Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD): 2026 Guide
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, known as ICAD, is the UAE capital’s flagship industrial free zone. Spanning 40 square kilometres on the south-western outskirts of Abu Dhabi city, it is the largest purpose-built industrial estate in the emirate and one of the most strategically significant manufacturing hubs in the entire Gulf region. If you are looking to set up a factory, a manufacturing plant, or a heavy industry operation in Abu Dhabi, ICAD is almost certainly going to be your first port of call.
ICAD is managed by ZonesCorp, the Abu Dhabi Zones Corporation, an entity established by the Abu Dhabi government in 2004. According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), ICAD is recognised as one of the six official free zones in Abu Dhabi, placing it alongside ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City, ADAFZ, and Twofour54. That free zone status matters: it means businesses established in ICAD benefit from 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and exemptions on import, export, corporate, and personal taxes.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about setting up in ICAD: what sectors are allowed, how the five clusters differ, what the setup process looks like step by step, what fees apply, how visas work, and how the zone compares to other Abu Dhabi free zones. All information is sourced directly from ZonesCorp’s official published data and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
What Is the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi and Who Regulates It?
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is a purpose-built economic zone created to concentrate the emirate’s industrial activity in a single, world-class location. According to ZonesCorp’s official information, the zone was brought into being by the Abu Dhabi government and ZonesCorp was established in 2004 to manage it and Abu Dhabi’s other economic zones. ZonesCorp describes itself as the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones in the UAE.
ZonesCorp serves as both the licensing authority and the land developer for ICAD. It issues industrial licences, allocates land plots, manages infrastructure, and oversees day-to-day operations across the five ICAD clusters. Investors and business owners deal directly with ZonesCorp for all matters relating to their establishment in the zone.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) classifies ICAD as one of Abu Dhabi’s official free zones and oversees the broader regulatory framework within which ZonesCorp operates. ADDED also administers the Dual Licence scheme, which allows ICAD-registered entities to operate commercially outside the free zone across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), a specialist arm of ADDED, administers a suite of industrial incentive programmes available to businesses in and around ICAD, including the Industrial Land Rent Program (ILRP) and the Energy Support Program. These are explored in detail later in this guide.
What Types of Business Activities Are Allowed at ICAD?
According to ZonesCorp, ICAD accommodates seven major industrial sectors. These are High Tech Industries, General Industries, Construction Materials, Metals and Engineering, Oil and Gas Services, Advanced Factory Units, and Chemical and Plastic. The zone is designed to host a mix of heavy and light industries, from large-scale steel and metals manufacturing to food processing, logistics support, and chemical production.
The five clusters within ICAD are organised to group similar types of activity together. Each cluster has its own profile: some are oriented towards heavier manufacturing such as construction materials and metals, while others accommodate more general industrial and logistics operations. Within each cluster, companies benefit from sector-relevant utility connections, road access configurations, and proximity to businesses operating in compatible sectors.
If your business activity falls within the Advanced Manufacturing priorities identified by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) introduced in 2022, you may also qualify for additional incentives. ADIS priority sub-sectors include Electrical Manufacturing, Electronics Manufacturing, Chemical Manufacturing, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing, and Transportation Manufacturing, all of which can find a natural home within one of the ICAD clusters.
It is worth noting that ICAD is designed for genuine industrial production rather than purely commercial or service activities. Investors should confirm with ZonesCorp that their specific activity is permitted within the zone before proceeding with an application.
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What Are the Five ICAD Clusters and What Do They Offer?
ICAD is divided into five distinct clusters, named ICAD I through to ICAD V. Each cluster has world-class infrastructure, maintained roads and junctions, utility networks, storage and logistics hubs, and quick access to multiple ports and airports. The clustering approach means that businesses benefit from proximity to compatible operations and shared services.
ICAD I and ICAD II are the most established clusters, hosting a wide mix of manufacturing and general industrial businesses that have operated in the zone for many years. ICAD III and ICAD IV accommodate newer entrants, with infrastructure developed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing operations. ICAD V is the most recently developed cluster, making it a natural landing point for businesses seeking freshly allocated plots with modern road and utility infrastructure in place from the outset.
