Latest news with #UAQFTZ
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAQ FTZ and Dubai Land Department sign landmark agreement enabling freehold property ownership for registered companies
Umm Al Quwain, UAE: In a bold step that signals a new era of inter-emirate economic synergy, the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) a move that now allows UAQ FTZ-registered companies to legally acquire and register freehold property in Dubai under their business name. This strategic collaboration is a game-changer for how businesses can scale, diversify, and root themselves in the UAE's most lucrative real estate market. Positioned as one of the UAE's most accessible and investor-forward free zones, UAQ FTZ continues to redefine what business empowerment means. Companies registered in the zone will now benefit from direct access to Dubai's property sector, long considered one of the most resilient and high-performing in the region. ' We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai's thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support, ' said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu'alla, Executive Director of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority. The agreement establishes a robust legal and operational framework between the two government entities—one that removes traditional barriers and opens the door for licensed businesses to own strategic real estate assets that align with their growth roadmaps. 'This is a transformative step for the businesses we support. We've consistently positioned UAQ FTZ as a strategic gateway to the UAE. This collaboration now gives our license holders the power to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability,' added Johnson M. George, General Manager of UAQ FTZ. The resulting benefits span a wide array of operational and strategic dimensions. It enables direct freehold ownership under a company name, fast-tracks registrations through integrated digital systems, and ensures transparency in ownership transfers. Both entities have also committed to ongoing regulatory coordination, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. 'This partnership reflects Dubai Land Department's commitment to enabling real estate investment across the UAE through collaboration and innovation. We're proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion while upholding regulatory excellence' noted Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department This milestone inter-governmental alignment is tightly aligned with the UAE's overarching vision for economic diversification, foreign direct investment growth, and cross-emirate business fluidity, reinforcing the nation's status as a magnet for enterprise and global capital. About Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) UAQ FTZ is a government-backed business hub offering streamlined licensing, investor-first regulations, and fast-track services for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. With its strategic location near UAE's major ports and access to regional trade routes, UAQ FTZ is a launchpad for businesses seeking agile, cost-effective market entry and long-term growth in the UAE and beyond. About Dubai Land Department (DLD) Dubai Land Department is the primary authority responsible for regulating and registering real estate in Dubai. Through policy innovation, advanced systems, and a commitment to investor protection, DLD fosters a trusted, transparent, and sustainable real estate environment that supports the emirate's global leadership in property investment.
ME Construction
16-05-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
UAQ FTZ and Dubai Land Department sign Landmark Agreement
Property UAQ FTZ and Dubai Land Department sign Landmark Agreement By This agreement will enable direct freehold ownership under a company name, and expedites registrations through integrated digital systems, and ensures transparency in ownership transfers Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), a move that now allows UAQ FTZ-registered companies to legally acquire and register freehold property in Dubai under their business name. This collaboration enables businesses to scale, diversify, and root themselves in the UAE's real estate market. 'We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai's thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support,' said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu'alla,Executive Director of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority. The agreement establishes a legal and operational framework between the two government entities, eliminating traditional barriers and facilitating the ownership of strategic real estate assets by licensed businesses that align with their growth roadmaps. 'This is a transformative step for the businesses we support. We've consistently positioned UAQ FTZ as a strategic gateway to the UAE. This collaboration now gives our license holders the power to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability,' added Johnson M. George,General Manager of UAQ FTZ. 'This partnership reflects Dubai Land Department's commitment to enabling real estate investment across the UAE through collaboration and innovation. We're proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion while upholding regulatory excellence,' noted Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department. This milestone of inter-governmental cooperation aligns with the UAE's vision for economic diversification, foreign direct investment growth, and cross-emirate business operations. The resulting benefits span various operational and strategic dimensions. It enables direct freehold ownership under a company name, expedites registrations through integrated digital systems, and ensures transparency in ownership transfers. Both entities have also committed to ongoing regulatory coordination, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAQ FTZ and DLD sign landmark agreement enabling freehold property ownership for registered companies
