UAE free zones speed up market access for start-ups

Innovation in the UAE free zones has emerged as a key driver of economic momentum, as more global businesses choose the country as a base for rapid, scalable growth. Highlighted by panelists at Gulf News' the UAE Growth & Investment Forum, free zones are leveraging regulatory agility, digital infrastructure and sector-focused ecosystems to attract foreign investment.

Experts from the UAE's top free zones noted that new initiatives, such as instant licensing, policy innovation and AI-powered platforms, are simplifying market entry and consolidating the UAE’s role as a global launchpad for businesses.

 According to Zubair Makhdoomi, Director of Sales at the Free Zones Authority of Ajman, the UAE’s free zone model has been instrumental in driving business growth across industries.

 “We’ve seen unprecedented growth in free zone activities over the last five years, primarily because they allow companies to be 100 per cent foreign-owned,” he said.

This clarity of ownership, along with a flexible business environment, tax benefits and streamlined set-up, continues to attract international firms looking to establish and expand their footprint in the region.

Infrastructure, both physical and digital, is another key strength of the UAE’s free zone ecosystem. Harsh Drolia, Head of Finance at Meydan Free Zone, highlighted how location and amenities make a tangible difference for new businesses.

“Meydan is strategically located in the prestigious Meydan Racecourse complex, which gives businesses a clear location advantage. Companies that set up with us benefit from our five-star infrastructure and the address on their business licence carries global credibility,” said Drolia.

From a digital perspective, Meydan’s ecosystem was designed from the outset to be digital and efficient.

 “In terms of technological infrastructure, Meydan is a 100 per cent digital free zone. This model was built from the start with agility in mind to support uninterrupted growth for the businesses we serve. Everything is digital and this is how we’ve created an ecosystem that makes it easy for entrepreneurs to set up and grow their businesses in the UAE,” Drolia added.

 Innovation in service delivery has become one of the most important differentiators for UAE free zones. Makhdoomi from Free Zones Authority of Ajman noted that zones are not just keeping up, they are leading the pace of change.

 “The speed at which free zones are innovating right now is remarkable, whether it’s service delivery, visa processing, or opening bank accounts. It’s happening faster than ever before,” he said.

He added that the focus is now firmly on making the entire set-up and operational process as seamless as possible for both investors and entrepreneurs. This mindset is translating into tangible benefits across multiple touchpoints, from onboarding to regulatory compliance.

The UAE’s regulatory landscape is not static and it evolves in response to market demands and global trends. Panelists pointed to sandbox frameworks and legal adaptability as key tools for accelerating innovation.

“Jurisdictions now offer regulatory sandboxes, which allow companies to test their models in a controlled environment before full rollout,” said Makhdoomi. “This kind of flexibility is exactly what global firms are looking for when choosing a business hub.”

Such measures enable entrepreneurs and multinationals alike to explore ideas without undue exposure to risk, while ensuring compliance with both local and international standards.

Vishal Dixit, Head of Revenue at Shams Free Zone emphasised that policy implementation itself is a form of innovation.

“When we talk about policies, I see them as a form of innovation. Policies are dynamic and they evolve based on business needs and market demand,” Dixit said.

 Dixit added that for policy to truly be effective, it must respond directly to its users.

 “Whenever you draft a policy as an entity, it should always be tailored to the needs of the other party. That’s what makes it effective and responsive.”

 Ease of doing business is not just about policy, it’s about design. Dixit said Shams Free Zone’s structure was intentionally built to simplify processes for founders.

 “We’ve created a system where you don’t come just for studios or media production. We cater to all kinds of services based on your business needs,” said Dixit.

 “Our one-stop platform lets entrepreneurs access everything in one go. It allows them to focus on running their business without worrying about the administrative side.”

 He further explained that Shams Free Zone offers the flexibility to operate multiple trade activities under a single licence, giving entrepreneurs broader scope and room for growth.

 “You can run one business and, under the same licence, also engage in other activities. It gives entrepreneurs the flexibility to manage multiple lines of business within the free zone environment,” he said.

 Meydan Free Zone has introduced instant licensing options to help start-ups get off the ground faster.

“At Meydan, we recently launched Fawri, our instant licence solution,” said Drolia. “It’s specific to select business activities and allows entrepreneurs to get their licence issued in minutes. They don’t have to wait to get started and that’s how we’re enabling faster, simpler business set-up.”

 This kind of innovation directly addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by founders - time to market. By cutting down waiting periods, free zones are making it easier for new ventures to capitalise on market opportunities without delays.

 Technology is at the heart of the UAE’s free zone ecosystem. Apart from streamlining operations, AI and digital platforms are being deployed to improve user experience and speed up service delivery.

 “AI is something we cannot ignore and we’ve adopted it at Meydan,” said Drolia. “AI helps us respond to entrepreneurs’ questions about business activities and licensing. It’s helping us deliver faster and more relevant support.”

 Makhdoomi highlighted that the UAE’s business ecosystem has evolved into one of the most supportive and seamless environments for entrepreneurs.

“The ecosystem here has become incredibly simple and seamless for entrepreneurs. The support, infrastructure, and speed at which services are delivered really stand out.”

Platinum Sponsor of the UAE Growth & Investment Forum is Ajman Free Zone; Silver Sponsor is RAKEZ; Strategic Partners are Triliv, Meydan Free Zone, and Shams Free Zone; Support Partners are Aurion, Dominic & Partners, Ahmed Alaghbari Chartered Accountants, Techpro, UHY, Rock Media Global Group; Gifting Partner is Chocodate; and Trophy Partner is Crystal Gallery.