All five clusters are connected to Abu Dhabi city via a network of well-developed roads, and the wider ICAD site benefits from proximity to multiple ports and the over 200 air routes that serve Abu Dhabi, according to ZonesCorp. Sea and land connectivity are a core part of the proposition, making ICAD well suited to businesses that need to move raw materials in and finished goods out at scale.
Within each cluster, ZonesCorp offers flexible and cost-effective plot sizes that appeal to a range of investors, from companies needing a relatively small factory footprint to large-scale heavy industrial operators requiring substantial land allocations. Plot sizes are agreed directly with ZonesCorp based on the investor’s operational requirements and what is available in the relevant cluster.
What Are the Steps to Set Up a Company in ICAD?
According to information published by ZonesCorp, setting up a company in ICAD follows a structured process. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect.
- Identify or clarify your business activity. Be specific about what you intend to manufacture or produce, as ICAD licences are activity-specific and ZonesCorp will assess which cluster and plot type is appropriate for your operation.
- Select a legal structure based on your commercial activity. Common legal forms for ICAD establishments include a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder or a Free Zone Company (FZC) for multiple shareholders. Branches of existing UAE or foreign companies are also permitted.
- Reserve a trade name. Your company name must comply with UAE naming conventions and must be distinct from any existing registered entity. ZonesCorp will check availability.
- Obtain initial approval from ZonesCorp. This is the formal green light from the authority confirming that your proposed activity and structure are eligible to proceed. ZonesCorp reviews the application and, on approval, allocates a land plot.
- Acquire external approvals from relevant government ministries, where required. Certain industrial activities in sectors such as oil and gas, chemicals, food production, or pharmaceuticals require additional approvals from bodies such as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) or the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).
- Access your plot. According to ZonesCorp, investors can access their allocated land plot within approximately two weeks of approval.
- Sign a pre-lease agreement with ZonesCorp. Once the plot is allocated and access is confirmed, a pre-lease agreement with the ICAD authority is signed to formalise the land arrangement.
- Apply for a preliminary (industrial) licence. The preliminary licence allows the investor to commence construction and site preparation, and provides access to additional facilities and utility connections during the build phase.
- Upgrade to a permanent licence. Once construction is complete and operations are ready to begin, the investor applies for the permanent industrial licence, which is the ongoing authorisation to trade and manufacture within ICAD.
The entire process from initial application to receipt of a permanent licence can vary in duration depending on the complexity of the activity, the need for external approvals, and the construction timeline. Investors with simpler industrial activities and no specialist regulatory requirements typically progress through the process more quickly than those in regulated sectors.
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What Documents Are Required to Register a Company at ICAD?
The document requirements for an ICAD licence application are consistent with those of other major UAE free zones and may vary based on your legal structure and the nature of your business activity. The following is a general checklist of documents typically required by ZonesCorp.
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and authorised signatories, with a minimum validity of six months.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or professional profile for each shareholder or director, demonstrating relevant experience in the proposed industrial activity.
- A detailed business plan outlining the nature of the manufacturing or industrial operation, projected headcount, capital investment, and expected output.
- A bank reference letter from the investor’s existing banking institution, confirming financial standing.
- Proof of residential address for each shareholder and director (a utility bill or bank statement issued within the last three months is typically accepted).
- For corporate shareholders or parent companies: a set of attested and notarised corporate documents, including the certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association, and board resolution authorising the UAE entity setup.
- Activity-specific regulatory approvals or no-objection certificates, where required by the relevant government ministry or authority.
All documents in a language other than Arabic or English must be officially translated and attested. ZonesCorp may request additional documents depending on the specific activity, legal structure, or cluster applied for. It is strongly advisable to engage a business setup consultant familiar with ICAD requirements to ensure your document pack is complete before submission, as an incomplete application will slow the process.
What Are the Government Fees and Setup Costs at ICAD?
