Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) was established in 1988, leading to massive industrial development in Ajman by attracting a great number of companies to benefit from the investment privileges, thereby strengthening industry and trade and the financial sector in the UAE.
AFZ provides competitive privileges and facilities allowing companies to get a considerable return on their investment. AFZ continues to develop its infrastructure, spending millions of Dirhams along its free zone area of more than one million square meters.
Strategic location advantages:
Air
easily reach international airports within 25 minutes only by car from AFZ, including communication with world air transportation networks.
Sea
AFZ is located opposite to Ajman Port.
Land
There is a highly equipped international road network connecting AFZ with neighbouring countries, for easy arrival and departure.
Distance from Ajman to Other Emirates
Emirate | Distance |
Sharjah
|
2 km
|
Dubai
|
12 km
|
Umm al-Quwain
|
21 km
|
Ras al-Khaimah
|
70 km
|
Fujairah
|
120 km
|
Abu Dhabi
|
180 km
|
Advantages
- 100% ownership of establishment/company
- 100% foreign ownership
- Easy transfer of capital and profits
- Exemption from personal income tax
- Exemption from import and export duties
- Exemption from other taxes
- Competitive prices on facility usage
- Competitive prices for power/electricity
- Competitive prices on leasing
- Easy access to low cost labour
- Well-developed infrastructure
- One-stop counter service for effecting transactions (Residency, visas…etc.)
- Fast and easy procedures and in most cases get the license within 24 hours
Ajman
The total area of Ajman, including territorial waters, is 324 km2, and excluding territorial waters is 214 km2. The Ajman coast area in the Arab Gulf region is 8 km. Ajman is formed from three different areas, as per terrain and distance from the Gulf Coast; namely: Ajman city, Masfoot and Manama. Humidity is higher in summer and the temperature in winter is 25 degrees.
Masfoot
It is 110 km far from the south-east, and its area is 46 km2, consisting of Mazera with agricultural activity, fertile land, wide valleys and a good climate. This makes it attractive for tourists because of its nature and mountains, such as "Daftta”, "Leeshen" and "the white" mountain which are all truly magical mountainous regions. In addition, Masfoot is famous for its wide valleys such as "Gulfa", "Al Sawamer", "Masfout", "Al Khanfareyah" and "Al Defda'a".
Manama
Al Manama region is located about 73 km to the east of Ajman. The road through Sharjah and Fujairah passes opposite it. Al Manamah includes a gravel and sand valley, across high mountains rich with natural minerals and building stones. It is also famous for its fertile valleys and plentiful crop.
Lifestyle
Culture
The Islamic values have been known since time immemorial in the UAE heritage, providing strength and inspiration that affect all aspects of daily life.
Hospitality
Generosity and hospitality are among the highest virtues in the Arab world and the visitor assured of a friendly welcome and hospitality by the people of the UAE.
Family life
The family is one of the most important institutions in the Arab community. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and relatives, and relationships within these extended families are strong and characterized with respect granted to the elders in the family.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month, in which Muslims practice their religious rites. Its time differs every year compared to the calendar year. Ramadan is the month in which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from Fajr time to Maghreb time, and during that time visitors are expected to abstain from eating/drinking in public places.
Religious Ceremonies
Eid al-Fitr is the Ramadan and continues for three days. Celebrations start after the Eid prayer in the morning, and gifts are exchanged.
Eid al-Adha is the day of sacrifice, representing the end of Hajj, which lasts four days (Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims at least once in their lifetime).
Traditional Sports
Falconry is among the traditional sports which are still practiced in Ajman, displaying the unique partnership between humans and birds.
