Uae Startup Funding Ecosystem Toolkit - 1
Uae Startup Funding Ecosystem Toolkit - 1
Uae Startup Funding Ecosystem Toolkit - 1
TOOLKIT
07.10.2021
The UAE is a nation formed on partnerships – Dubai The UAE has been ranked 16th globally and first in the Emerging markets account for roughly half of global GDP,
used to be known as ‘Al Wasl’ meaning ‘the connection’ region in the World Bank’s Doing Business report for up from just 15 per cent in the 1980s. Dubai is already
in Arabic – and has long recognised the importance of 2020. The UAE enjoys an open, transparent regulatory acting as a gateway to China (its largest trading partner),
collaboration in driving development. The UAE’s rich and framework and continues to develop a robust system India (its second-largest trading partner), Africa and Latin
diverse business environment offers a unique opportunity of governance in line with international best practice, America. Sitting at the heart of the vast MEASA region,
to form broad networks that represent a variety of offering a safe and secure business environment. the UAE also offers access to one of the world’s youngest
different geographies and industries, across the public populations and strategically important markets.
and private sectors.
The UAE’s state-of-the-art infrastructure includes Jebel The UAE has long facilitated the development of The UAE economy performed better than expected in
Ali Port – the largest port outside of Asia, located within entrepreneurship and SMEs, which account for more 2020, despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19,
minutes of the Expo site – four international airports, than 50 per cent of non-oil GDP (Ministry of Finance, highlighting the effectiveness of the proactive economic
including Dubai International (the world’s busiest by January 2021). The UAE ranked 25th in the world and first measures and incentive packages rolled out by the UAE
international passenger numbers), and Dubai Metro (the in the Arab World in the World Economic Forum’s Global Government and demonstrating the country’s speed and
first fully driverless system in the world, with direct access Competitiveness Report 2019. flexibility in responding to global changes, as well as its
to Expo 2020) constant efforts to promote economic diversification
(Ministry of Economy, May 2021).
ECOSYSTEM
Venture capital (VC) is a form of private equity and a
type of financing that investors provide to start-up
companies and small businesses that are believed
to have long-term growth potential. Venture capital
BUSINESS INCUBATOR generally comes from well-off investors, investment
Business incubators are specially designed programmes banks and any other financial institutions. However, it
to help young start-ups innovate and grow. They usually does not always take a monetary form – it can also
provide workspaces, mentorship, education and access be provided in the form of technical or managerial
to investors for start-ups or sole entrepreneurs. These expertise. Venture capital is typically allocated to small
resources allow companies and ideas to take shape companies with exceptional growth potential, or to
while operating at a lower cost during the early stages companies that have grown quickly and appear poised
of business incubation. Incubators require an application to continue to expand.
process to join and usually require a commitment for a
specific amount of time. An incubator concentrates its
effort on helping innovative and fast-growth start-ups
that are likely to have a significant impact on the local
economy.
BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
Business accelerators are programme that give
developing companies access to mentorship, investors
and other support that help them become stable, self-
sufficient businesses. Companies that use business
accelerators are typically start-ups that have moved
beyond the earliest stages of getting established.
They have basically entered their “adolescence”,
meaning they can stand on their own two feet, but
need guidance and peer support to gain strength. In
addition to mentorship and investment opportunities, a
business accelerator gives growing companies access
to logistical and technical resources, as well as shared
office space. An accelerator will also connect companies
to networks of peers whose experience they can learn
from. An accelerator programme can last anywhere
from two to six months. The goal is for companies
to emerge ready to run on their own, with strong
positioning to claim a share of their target markets.
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 6
HUB71 Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Fostering entrepreneurship
• Helping startups specialised in all sectors and all tech specialties grow
from Abu Dhabi to the world
CORE OFFERING
• Incubation Period: 2 Years
• Access to ADGM investor and customer network
• Expert mentorship
• Incentive Program offers seed companies up to 100 percent free housing
• Market opportunities
• WeWork x Hub71 office space
• Health insurance for two years
• Fifty percent subsidies for three years for emerging companies, worth
approximately AED 1 million (USD 270k)
CRITERIA
• High-growth tech company
• Providing transformative technologies or business models
• Targeting a large user base or potential pool revenue
• Added requirement to have secured VC funding in the last three years
and set up a meaningful presence at Hub71
https://hub71.com/
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Social sector
• Government
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Energy & Environment
• Agriculture
CORE OFFERING
• Training, mentorship - part of incubator program for now.