Umm Al Quwain, UAE: In a bold step that signals a new era of inter-emirate economic synergy, the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) a move that now allows UAQ FTZ-registered companies to legally acquire and register freehold property in Dubai under their business name. This strategic collaboration is a game-changer for how businesses can scale, diversify, and root themselves in the UAE's most lucrative real estate market. Positioned as one of the UAE's most accessible and investor-forward free zones, UAQ FTZ continues to redefine what business empowerment means. Companies registered in the zone will now benefit from direct access to Dubai's property sector, long considered one of the most resilient and high-performing in the region. 'We are proud to lead with purpose and enable our investors to participate in Dubai's thriving real estate sector with full legal clarity and institutional support,' said Sheikh Mansoor Bin Ibrahim Al Mu'alla, Executive Director of Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone Authority. The agreement establishes a robust legal and operational framework between the two government entities—one that removes traditional barriers and opens the door for licensed businesses to own strategic real estate assets that align with their growth roadmaps. 'This is a transformative step for the businesses we support. We've consistently positioned UAQ FTZ as a strategic gateway to the UAE. This collaboration now gives our license holders the power to secure real estate assets in Dubai, aligning with their growth ambitions and offering long-term operational stability,' added Johnson M. George, General Manager of UAQ FTZ. The resulting benefits span a wide array of operational and strategic dimensions. It enables direct freehold ownership under a company name, fast-tracks registrations through integrated digital systems, and ensures transparency in ownership transfers. Both entities have also committed to ongoing regulatory coordination, reinforcing compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards. 'This partnership reflects Dubai Land Department's commitment to enabling real estate investment across the UAE through collaboration and innovation. We're proud to work with UAQ FTZ to provide a seamless and legally sound framework that supports business expansion while upholding regulatory excellence' noted Majid Saqer Almarri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department This milestone inter-governmental alignment is tightly aligned with the UAE's overarching vision for economic diversification, foreign direct investment growth, and cross-emirate business fluidity, reinforcing the nation's status as a magnet for enterprise and global capital. Address: ONE UAQ UAQ FREE TRADE ZONE UMM AL QUWAIN AL BARQAA AREA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Website: Call or WhatsApp us About Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) UAQ FTZ is a government-backed business hub offering streamlined licensing, investor-first regulations, and fast-track services for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. With its strategic location near UAE's major ports and access to regional trade routes, UAQ FTZ is a launchpad for businesses seeking agile, cost-effective market entry and long-term growth in the UAE and beyond. About Dubai Land Department (DLD) Dubai Land Department is the primary authority responsible for regulating and registering real estate in Dubai. Through policy innovation, advanced systems, and a commitment to investor protection, DLD fosters a trusted, transparent, and sustainable real estate environment that supports the emirate's global leadership in property investment. For media enquiries, please contact: Paul Estorffe Black Watch Communications paul@
Arabian Business
30-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAQ Free Trade Zone drives Umm Al Quwain's industrial and commercial expansion
As the UAE continues to diversify its economy and position itself as a global business powerhouse, Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is steadily emerging as a strategic industrial and commercial hub. With its commitment to infrastructure development, business-friendly policies, and geographic advantage, UAQ is attracting a growing number of enterprises seeking long-term growth. Central to this progress is the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) — a Designated Free Zone offering businesses significant advantages, particularly for industrial and commercial sectors. As the UAE accelerates its national economic diversification efforts under Vision 2031, UAQ's development complements the broader federal vision of fostering regional centers of excellence. UAQ FTZ: Strengthening industrial and commercial growth Designated Free Zones in the UAE have become key pillars supporting the nation's corporate tax framework. Among them, UAQ FTZ stands out for its robust offering. As a Designated Free Zone, it provides eligible businesses with access to a 0 per cent corporate tax rate, offering significant financial efficiencies. With the UAE's introduction of corporate tax in 2023, these zones offer businesses a critical advantage in an increasingly competitive landscape where operational efficiency directly translates into market