Cheapest Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
Starting a business in Abu Dhabi can feel costly, but Twofour54 and KIZAD give you a cheaper way in. These two free zones often show the lowest entry costs in the capital and understanding them helps you choose fast without burning through cash. If you’d rather not deal with the paperwork yourself, DASA Consulting LLC offers setup services for both zones at competitive rates and handles the process so you get a smooth start.
#1 Twofour54
Twofour54 is the Abu Dhabi free zone built for media, content, and creative work. License fees start near AED 15,000, with some packages offering reduced or waived fees for early years, which keeps your first bills low. You can also get a freelance permit at a lower cost if you’re a solo professional. Flexi-desk and shared office options keep overhead small, making it appealing if you’re testing the waters or running a lean creative team. The trade-off is that activities are limited to media and related services, and you’ll need separate arrangements to trade outside the free zone.
#2 KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi)
KIZAD, also called Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, suits trading, logistics, and light manufacturing. Entry-level packages start from about AED 9,450 for a one-visa license, which is one of the cheapest setups in the emirate. Costs rise as you add visas, but the base license stays budget-friendly. KIZAD also offers warehouse and industrial plots if you grow. It’s a good pick for import-export or storage operations, but many activities require some form of physical space, so it’s less flexible than Twofour54 for purely virtual businesses.
How to choose between them
Pick Twofour54 if you’re in media or creative work and want a simple low-cost start with possible fee waivers. Pick KIZAD if you’re trading goods, handling logistics, or need space with low visa costs. Check your first-year cost with renewals, your visa and office needs, and your activity permissions before you sign up.
A quick look at your business activity and these costs usually makes the right choice clear. By focusing on the total cost instead of the headline price, you can start lean in Abu Dhabi while still setting up in a zone that fits your work.
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