Masdar City Free Zone ranks in global top 10, hosts 2,800 companies

Masdar City Free Zone placed among the top 10 free zones globally at the fDi Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2026, according to statements published by WAM on 16 October 2026. The free zone hosts more than 2,800 companies from over 90 countries, including Siemens Energy, the International Renewable Energy Agency and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Masdar City, provided the figures in statements to WAM.

Licensing terms and ownership structure#

The free zone offers licensing within one day, with setup costs starting from AED7,000. More than 1,200 business activities are available under its licensing framework. Companies receive 100 percent foreign ownership and exemption from personal income tax. A dual licensing system permits operations within the free zone or across Abu Dhabi. The One-Stop Shop processes company setup applications, with the Emirati Package available to support local entrepreneurs, according to the WAM report.

Knowledge zones recognition and research facilities#

Masdar City Free Zone received highly commended status in the Knowledge Zones of the Year category at both global and Middle East levels in the same awards programme. The free zone operates Biosphere Labs, developed in partnership with M42 and Attentive Science. The Catalyst platform connects researchers, startup founders and investors within the zone. Projects can move from the region's Biobank to Biosphere Labs and then to AI-driven analysis facilities without leaving Masdar City, according to Al Breiki's statements to WAM.

Tenant profile and infrastructure programmes#

The 2,800 companies operating in the zone include startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and multinational operators. The free zone runs a Level 4 autonomous vehicle testing programme that provides manufacturers with real-world operating environment access. Tenants include researchers at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, startup founders and investors working with The Catalyst platform. The free zone's design incorporates features intended to reduce operating costs, according to the WAM report.