The primary ongoing cost for any ICAD business is the annual land lease fee for the plot allocated by ZonesCorp. According to ZonesCorp’s published data, standard land lease rates in ICAD range from AED 20 to AED 25 per square metre per year (approximately USD 5.45 to USD 6.80 per sqm at current rates). In addition to the land lease fee, ZonesCorp charges an annual service fee of AED 3 per square metre, applied to all ICAD plots.
| Fee Category | Rate / Amount | Notes |
| Land lease (standard) | AED 20-25/sqm/year (approx. USD 5.45-6.80/sqm) | Confirmed by ZonesCorp published data; rate depends on cluster and plot characteristics |
| Annual service charge | AED 3/sqm/year | Applied to all plots in addition to the land lease fee |
| ILRP Category A (eligible sectors) | AED 5/sqm/year | For new manufacturing establishments in priority sub-sectors; administered by IDB/ADDED; free zone entities not eligible |
| ILRP Category B (eligible sectors) | AED 7.5/sqm/year | As above |
| ILRP Category C (eligible sectors) | AED 10/sqm/year | As above |
| Licence fee | Contact ZonesCorp directly | Fees are not published publicly; vary by activity and legal structure |
| Registration fee | Contact ZonesCorp directly | One-time registration fee at setup; varies by company type |
| Customs duty on industrial inputs | 0% (exemption from standard 5%) | Applies to machinery, spare parts, raw materials, semi-finished goods; administered by IDB/ADDED |
The most significant incentive for eligible manufacturing businesses is the Industrial Land Rent Program (ILRP), administered by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau (IDB). This programme offers preferential land lease rates of AED 5, AED 7.50, or AED 10 per square metre for new industrial investments in priority sub-sectors. These rates represent a significant reduction against standard ICAD rates and can materially improve the economics of a manufacturing operation in Abu Dhabi. Note, however, that the ILRP is available to mainland industrial entities and the IDB has confirmed that free zone entities are not eligible for this specific programme. ICAD businesses should discuss their eligibility for all available incentives directly with the IDB and ZonesCorp.
Licence and registration fees are not published on ZonesCorp’s official website and must be obtained directly from ZonesCorp’s business development team. These fees vary by activity type, legal structure, and the specific cluster applied for. Contact ZonesCorp at zonescorp.com or via their investor services line for a current fee schedule.
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What Is the Minimum Share Capital Requirement for an ICAD Company?
ZonesCorp does not publish a fixed minimum share capital requirement on its official website. Unlike some other UAE free zones that have set stated minimums (such as AED 50,000 or AED 100,000), ICAD’s capital requirements are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the expectation that the invested capital is commensurate with the scale and nature of the proposed industrial operation.
In practice, an industrial operation in ICAD, which requires land, construction, equipment, and working capital, will typically involve a far more substantial initial investment than the minimums stated by commercial free zones. A realistic capital commitment for a manufacturing operation of even modest scale in ICAD would run to hundreds of thousands of dirhams, and large-scale heavy industrial plants can require capital investments in the tens of millions.
For companies incorporated as branches of an existing UAE or overseas company, no separate share capital is required for the branch entity. The parent company’s existing capital structure is sufficient.
You should confirm the specific capital requirement applicable to your proposed legal structure and business activity directly with ZonesCorp before finalising your setup. businesssetuphq.com can assist with this conversation as part of the formation process.
How Many Visas Can I Get With an ICAD Industrial Licence?
Visa allocation in ICAD is linked to the size of the land plot and the nature of the operation, as is standard practice across UAE industrial free zones. Because ICAD plots are typically large, the potential visa quota for an ICAD company can be substantial, particularly for manufacturing operations that require significant factory-floor headcount.
The specific visa-to-plot-size ratio for ICAD must be confirmed directly with ZonesCorp, as it varies depending on the cluster, the type of facility constructed, and the approved activity. For mainland industrial entities in Abu Dhabi, the standard approach is for MOHRE (the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) to assess visa allocation based on the physical workspace area. A similar principle applies in industrial free zones.
