E-Commerce), Service, and Industrial Licenses.
- Select Legal Status: Options include Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), or a branch/subsidiary of a local or foreign company.
- Pick a Facility: Options include offices, warehouses, or industrial land.
- Register Your Enquiry: Submit the required documents and complete the sales inquiry form.
The costs involved depend on each business’s requirements. For more information Click Here
Can you tell us more about the ACCELERATOR HUB initiative within HFZA and how it benefits new businesses?
We specialize in working with SMEs across key sectors, providing invaluable support and expertise at every step of the way. From cost-effective office rentals to efficient licensing procedures and a host of attractive packages available, our team of specialists is dedicated to your growth. Whether operating locally, regionally, or globally, Hamriyah Free Zone’s unrivaled connectivity allows you to do business with the right people seamlessly.
Our economical consultancy packages are tailored to small operations and are quick to set up as well. Ideal for entrepreneurs or businesses with up to six employees, these packages include consultancy licenses and office spaces.
What types of facilities and services are available to businesses operating in HFZA?
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority offers comprehensive infrastructure and facilities tailored for various business needs. This includes state-of-the-art warehouses, industrial land, and office spaces designed to support a range of industries. HFZA provides a reliable power supply, water, and an advanced telecommunications network. The zone also features efficient waste management systems and environmental controls to ensure sustainable operations.
Additionally, HFZA’s strategic location offers direct access to a deep-water port, facilitating seamless import and export activities. The free zone is equipped with modern amenities and services to support business growth and operational efficiency.
What incentives and benefits does HFZA offer to foreign investors?
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) offers significant benefits for investors, including full foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no customs duty on import/export, and no corporate or income taxes.
Businesses can be set up in less than 60 minutes, with access to over 300 online services. HFZA features competitive lease rates, flexible visa quotas, and robust infrastructure. Additional facilities include 24-hour security, on-site medical and labor accommodations, and efficient call centers. Various licenses are available, such as commercial, service, and industrial.
How does HFZA’s location and infrastructure support logistics and connectivity for international businesses?
HFZA is strategically located with 360 connectivity via land, air, and sea offering businesses easy access to suppliers, customers, and global distribution channels. This proximity significantly reduces shipping times and costs.
We also have industry-specific zones that boast strategic locations and are connected to a commercial port with a depth of 14 meters and an inner harbor with a 7-meter depth. This strategic positioning supports import and export operations for our investing companies, offering easy access to major markets.
Can you explain the regulatory environment within HFZA and how it facilitates business operations?
HFZA is dedicated to offering a hassle-free client experience, allowing investors to focus on business activities rather than bureaucratic processes. We continually innovate to meet investors’ evolving needs, fostering business and industry growth. HFZA has established a regulatory framework aligned with international best practices, providing clear guidelines and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Our clear, accessible policies and regulations ensure fair practices. Additionally, a robust compliance and auditing system regularly monitors business activities for adherence to legal and regulatory standards, creating a trustworthy environment for all stakeholders.
What kind of support services are available for new businesses setting up in HFZA, such as legal, financial, and administrative assistance?
As one of the largest and fastest-growing free zones in the MENA region, we offer various non-fiscal incentives and benefits to attract businesses.
- Infrastructure: We provide high-quality infrastructure and modern facilities with well-designed office spaces, state-of-the-art logistics facilities, advanced telecommunications networks, and reliable utilities.
- Access to Markets: We provide access to regional or global markets through our strategic location and transportation and logistics connectivity. Being situated near the port, airport, and major road networks, we offer our investors efficient access to suppliers, customers, and distribution networks.
- Streamlined Processes: We have very simple licensing procedures, efficient permit processing, and a dedicated customer support team that helps save time and effort for our investors.
- Business Support Services: We offer a range of business support including access to legal and financial advisory services, marketing support, networking opportunities, and assistance with business development.
- Customization and Flexibility: We provide flexible options for businesses, allowing them to customize their spaces and operations based on their specific requirements.
- Networking and Collaboration: We regularly organize industry-specific events, workshops, and conferences to foster knowledge sharing and innovation.
- Regulatory Stability and Investor Protection: We provide a stable regulatory framework and ensure investor protection are an important non-fiscal incentive.
Can companies established in HFZA do business with mainland UAE? Can you walk us through how that process works?
Yes, companies established within HFZA can do business in the mainland. They will have to pay a 5% customs duty and a 5% value-added tax.
However, if they do business with companies within the free zone or with companies in other VAT-designated zones, they will not pay these taxes.
