Masdar City, the UAE’s leading sustainable urban community and free zone, has launched two new business packages designed to streamline the setup process for startups and growing companies.
The Start Lite and Business One packages are part of the city’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals and fostering a thriving, innovation-driven economy.
These initiatives were introduced during Abu Dhabi Business Week, a key event organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). ADBW attracts thousands of participants and industry leaders each year to focus on growth, sustainability, and partnership opportunities across various sectors.
Key Highlights
- Start Lite Package: Affordable business setup starting at AED 3,500 ($950), tailored for startups and entrepreneurs. The package allows up to three business activities and includes a zero-visa quota, making it ideal for small businesses looking to scale quickly.
- Business One Package: Designed for more established companies, with a setup fee beginning at AED 17,500 ($4,760). It allows for up to five business activities, one free visa for the company’s lifetime, and support for up to three shareholders, with the option to add more at an additional cost.
- Both packages include simplified registration processes, Smart Station leases for flexible workspaces, and comprehensive support services to help businesses launch and operate with ease.
Empowering Innovation and Economic Growth
According to Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, the new packages are a step forward in supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitious Vision 2030 and its focus on economic diversification.
“Masdar City is committed to supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision for economic diversification by creating tailored solutions that empower businesses to grow and thrive,” Al Breiki stated. “The launch of these packages is another step toward addressing the evolving needs of the business community while contributing to the emirate’s innovation-driven goals.”
Masdar City has long been at the forefront of fostering a sustainable and collaborative business environment. Home to over 1,100 companies, including global leaders like Siemens Energy, G42, Beamtrail, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the city is a hub for industries such as energy, AI, life sciences, mobility, and space technology.
Hub for Sustainable Innovation
Masdar City plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s Falcon Economy, a strategic initiative that aligns with the country’s long-term economic diversification agenda. By offering world-class infrastructure and access to cutting-edge technology, the city continues to attract innovators and companies that share a vision for a sustainable future.
Masdar City’s focus on sustainability and technological innovation positions it as an ideal platform for businesses looking to drive forward the next generation of industry. The tailored packages are designed to ensure that companies—from startups to established enterprises—have the resources and support they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
Unified Economic License to simplify business setup process
In June 2024, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council launched the Unified Economic Licence, aimed at simplifying business registration across the Emirate.
Led by Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), Masdar City Free Zone, and the Creative Media Authority (CMA), the initiative streamlines procedures for obtaining economic licenses, creating a unified reference number for all licenses and integrating company data within a central registry. This move is aimed at enhancing transparency, governance, and collaboration between free zones and mainland authorities. The initiative offers a faster, more efficient digital setup process for investors and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to improving its business ecosystem.