All work permits and residency visas for employees of ICAD-based companies are processed through the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) and MOHRE, in line with standard UAE labour and immigration rules. The process involves obtaining a work permit from MOHRE, a residency visa from ICA, and an Emirates ID from the Federal Authority for Identity.
High-value investors establishing operations in ICAD may also qualify for the Abu Dhabi Golden Visa, which provides a ten-year renewable residency visa for eligible investors and their immediate family. The Abu Dhabi Green Visa, a five-year residency for self-employed individuals and skilled professionals, is another option for qualifying individuals. Both schemes are administered by ADDED, and details are available at added.gov.ae.
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What Facilities and Infrastructure Are Available at ICAD?
According to ZonesCorp, each of the five ICAD clusters is planned, constructed, and operated to the highest technical and environmental standards. The infrastructure offering that makes ICAD attractive to industrial investors includes the following.
Road network and junctions.
ICAD benefits from fully developed roads with multiple entry points and free-flowing junctions throughout the site, ensuring smooth movement of heavy vehicles, equipment, and goods across the zone.
Utility and communication networks.
Every cluster is equipped with reliable utility and communication networks, including electricity, water, and telecommunications. The zone’s industrial-grade utility infrastructure is designed to support the power and resource demands of heavy manufacturing.
Storage and logistics hubs.
Dedicated storage and logistics hubs within the zone provide quick and easy access to multiple ports and airports. This multimodal connectivity is central to ICAD’s value proposition for manufacturers who need to import raw materials and export finished products efficiently.
Port and airport connectivity.
According to ZonesCorp, ICAD has connections via sea, land, and air. The zone has access to more than 200 air routes through Abu Dhabi’s airports. Proximity to Abu Dhabi’s port infrastructure, including Khalifa Port and Mussafah Industrial Area, means sea freight is handled with comparative ease.
Flexible plot sizes.
ZonesCorp offers a wide range of plot sizes across the five clusters, described as cost-effective and flexible to appeal to investors with varying operational footprints. Whether you need a small advanced manufacturing unit or a large-scale heavy industrial plant, the zone can typically accommodate both.
What Are the Key Benefits of Setting Up at ICAD?
As an official Abu Dhabi free zone, ICAD offers the full suite of free zone benefits recognised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Here is a summary of the key advantages.
100% foreign ownership.
Companies established in ICAD are not required to have a UAE national shareholder. Foreign investors can own 100% of their ICAD entity, in line with Abu Dhabi’s free zone regulations.
Full repatriation of capital and profits.
There are no restrictions on repatriating capital or distributing profits out of the UAE. ICAD investors can move funds internationally without restriction.
Tax exemptions.
ICAD businesses benefit from exemptions on import, export, and personal taxes. Under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022), qualifying free zone entities conducting qualifying activities are eligible for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Businesses earning income from non-qualifying activities or from UAE mainland sources are subject to the standard corporate tax rate of 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000). You should obtain specialist tax advice to confirm your eligibility for the 0% rate given your specific activity.
Customs exemption on industrial inputs.
As confirmed by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), businesses in Abu Dhabi’s industrial zones benefit from a customs exemption on the standard 5% UAE customs duty applied to industrial production line inputs, including machinery, spare parts, raw materials, and semi-finished goods.
Dual Licence to operate on the mainland.
According to ADDED, Abu Dhabi free zone establishments, including ICAD entities, are eligible for a Dual Licence. This allows them to conduct business and manage operations outside the free zone on the Abu Dhabi mainland, significantly expanding their market reach without the cost of setting up a separate mainland entity.
Government-backed developer with long-term stability.
ZonesCorp is a government-established entity, which gives investors confidence in the long-term stability and governance of the zone. There is no risk of a privately owned developer restructuring or exiting the market, as can occur with commercial free zone operators.
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What Government Incentive Programmes Are Available to Businesses in ICAD?
The Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), operating under ADDED, administers a range of incentive programmes that support industrial businesses in Abu Dhabi. Several of these programmes are relevant to ICAD companies, though eligibility criteria vary. The programmes are part of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), launched in 2022 to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing and to create more than 13,000 knowledge-based jobs by 2031.