resilience. However, this opportunity comes with structured compliance expectations to ensure that enterprises genuinely contribute to the local economy. In the context of rising regional tax transparency standards and international benchmarks, UAQ FTZ offers a stable, predictable environment for companies looking to align compliance with strategic growth. Businesses operating within UAQ FTZ can benefit from the tax exemption provided they meet certain substance requirements. These conditions are clearly defined and are critical for maintaining the free zone's integrity and competitiveness. Substance requirements: Ensuring economic presence For companies aiming to qualify for the 0 per cent corporate tax rate within UAQ FTZ, demonstrating a tangible economic presence is non-negotiable. The core requirements include: Physical Office Space and Assets: Businesses must maintain adequate office premises or other physical assets within the free zone. Virtual offices or minimal token presence are not sufficient under current regulations. It is expected that the office space corresponds to the scale and operational nature of the business. Qualified Personnel: Companies are expected to employ a sufficient number of staff relative to the scale and nature of their activities. Moreover, staff should be directly involved in the entity's principal activities, ensuring true economic substance within the free zone. Core Income-Generating Activities: Critical business activities that drive revenue must be carried out within the free zone. Outsourcing major functions outside the zone or merely maintaining a nominal presence may jeopardise tax-exempt status. Maintaining compliance with these standards is essential not only for sustaining tax benefits but also for reinforcing the credibility of the free zone ecosystem. Regular audits, timely renewals of operational licenses, and transparent reporting practices will help businesses ensure they remain aligned with regulatory expectations. Opportunities for industrial and commercial enterprises at UAQ FTZ Industrial and commercial enterprises particularly stand to benefit from setting up at UAQ FTZ. The zone offers sector-specific licensing packages, flexible warehouse leasing options, streamlined import-export facilities, and proximity to major transport corridors within the UAE. For manufacturers, easy access to regional markets combined with the 0 per cent corporate tax incentive creates a strong business proposition. Traders and distributors equally benefit from the absence of customs duties within the free zone and simplified trade documentation processes. Commenting on the advantages for businesses, Johnson M George, General Manager at UAQ Free Trade Zone, notes, 'Designated Free Zones like UAQ FTZ create a supportive environment where traders, distributors, manufacturers, and service providers can expand their operations. Accessing a 0 per cent corporate tax rate is an exceptional advantage, but it is underpinned by a clear need for substantial operational presence. Companies must establish meaningful footprints — from adequate infrastructure to qualified human capital — ensuring that their economic activities are deeply rooted within the zone. In today's corporate tax landscape, substance is not merely a formality; it is the foundation for sustainable success.' Umm Al Quwain: A business destination on the rise Beyond the benefits of UAQ FTZ, Umm Al Quwain's broader appeal as a business destination is increasingly gaining recognition. Strategically positioned between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, UAQ offers connectivity advantages without the congestion and cost pressures of more saturated markets. The emirate is proactively investing in its transport, logistics, and industrial infrastructure to create an integrated business environment. Recent developments include expansion of road networks, enhancement of port facilities at Ahmed Bin Rashid Port, and establishment of industry-focused clusters designed to support manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and other commercial sectors. The government's initiative to foster green industrial practices and smart logistics solutions further strengthens its proposition to international investors. Moreover, UAQ's regulatory environment emphasises ease of doing business, with streamlined licensing processes, competitive costs, and government support initiatives that make it particularly attractive to SMEs and multinational companies alike. Financial incentives, visa support for investors and employees, and simplified ownership structures add to its growing appeal. Building long-term advantage As more enterprises seek operational efficiency and tax optimisation strategies, designated free zones like UAQ FTZ offer compelling propositions. However, the real success lies in understanding and committing to the substance requirements that form the backbone of these incentives. Umm Al Quwain, with its rising profile, infrastructure development, and business-centric policies, offers a strategic environment for companies to establish a lasting operational presence. The combination of strategic location, regulatory clarity, and forward-looking governance positions UAQ for regional and global expansion. Given the UAE's growing trade ties with Africa, Asia, and Europe, companies established in UAQ FTZ are uniquely positioned to capitalize on new trade corridors, emerging digital economies, and cross-border e-commerce trends. For industrial and commercial enterprises ready to align compliance with opportunity, Umm Al Quwain's Free Trade Zone represents not just an operational advantage — but a platform for sustained business growth.
