Business Setup in UAQ Free Trade Zone: 2026 Guide
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, known officially as UAQFTZ and now operating under the domain uaqftz.gov.ae, is one of the UAE’s most competitively priced free zones for business formation. It is a government authority directly under the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, and it has been designated as an official free zone under Cabinet Decision No. (54) of the year 2023. With over 11,000 businesses already registered, spanning 150 nationalities, UAQFTZ has become a serious destination for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporates who want a UAE base without the higher costs associated with free zones in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Whether you are a freelancer looking for a UAE residency visa, a startup testing a new idea, or an established company opening a branch in the UAE, UAQFTZ offers packages to suit each scenario. The entry-level UAQ LYTE package starts at AED 5,500 (approx. USD 1,500), while the all-inclusive UAQ START package, which includes a commercial or service licence, a UAE residency visa, coworking space, and banking assistance, is priced at AED 12,500 (approx. USD 3,400). Company setup can be completed remotely in as little as two working days.
This guide covers everything you need to know before applying: who regulates UAQFTZ, which legal entities are available, what licences and activities are permitted, the exact setup steps and documents required, current fees, visa rules, facility options, and how UAQFTZ compares to other UAE free zones. Every fact in this article has been verified against official UAQFTZ authority pages, which are listed in the References section at the end.
What is Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone and who regulates it?
Where is UAQFTZ located?
UAQFTZ is located in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, positioned along the western coastline between Ajman to the south and Ras Al Khaimah to the north. The free zone sits directly on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, the E311 highway, which is described by UAQFTZ as the UAE’s longest road. This arterial route connects Umm Al Quwain to Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi without the need to pass through major urban toll zones.
According to the official UAQFTZ website, the free zone is just 30 minutes by road from Dubai International Airport and is close to Sharjah International Airport as well. The emirate covers 770 square kilometres and has a coastline stretching 24 kilometres. The free zone operates across two locations: Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and Umm Al Thoub. Ahmed Bin Rashid Port is now operated by Hutchison Ports UAQ, one of the world’s leading port operators, featuring a four-berth facility with an 845-metre-long quay that handles container, general, Ro-Ro and bulk cargo traffic.
The combination of direct highway access, proximity to two international airports, and a dedicated seaport makes UAQFTZ particularly well positioned for logistics, warehousing, light manufacturing, and import/export businesses.
Who governs UAQFTZ and what is its legal standing?
UAQ Free Trade Zone Authority is a government organisation operating directly under the Government of Umm Al Quwain. It is not a privately managed free zone. According to its official designation under Cabinet Decision No. (54) of the year 2023, UAQFTZ is one of the formally designated free zones in the UAE, which means it carries the legal protections and tax benefits afforded to all UAE free zones under federal law.
The free zone was originally established in 1987 as the Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and Free Zone, making it one of the older free zone establishments in the northern emirates. Companies registered here operate under UAQFTZ’s own company regulations, including UAE Free Trade Zone Rules and Regulations and Company Regulations No. 1/14, copies of which are available to download from the official UAQFTZ website.
The emirate is currently governed by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, with H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla as Crown Prince. The government has launched several programmes to attract foreign investment, support SMEs, and strengthen the local economy through trade and manufacturing.
What types of companies and legal entities are permitted in UAQFTZ?
UAQFTZ issues limited liability (LLC) structures for all entity types. According to the official UAQFTZ Licences and Entity page, every entity formed in the free zone must have a natural person appointed as manager, director, and secretary. There are three entity structures to choose from.
What is a Free Zone Establishment (FZE)?
A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single-shareholder entity. It is suited to solo founders, individual investors, and sole traders who want to operate under a corporate structure while retaining full ownership of the company. The single shareholder can be an individual or a corporate body.
What is a Free Zone Company (FZC)?
A Free Zone Company (FZC) allows between two and up to 50 shareholders. This makes it appropriate for joint ventures, partnerships, and businesses with multiple investors. Shareholders can be individual persons, corporate entities, or a combination of both.