Industrial Land Rent Program (ILRP).
The ILRP provides preferential land lease rates of AED 5 (Category A), AED 7.50 (Category B), or AED 10 (Category C) per square metre for new industrial establishments in priority sub-sectors. Note that the IDB has confirmed free zone entities are not eligible for this programme. ICAD companies wishing to access the ILRP should discuss their eligibility with IDB directly.
Energy Support Program (ESP).
The ESP offers preferential gas and electrical tariff rates to private industrial sector businesses in Abu Dhabi to promote competitiveness and sustainability. Eligible businesses can benefit from meaningfully lower energy costs, which can be a significant operating expense for manufacturing operations.
Customs Exemption.
As confirmed by the IDB, industrial businesses in Abu Dhabi benefit from an exemption from the standard 5% customs duty on industrial production line inputs, including machinery, spare parts, raw materials, and semi-finished goods. This can represent a substantial saving for capital-intensive manufacturing businesses.
Smart Manufacturing Programme (SMP).
The SMP supports the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector. It offers access to the Smart Manufacturing Index (a benchmarking tool), the Smart Manufacturing Incentive Programme (financial support for technology adoption), and the Smart Manufacturing Competence Centre (skills and technical support).
Golden List.
The Golden List incentivises government procurement of locally manufactured goods. Manufacturers with a high contribution to the local economy, as measured by their In-Country Value (ICV) certificate, can be included on the list, creating a direct route to government contracts and procurement opportunities.
Financial Ecosystem Programme.
This programme helps industrial businesses access funding from Abu Dhabi’s major banks through a streamlined digital interface, connecting manufacturers with a range of loan options to support expansion, equipment purchase, or working capital needs.
How Does ICAD Compare to Other Abu Dhabi Free Zones?
Abu Dhabi has six official free zones, each designed for a distinct sector or business model. ICAD is the only one purpose-built for heavy and light manufacturing. Here is how it compares to the others.
Abu Dhabi Industrial Zone Comparison: ICAD vs KEZAD vs Masdar City vs ADAFZ
| Feature | ICAD | KEZAD | Masdar City | ADAFZ |
| Primary focus | Manufacturing & heavy industry | Trade, logistics, ports | Clean tech & sustainability | Aviation & cargo |
| Managed by | ZonesCorp | KEZAD Group / AD Ports | Masdar | AD Airports |
| Typical occupier | Factories, plant operators | Importers, exporters, 3PLs | Tech, green energy firms | Freight, aviation companies |
| Land/facility type | Industrial plots, factories | Warehouses, plots, offices | Smart offices, labs | Cargo units, offices |
| Land rates (approx.) | AED 20–25/sqm + AED 3 service charge
|
Varies by cluster | Enquire with Masdar | Enquire with ADAFZ |
| 100% foreign ownership | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual licence available | Yes ADDED
|
Yes ADDED
|
Yes ADDED
|
Yes ADDED
|
| Best for | Industrial manufacturers, oil & gas, chemicals | Importers, distributors, logistics | Clean energy, tech startups | Aviation, freight, logistics |
The key distinction is sector focus. If you are setting up a manufacturing plant, a factory, or an oil and gas services operation, ICAD is the natural choice. Its cluster structure, large plot allocations, heavy-duty utility infrastructure, and land-based leasing model are tailored to industrial operations in a way that a financial services free zone like ADGM or a media and creative zone like Twofour54 simply cannot replicate.
For businesses primarily engaged in trade, import/export, or logistics, KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi) may be a better fit, given its direct integration with Khalifa Port and its multimodal transport infrastructure. For technology companies or clean energy businesses, Masdar City offers a unique ecosystem of research institutions, government-backed innovation programmes, and sustainability-focused partners. And for businesses in aviation, freight handling, or air cargo, ADAFZ at Abu Dhabi International Airport provides direct airside access.