• Grants - cohort based (once or twice a year)
• Market access support - priority to our start ups
• Office spaces - limited spaces
www.maan.gov.ae
Contact name: Mohamed Ahmed Baobaid
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97127775555
+971551154060
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 8
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AREA 2071 Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Multiple sectors
CORE OFFERING
• Physical and Digital Innovation Ecosystem
• Access to government decision makers and entities for pilot
opportunities
• Access to the wider ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, private
sector talent pools and investors
• Co-working spaces inclusive of government entities and startups
www.dubaifutureaccelerators.com/
Contact name: Natasha Malik
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Contact Number: +97145166542
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 9
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THE CO-DUBAI Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Retail
• Technology
CORE OFFERING
• Business Incubation
• Educational and Mentorship Programs
• Trade Licence Application
• Golden Visa Nominations
• Coworking space
www.theco-spaces.com/
Contact name: Shahzad Bhatti
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971529152250
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 10
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BEDAYAT - BUSINESS INCUBATOR Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Sustainability in the built environment
• Corporate sustainability
CORE OFFERING
• On-site incubation (sustainable business planning, coaching, etc.)
• Pilot projects in The Sustainable City
• Co-working spaces
www.bedayat.ae/
Contact name: Karim El-Jisr
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97142357533
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 11
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BRITISH CENTRES FOR BUSINESS Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Multiple Sectors
CORE OFFERING
• Business Set-up
• Trade / commercial support
• Market Introductory Service
• Market Research
• Market Visit and Engagements
• Site Selection
www.bcbuae.com/
Email: [email protected]
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Mobile Apps
• Health Tech
• Financial Tech
• Trade Tech
• Legal Tech
• Real Estate Tech
• Medical Tech
• Emergency Tech
• Digital Media
• AR & VR Tech
CORE OFFERING
• Business Incubation
• Market Access and Acceleration
• Workspace
CRITERIA
• Investment opportunities are available on case by case basis
www.ztartup.com
Contact name: John Francis
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971501754749
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 13
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DUBAI TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEUR
CAMPUS (DTEC)
Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator / Accelerator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Technology start-ups
• Entrepreneurs
CORE OFFERING
• Helping start-ups set up
• Providing accelerator programs
• Funding arm - Early stage VC Investor
• Networking events
CRITERIA
• Access to start-up funding
• Early stage Tech companies
• Consumer and enterprise software technology companies
www.dtec.ae/
Contact name: Omar Alfheem
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97152111155
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 14
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INTELAK Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator / Accelerator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Aviation
• Travel
• Tourism
CORE OFFERING
• Incubator Programme - Programme for early stage start-ups to move
their business through the launch stage
• Accelerator Programme - takes viable business solutions to the next
level by offering start-ups growth and scaling opportunities, along with
intimate access to principal partner mentoring, investors, and alumni
and networking platform
• Idea Lab Cohort 5 - Supporting to launch and grow the aviation, travel
and tourism ideas
www.intelak.com/
Contact name: Mia Jafari
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +447875211048
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 15
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MIDDLE EAST VENTURE PARTNERS Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Technology
CORE OFFERING
• VC Investments (Series B and Growth stage)
• VC Asset Management.
CRITERIA
• Investment opportunities in the equity of early stage fast growing
technology companies in MENA, Turkey and Pakistan
www.mevp.com/
Contact name: Rabih I. Khoury
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97145584534
+97145584535
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 16
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GLOBAL VENTURES Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Multiple Sectors
CORE OFFERING
• Funding
• Networking
• Talent and Recruitment
• Reports
• Tactical Documents
• Processes
CRITERIA
• Investment opportunities in emerging-market founders on a mission to
change the world
www.global.vc/
Contact name: Yasmin Al Mostehy
Basil Moftah
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Contact Number: +97145807254 UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 17
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NUWA CAPITAL Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Tech or tech-enabled companies across SaaS, Retail
3.0, and rapidly digitizing industries such as proptech,
edtech, fintech, healthtech, foodtech, agritech, etc.