AFZ Strategy
Vision
To be the Free Zone investors’ first choice in the UAE.Mission
Ajman Free Zone encourage investing capitals, and provide the appropriate climate for such investment, by way of contributing in drawing up the general policies and providing information, preparing studies, executing projects, organizing expositions and conferences, and other constructive activities, and by the help of national efforts and qualified human cadres, who contribute in achieving the economic growth and the welfare of Ajman's Society and that of the United Arab Emirates.Values
- 1. Initiative and creativity
- 2. Transparency
- 3. Commitment
- 4. Credibility
- 5. Leadership and teamwork
- 6. Excellence
Chairman’s Message
In support of the wise vision and directions of H.H. Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council member, Ruler of Ajman; and in accordance with the directive of H.H. Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; to develop new strategies matching with positive economic developments to contribute to the growth of UAE’s economy and to attract diverse investments, Ajman Free Zone continues with its strategic plans and implements efforts in adopting best practices in the industry of Free Zones to grow internationally in achieving the desires of our wise leadership.
Ajman Free Zone constantly develops proficiencies to keep up with international economic developments along with highlighting substantive matters related to UAE and Ajman’s strategic ambitions to progress the UAE’s economy in general and the Emirate of Ajman by developing excellence in its operations as per international standards.
We always welcome investors in Ajman Free Zone and are pleased to provide all support to our clients to achieve their ambitions.
Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi
Ajman Free Zone Chairman
Glimpses from the life of H.E. Mahmood Khalil Al Hashemi, Director-General of Ajman Free Zone
About
H.E. Mahmood Khalil Al Hashemi is a senior leader with solid credentials and a career filled with achievements, including 24 years of experience in diverse fields such as governmental and semi-governmental sectors and in commercial projects spanning the financial / economic sector. He is an expert in the development of specialized zones such as economic zones, free zones, industrial zones and logistic support zones.
His experience includes strategy and planning, business development, fund management, marketing, spearheading companies, institutional excellence, risk administration, project management, R&D, preparing and assessing commercial feasibilities, transaction management; in addition to a wide set of experiences, training and practical skills, leading initiatives as well as playing a prominent role in planning and wise leadership for the creation of a successful work environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Emirates University in 1990.
- More than 35 curricula and workshops organized by local and international organizations such as International Monetary Fund, ESCWA, International Bank and so on.
Professional Experience
Positions | From | Till |
| Director General, Ajman Free Zone | 03/01/2013 | Till Date |
| Acting Director General, Ajman Free Zone Acting Director General, Department of Economic Development – Ajman | 10/05/2011 | 02/01/2013 |
| Acting Director General, Department of Economic Development – Ajman | 01/06/2010 | 09/05/2011 |
| Vice Chairman Consulting Services, International JAFZE | 27/01/2008 | 16/08/2008 |
| Acting Assistant Manager Statistics & Research Department, Central Bank of the UAE | 15/05/2002 | 20/01/2008 |
| Main Researcher Statistics & Research Department, Central Bank of the UAE | 06/12/1993 | 14/05/2002 |
| Accountant Accounting Department - Central Bank of the UAE | 15/12/1990 | 05/12/1993 |
Awards
- The first ranking in Ajman Award for Excellence in Government Performance for Distinguished Government Department category – First Session – Year 2009
- The second ranking in Ajman Award for Excellence in Government Performance for Distinguished Government Establishment category – First Session – Year 2009
- The first ranking in Ajman Award for Projects & initiatives & distinguished government Services for Distinguished Government Services category – First Session – Year 2010
- The best idea in the International Arab Conference for 2010 – Arabic Ideas for Employees Projects Ideas
- The third ranking in Ajman Award for Excellence in Government Performance for Distinguished Government Establishment category – Second Session – Year 2011
- Best Government Department In Supporting Statistical work in Ajman for Adopt Initiatives – Year 2012
- The initiative of developing the Quality Assurance Center in Ajman Award for Projects & initiatives & distinguished government Services for Distinguished Initiative category – Year 2013
Certificates
- Quality Management System Certification ISO 9001:2008
- Environmental Management Certification ISO 14001:2004
- Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification OHSAS 18001:2007