ICAD’s Dual Licence option, available through ADDED, partially closes the gap for businesses that need both an industrial free zone base and the ability to serve the broader UAE mainland market. This makes it a notably flexible option for manufacturers who want to produce in a free zone but sell commercially across the UAE.
Tips for Setting Up in ICAD
Clarify your exact industrial activity before applying. ZonesCorp issues activity-specific licences and the cluster and plot allocation will be based on what you intend to produce. Vague or overly broad activity descriptions can cause delays or rejections. Be precise about your manufacturing process and output.
- Engage with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) early. Even if your company is classified as a free zone entity and is not eligible for the ILRP, the IDB’s team can advise on the Energy Support Program, Customs Exemption, and Smart Manufacturing Programme. These incentives can have a meaningful impact on your operating economics.
- Factor in construction timelines. Unlike commercial free zones where an office-ready unit can be occupied within days, an ICAD setup involves land allocation, site preparation, and construction of your factory or facility. Build realistic timelines into your planning, including time for any external regulatory approvals required for your activity.
- Use the Dual Licence if you need mainland market access. The ADDED Dual Licence allows ICAD-registered companies to operate commercially outside the free zone without setting up a separate mainland entity. This can be a significant cost saving for manufacturers who want to sell direct to UAE customers.
- Get professional visa and PRO support for large-scale hiring. If your manufacturing operation requires a large factory-floor workforce, the visa and work permit process can be logistically demanding. Working with a professional PRO service provider familiar with ICAD and Abu Dhabi’s labour regulations will save time and reduce administrative errors.
Ready to Set Up in ICAD?
businesssetuphq.com has over 22 years of combined experience helping businesses establish operations in UAE free zones, including Abu Dhabi industrial zones. We manage every step of the ICAD setup process, from ZonesCorp application and land plot coordination to licensing, visas, and PRO services.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up in ICAD
ICAD is Abu Dhabi’s flagship industrial free zone spanning 40 square kilometres, divided into five clusters (ICAD I to ICAD V). It is managed by ZonesCorp, an Abu Dhabi government entity established in 2004, and is recognised as an official free zone by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). The zone accommodates seven major industrial sectors, from high tech and oil and gas services to chemicals, metals, and construction materials.
Yes. ICAD is listed as one of the six official free zones in Abu Dhabi by ADDED. Businesses established in ICAD benefit from 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and exemptions on import, export, corporate, and personal taxes. A Dual Licence is also available through ADDED, allowing ICAD entities to operate commercially on the Abu Dhabi mainland.
ICAD is managed by ZonesCorp (Abu Dhabi Zones Corporation), the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones in the UAE, established by the Abu Dhabi government in 2004. ZonesCorp is responsible for licensing, land allocation, infrastructure management, and investor services across all five ICAD clusters.
According to ZonesCorp’s published data, standard land lease rates at ICAD range from AED 20 to AED 25 per square metre per year, plus an annual service charge of AED 3 per square metre. Businesses in eligible priority manufacturing sectors may qualify for significantly reduced rates of AED 5, AED 7.50, or AED 10 per square metre under the Industrial Land Rent Program (ILRP) administered by the Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau, subject to eligibility criteria.
ICAD accommodates seven major industrial sectors: High Tech Industries, General Industries, Construction Materials, Metals and Engineering, Oil and Gas Services, Advanced Factory Units, and Chemical and Plastic industries. The zone hosts a mix of heavy and light industries, from steel and metals manufacturing to food processing, logistics, and chemical production. Businesses should confirm with ZonesCorp that their specific activity is permitted before applying.
Yes, through the Dual Licence scheme administered by ADDED. According to ADDED’s official guidance, free zone establishments in Abu Dhabi, including those in ICAD, are eligible for a Dual Licence that allows them to carry out activities and manage their business outside the free zone area, providing access to the broader UAE market without the need to set up a separate mainland entity.
As a recognised free zone, ICAD businesses benefit from exemptions on import and export duties. The Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) also offers a Customs Exemption incentive that covers the standard 5% UAE customs duty on industrial production line inputs, including machinery, spare parts, raw materials, and semi-finished goods.
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