CORE OFFERING
• Funding - primarily targets rapidly growing markets in MENA
• Invest from seed to Series B
CRITERIA
• Founder-backed businesses
• Capital efficient scalability
• Cross-functional management team large addressable market
• Defensible value proposition
https://nuwacapital.io/
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Fintech
• Impact (Conscious Investing)
CORE OFFERING
• Helping early stage companies to scale
• Personnel hiring
• Entry to the new markets
• Providing education content around venture investing delivered via a
number of programs throughout the region
CRITERIA
• Early-stage (Seed +, Series A)
• Strong founding team
• Revenue generating
https://www.venturesouq.com
Contact name: Sonia Gokhale
Email: [email protected]
Contact number: +971566867301
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Marketplaces
• SaaS
• Fintech
CORE OFFERING
• Build start-ups that become regional champions and global winners
in their respective categories
• Backing founders with the ambition, focus, and energy to drive their
teams to build great companies
• Play an active, hands-on role in contributing clear mechanisms for
providing value by guiding and helping them as needed along their
journey
CRITERIA
• Investment in innovative start-ups that advance economies and
improve lives
https://www.imena.com/
Contact name: Sarah Barkawi
Email: [email protected]
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Emerging digital economy in the MENA region
CORE OFFERING
• Growth capital for innovative companies in B2C products and
services
• Advertising tech
• Education tech
• Digital content
CRITERIA
• Stage: Seed – Series B
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
www.eq2ventures.com
Contact name: Patrick Thiriet
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97144545566
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Design
• Interior design
• Architecture
• Fashion design
CORE OFFERING
• Advisory, co-working space, licence, Ejari, investment funds.
• Start-up packages:
• Basic package: visual identity
• Medium package: visual identity + business plan and marketing
strategy for 3 months
• Advanced package: visual identity + business plan + feasibility study
and marketing strategy for 6 months
CRITERIA
• All companies related to design industry can apply for the investment
funds support.
www.re-urbanstudio.com
Contact name: Mashael Al Ali
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971551911190
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Innovation
• Teen Start-ups
CORE OFFERING
• Fabrication Lab
• Robotics and AI Lab
• Coding Facilities
CRITERIA
• Social Impact
• Impact Scale
• Shall solve a problem
www.modern-incubator.com
Contact name: Eriyat Lakshmi Devi
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971508431790
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Education
• Technology
• Design
CORE OFFERING
• Startup Pathway Courses
• Mentoring
• Business Model Development
https://www.aeic.aud.edu/
Contact name: Dr. Sunitha Singh
Thakur Kshatriya
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Contact Number: +9714399000 Ext: 327
Incubator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Developing business leaders from new generation
• Creation of innovative trademarks
• Deliver investing to starters
CORE OFFERING
• Advisory
• Specialised Training
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Office space and co work space
• Licence
• Building business model
• Business plan development
• Marketing
• Incubation and Accelerator program
• Funding & investment in collaboration with third party
• Networking
• Access to Market
CRITERIA
• Subscribe to Tjaarz membership that gives you access all business projects
that need Investors
• The investor picks and chooses freely and unlimited picks.
