Free zone company
Company setup in Fujairah Free Zone, beside the Port of Fujairah
Fujairah Free Zone is the free zone beside the Port of Fujairah on the UAE's east coast, run by the Fujairah Free Zone Authority and established in 1987. It suits trading, shipping, logistics and industrial companies that want direct access to the Gulf of Oman. Caliph checks your activity, prepares the application and manages the file with the authority.
At a glance Fact sheet
- Emirate
- Fujairah
- Authority
- Fujairah Free Zone Authority
- Location
- Beside the Port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, the UAE's east coast
- Known for
- Trading, shipping, logistics and industrial projects linked to the port
- Ownership
- 100% foreign ownership
- Office options
- Offices, pre-built units and land for building your own facility
Overview
Fujairah is the only emirate that lies entirely on the UAE's east coast. It faces the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, outside the Strait of Hormuz, and its port is one of the world's main bunkering points. Fujairah Free Zone was established in 1987 next to that port, with the aim of building a trading and industrial base around it.
That location decides who sets up here. Ship suppliers, marine service firms, commodity traders, freight and storage companies and manufacturers who export by sea are the natural fit. The zone is served by the Port of Fujairah and by Fujairah International Airport, and highways link the emirate to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Investors can lease an office or a pre-built unit, or take land and build their own facility.
Against a Dubai zone, Fujairah is a specialist choice. Dubai puts you next to more buyers, banks and service firms. Fujairah puts you on the open ocean side of the country, which matters if your cargo, vessels or fuel move through the east coast. If your work is consultancy, media or online services, another zone is usually simpler. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you and whether the east coast makes sense for your plan.
Why companies choose Fujairah Free Zone
Open ocean access
The zone sits on the Gulf of Oman, so ships reach the Port of Fujairah without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Next to a major bunkering port
Fujairah is among the world's main ship refuelling locations. Marine suppliers and service firms work beside their customers.
Room to build
As well as offices and pre-built units, the zone leases land to investors who want to put up their own factory or storage facility.
Sea, air and road in one emirate
The port, Fujairah International Airport and the highways to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi all serve the zone.
Full ownership in three company forms
You can own 100% of a single-owner establishment, a company with partners or a branch of an existing business.
What to prepare
- Passport copies of the shareholders and the manager
- Passport-size photos
- Proposed company names
- A description of the activity, including the goods you trade or the product you make
- For industrial projects: an outline of the process, the space and the utilities you need
- Your choice of premises: office, pre-built unit or land
- For a branch or a corporate shareholder: attested company documents and a board resolution
The authority reviews the application form and documents before it gives initial approval, and may ask for more detail on industrial projects.
How setup in Fujairah Free Zone works
Free consultation
We look at your cargo routes, customers and space needs, and tell you plainly whether Fujairah or another zone fits better.
Activity and company form
We match the business to a licence type and decide between a single-owner establishment, a company with partners or a branch.
Application to the authority
Caliph completes the application form and sends it with your documents to the Fujairah Free Zone Authority for initial approval.
Premises and lease
You confirm the office, unit or plot. We go through the lease terms with you before you sign.
Licence issued
Once the lease is signed and the authority's requirements are met, the licence is issued. Your consultant gives you a timeline at the start.
Visas and operations
We process residence visas for owners and staff and help with the registrations you need to start importing and exporting.
Good to know
- Fujairah Free Zone is not Fujairah Creative City. Creative City is a separate free zone in the same emirate with its own authority and licences, aimed at media and service companies.
- Fujairah is on the opposite coast from Dubai. Allow for the drive if you expect to visit the zone or your premises often.
- Storing or handling fuel, chemicals or other regulated goods needs extra approvals. Raise this in the first conversation.
Questions people ask
Where is Fujairah Free Zone?
It is in the emirate of Fujairah on the UAE's east coast, beside the Port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah International Airport serves the zone as well, and highways connect the emirate to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the west coast.
Is Fujairah Free Zone the same as Fujairah Creative City?
No. They are two separate free zones in Fujairah with different authorities. Fujairah Free Zone is the port-side zone for trading, logistics and industry. Fujairah Creative City is aimed at media, consultancy and other service businesses. Tell your consultant which kind of company you are forming so the application goes to the right authority.
Who should set up in Fujairah Free Zone?
Companies whose business depends on the east coast: ship suppliers, marine and port services, commodity and general traders, freight and storage firms, and manufacturers who export by sea. A desk-based consultancy or online business rarely needs to be here and is usually better served by another zone.
Can I build my own factory or warehouse there?
The zone leases land to investors who want a purpose-built facility, and also offers pre-built units and offices. Plot sizes, lease terms and building rules are set by the authority. Your consultant requests the current options for your project before you commit.
Why choose Fujairah over Jebel Ali or another Dubai zone?
Choose Fujairah if the Gulf of Oman side of the country matters to your shipping, bunkering or storage business. Choose a Dubai zone if you need to be close to a larger market, more banks and more service providers. It is worth comparing both with your consultant before you decide.
Reviewed by Caliph Business Solutions on . Rules differ by activity and by authority. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you.
Ready to establish your company in the UAE?
Book a free consultation. Tell us what you want to open and we come back with the route, the documents and the cost.
- VisitHapag-Lloyd Building, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai. P.O. Box 8070
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