tjaarz.vip
Contact name: Fahad Bin Thani
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971505041142
+971542400008
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 25
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THE ARABIAN LUXURY GROUP (TALG) Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator / Accelerator
TALG
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Consumer Goods
CORE OFFERING
• Incubation and acceleration of the early stage companies
• Sharing multiple services with the candidates: consultation,
mentoring, marketing, logistics, sales, accounting, inventory and
funding
CRITERIA
• Early stage companies
• Emerging brands with different backgrounds including menswear,
womenswear, perfumery, leatherwear, shoes, leather goods, beauty, and
any other consumer goods
• Presence in UAE or KSA (Dubai or Riyadh)
www.talg.ae
Contact name: Marwan Al Serkal
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97142566677
+971502887777
Incubator/Accelerator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Multiple Sectors
CORE OFFERING
• Helps fund and develop a sustainable tech startup ecosystem in
which tech startups can develop their ideas
• Refine their products and scale their ideas to the next level with main
programs that include helping entrepreneurs to build and develop
their products
• Helping first-time entrepreneurs in starting their businesses
• Growth and scaling programs and capital-raising programs
https://fastercapital.com/
Contact name: Bashar Hamood
Sally Yazji
Faisal Khamees
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Contact Number: +971555855663
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 27
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SCALITY Abu Dhabi Dubai Sharjah Ras Al Khaimah Ajman Umm Al Quwain Fujairah
Incubator/Accelerator
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Technology
CORE OFFERING
• Monthly subscription per employee, entrepreneurs can set up their
startups and gain access to a network of reliable partners, enabling
business growth and regional scale
CRITERIA
• Technology based
• Scalable
https://www.scality.ae/
Contact name: Hassan Waheed
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97142027181
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• FinTech
• Enterprise Software
CORE OFFERING
• Support companies all the way from idea to IPO and beyond in all
of the mission-critical areas of company-building (including revenue
generation, team-building, and fundraising)
• Leveraging our global network, deep pools of capital, and decades
of expertise
CRITERIA
• Investment seed - series b
• Disruptive
• Strong team
https://www.hofvc.com/
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Digital Technologies
CORE OFFERING
• Active Venture Capital
CRITERIA
• Quality of the team of founders
• Traction of KPIs
• Scalability
• TAM
https://stv.vc
Contact name: Elisa Arrigoni
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971589464389
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Multiple Sectors
CORE OFFERING
• Advisory and consulting services
• Helping companies to develop and grow
CRITERIA
• Partial to 0-1 technologies
• Focused on innovative & disruptive technologies
www.privitylle.com
Contact name: Sleem Hasan
Email: [email protected]
Contact number: +97143546726
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Tech-enabled startup in seed to Series A stage
CORE OFFERING
• Investing in seed to Series A startups in the MENA region and its
diaspora
CRITERIA
• Tech-related
• Generating revenues/having some form of traction
• MENA based
https://plus.vc/
Contact name: Zainab Al Sharif
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97339977784
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Sector Agnostic
CORE OFFERING
• Silicon Valley Curriculum & Structure for Program
• Fundraising Support
CRITERIA
• Launch and Growth Stage Startups
https://fi.co/
Contact name: Sameer Sortur
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +97142780994
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Fintech
CORE OFFERING
• Investment
• Strategic and operational support
• Talent retention and acquisition
CRITERIA
• Fully dedicated and passionate founding team
• Scalable product solving a problem
• Large addressable market
• Scalable product-solving problem
http://phoenicianfunds.com/
Contact name: Jad Salame
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: +971506719088
Venture Capitalist
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Foodtech
• Edtech
• Health/wellness tech
• Fintech
CORE OFFERING
• Invest in women-led early stage technology start-ups in the Middle
East & globally
• Target the Rise of the Zillenial - new values that are driving new
business models & innovation
CRITERIA
• Gender lens - company needs to have at least 1 female founder or
cofounder who is operational in the business
• Early stage - post seed/angel round (bridge/Series A)
www.mindshiftcapital.com
SECTORS OF FOCUS
• Health Tech • Smart Cities
• FinTech • AI
• EdTech • Mobile cloud
• Transportation and • Multiple Technological
Logistics Innovations
• SaaS Platforms
CORE OFFERING
CRITERIA
• Seed and Series A
• Technology-based startups
https://turn8.co
• Strategic location
• Strong financial reserves
• Large sovereign wealth funds
• Healthy international relations
• Consistent government spending on infrastructure,
digital transformation and innovation
• Progressive policy of economic diversification
• Multi-specialty free zones
• Increased foreign direct investments (FDIs).
VISA
The UAE’s long-term visas include three categories: the
10-year Golden visa, the Specialised Talent visa, and the
five-year Investor and Entrepreneurial visa. This includes
people and researchers in the fields of science and
knowledge such as doctors, specialists, scientists and
inventors. It is also open to talented creative and sporting
individuals and business, start-up and real estate investors
in the emirate.
TAXATION
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals.
However, it levies corporate tax on oil companies and
foreign banks. Excise tax is levied on specific goods that
are typically harmful to human health or the environment.
Value Added Tax is levied on a majority of goods and
services.
success, providing a growing rapidly in Abu Dhabi thanks to business-support partnership with local banks, has introduced several
initiatives, a transparent regulatory environment, access initiatives to attract investors.
stable environment where to world-class talent and a strong focus on innovation.
businesses can achieve a Abu Dhabi is supporting the emergence and growth of SME CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME
bright future. new and existing sectors through its robust infrastructure As part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s Ghadan 21
and business ecosystem. accelerator programme, the Abu Dhabi Department of
Finance has signed agreements with three Abu Dhabi
Establishing a business venture in one of Abu Dhabi’s five banks: FAB, ADCD and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
free zones is an attractive option for foreign investors. to offer a financing scheme for SMEs that provides
They provide many benefits, such as: 100 per cent foreign guarantees to the banks in case of default.
ownership, a low-cost operational environment, full
repatriation of capital and profits, and exemption from KHALIFA FUND
import, export, corporate and personal taxes. Khalifa Fund is a small-medium enterprise development
organisation of the Government of Abu Dhabi. Khalifa
• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Fund seeks to build a prosperous and innovative
• Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) entrepreneurial ecosystem, encourage innovation
• Masdar City and aid the establishment of SMEs in the UAE. The
• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) organisation aims to raise entrepreneurs and SMEs’
• twofour54 efficiency through building capacity, unlocking finance
and integrating them with prominent stakeholders.
and an investor-friendly Business jurisdictions in Dubai are segregated zonally • Dubai Design District
to increase the competence as well as productivity of
government are two of a business. Dubai offers mainland business set-ups, Under Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority:
the factors that motivate free zone company formations and offshore business • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
entrepreneurs to start a establishments. Opting for the right jurisdiction depends • Jumeirah Lakes Towers (it is now part of DMCC)
on the business activity and the nature of the business
business in Dubai. Start- you would like to conduct. Others:
ups in Dubai also get perks • Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority)
on investments and tax In Dubai, you can set up shop either on mainland or • Dubai Airport Free Zone (Dubai Airport Free Zone
in one of the many free zones. Mainland: Operating a Authority)
advantages when compared company on Dubai Mainland allows you to trade within • Dubai Silicon Oasis - (Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority)
to other countries. the local markets as well as trade internationally. The • Dubai HealthCare City - (Dubai Healthcare City
process of company formation is quite systematic. You Authority)
can get a business licence within a day. • International Humanitarian City
• Dubai Maritime City - (Dubai Maritime City Authority)
Free zones: Setting up a business in a free zone is quite • Gold and Diamond Park
reasonable and favourable for new businesses. Some of • Dubai South
the most prominent free zones in Dubai include: • Dubai International Financial Centre
• Meydan
• Dubai CommerCity (DCC) free zone • National Industries Park (TechnoPark)
DIFC COURTS
Operating within a common law framework to ensure
the highest international standards of legal procedure
and dispute resolution. The DIFC Courts acts as an
independent administration of justice for resolving all civil
and commercial laws.
economies in the region, Free zone in RAK: Foreign Investors wishing to set up Limited Liability
• RAK Free Trade Zone Companies within the Non-Free Zone area of RAKEZ must
with an increasing number have a UAE national partner whose shareholding shall not
of dynamic sectors, such INVESTOR ECOSYSTEM be less than 51 per cent of the company’s capital, and the
as tourism, manufacturing, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is an authority professional-type Individual Establishment can be owned
established by the government of Ras Al Khaimah in by an individual of any nationality provided that a Local
technology and retail, as the United Arab Emirates to oversee, regulate and Service Agent holding UAE nationality must be appointed.
well as a growing nascent consolidate the services, facilities and zones of RAK Free Non-Free Zone Foreign Branches require a Local Service
specialised industries sector. Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority Agent.
(RAKIA), as well as serve their respective clients.
RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the second
chamber of commerce commissioned in the UAE, as the
late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi issued His
High Decree for the incorporation of the Chamber on 22
October 1967, so that it may become the cornerstone for
a more optimal regulation of the commercial affairs of
the emirate. The Chamber is a public interest organisation,
possessing a legal personality and administrative and
financial independence within the scope of law, the
Chamber’s Articles of Association and its resolutions,
along with the other regulations in force in the emirate of
Ras Al Khaimah.
labour and other features. • Distance education and training of the growth opportunities available in the emirate. It
• Advanced electronic software (3D printing, artificial provides all the important information, latest economic
intelligence [AI] and similar activities) data and activities, as well as investment opportunities
• Advanced and satellite communication technologies in the emirate. Ajman Free Zone’s partnership with the
and services activities department in number of business support projects such
as consumer right and allowing companies licensed by
Free zones in Ajman Ajman DED to operate and lease from AFZ.
• Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
• Ajman Media Free Zone The Ajman Chamber offers an ideal platform for the
private sector in Ajman to network and establish
INVESTOR ECOSYSTEM connections among various sectors, including the
An attractive investment destination with world-class commercial, industrial and agricultural markets. It
smart services, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) continues to raises awareness about the development of trade and
increase its global presence in the international market commerce and provides a gateway for international
as a leading economic, investment and commercial businesses interested to invest in Ajman to establish their
platform which supports the ambitious expansion connection and explore key prospects for growth in the
plans of investors and major national, regional and emirate.
multinational companies. The free zone has established
a strong portfolio of integrated services, innovative
solutions and attractive incentives that meet the needs
of today’s businesses.
UAE STARTUP FUNDING ECOSYSTEM TOOLKIT | 50
UMM AL QUWAIN
The emirates of Umm Al Amid the rapid modernisation of the UAE and the It works to facilitate the contacts of the associates with
diversification of the nation’s economy, Umm Al Quwain local references and foreign embassies, resolving disputes
Quwain is located between has kept a fascinating harmony between globalisation between associates through reconciliation or arbitration,
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, and staying true to its roots: to this day, the emirate and giving certificates of origin or source of goods
and is characterised by its remains the country’s main fishing hub, while also and certification on invoices, notes and signatures of
opening its doors to foreign investors interested in registered members, in addition to providing information
nature, culture and heritage. accelerating the development growth of the emirate, on the location and dates of international exhibitions.
and in helping shape its future, as partners. As well as
generating a significant portion of its GDP from fishing, UAQ FTZ is an ideal location for micro businesses, SMEs
including by exporting seafood throughout Europe and conglomerates to do business in a safe and secure
and the Middle East, the Government of Umm Quwain free trade zone environment, and it is one of the most
introduced several policies to improve its trade and attractive places for your effective investment in the
investment ecosystem, incentivising entrepreneurs region. Our professional services make the registration
and investors to join the emirate in its bid to acquire a and licensing process quick and easy.
stronger and more diversified economy.
INVESTOR ECOSYSTEM
The UAQ Chamber represents, in general, the interests
of merchants and manufacturers, and provides the
government departments and their affiliates with
information, suggestions and projects aimed at
developing the economy in the emirate of Umm Al
Quwain.
and navigation in the Indian banking facilities locally and internationally. The Licence Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council
of Fujairah Free Zone entitles you to immediately open and Ruler of Fujairah, to be attached to the Fujairah
Ocean. an account in any bank of your choice. Please note Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and works to
that banks in Fujairah look strongly at the feasibility of provide everything necessary for the advancement of the
the project, securities and guarantees, and in the initial small-enterprise sector.
stages.
Among the most important programmes launched by
Free zones in Fujairah: the centre is “Bedayah”, which provides an integrated
• Fujairah Free Zone Authority environment of privileges for entrepreneurs in the emirate,
• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) such as location services and direct sponsorship that help
• Creative City in the success of projects and small businesses; contribute
to the development of the business sector; and provide
INVESTOR ECOSYSTEM assistance in supporting and developing small projects.
Fujairah free zone was established by Emiri Decree
dated 28 July 1987 and is a local governmental body
Fujairah aims to attract foreign investment by providing
investment facilities and licences and miscellaneous
administrative help to raise domestic output to Fujairah.
Useful information:
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation & Arbitration
Centre – Abu Dhabi Chamber
• Dealing with legal issues – Dubai Government portal
• Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) – Dubai
Chamber
• Tahkeem – Sharjah International Commercial
Arbitration Centre
• Ajman Arbitration Centre – Ajman Chamber
• RAK Reconciliation & Commercial Arbitration Centre –
Ras Al Khaimah Chamber