Can a foreign company open a branch in UAQFTZ?
Yes. An existing company, whether incorporated in the UAE or overseas, can register a branch in UAQFTZ. The branch is not a separate legal entity from the parent company; it operates as an extension of the parent. The parent company’s legal documents, including its certificate of incorporation and memorandum of association, form the core of the branch registration application. This option is popular with multinational corporations and UAE-mainland businesses that want to hold a free zone licence for specific activities or for accessing tax exemptions within the free zone.
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What types of licences are available in UAQFTZ?
According to the official UAQFTZ Licensing Services page, the free zone issues five main categories of licence, plus a freelance permit. Understanding which licence type applies to your business activity is the first practical step in the setup process.
Commercial Licence
A Commercial Licence authorises the import, export, storage, and distribution of goods, as well as trading in specified products. It is appropriate for businesses engaged in the purchase and sale of goods whether within the UAE or internationally. According to UAQFTZ, a commercial licence can include up to 10 similar activities or up to three different categories of activity.
General Trading Licence
The General Trading Licence sits within the broader commercial licence category but gives significantly wider scope. It allows the holder to trade in any commodity that is legally permitted within the UAE, including a diverse range of product lines. This is useful for businesses that plan to trade across multiple, unrelated product categories.
Service and Consultancy Licence
A Service Licence or Consultancy Licence is for entities providing expertise-based or professional services. Examples include management consulting, marketing services, IT services, and agency work. A service or consultancy licence can cover two activities. The UAE services sector is one of the key economic drivers in the country, and UAQFTZ is specifically set up to enable service companies to incorporate, market, and distribute their services from within the free zone.
Industrial Licence
An Industrial Licence is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, assembling, or packaging goods. According to UAQFTZ’s official guidance, a physical office or warehouse is mandatory for industrial licence holders. The free zone offers leasable land units for industrial purposes, described as having some of the lowest operating costs in the region. The industrial licence allows the licence holder to manufacture specified products and export the finished goods.
Freelance Permit
The UAQFTZ Freelance Permit is designed for individual professionals who want to work in their own name rather than under a company brand. It is specifically targeted at talent, creative, and selected administrative roles in the technology, media, and film sectors. A freelance permit allows the individual to conduct business as a sole professional without the administrative overhead of running a company. As of the time of writing, UAQFTZ offers a standalone freelance permit package from AED 9,999 (approx. USD 2,720).
What is dual licensing and how does it work?
One of UAQFTZ’s distinctive features is its dual licensing provision. According to the official Benefits page, an investor can hold more than one licence type within the same entity. For example, a company can hold a commercial licence and add a consultancy or service licence to the same legal entity without needing to incorporate a separate company. This is particularly useful for businesses that both trade in goods and offer related professional services. The dual licence reduces cost and complexity compared to maintaining two separate legal entities.
What business activities are permitted in UAQFTZ?
According to UAQFTZ’s official website, the free zone permits more than 1,500 business activities across all licence categories. This makes it one of the broader free zones in terms of activity coverage, particularly for northern-emirate free zones.
Commercial licences cover trading in a wide range of product categories. A standard commercial licence can include up to 10 similar activities or three from different categories. General trading licences extend this further to cover virtually any legally permitted commodity in the UAE.
Service and consultancy licences cover two activities per licence. This includes professional categories such as management consulting, marketing, IT support, accounting advisory, advertising, logistics coordination, and agency representation.
Industrial activities include manufacturing, processing, assembly, and packaging of goods across multiple sectors, from food processing and plastics to electronics assembly and construction materials.
The freelance permit covers individual professional activities in designated categories including technology, media production, film, and related creative and administrative roles.
Businesses that want to sell directly into the UAE domestic (mainland) market are required to do so through a licensed UAE mainland agent or distributor, as is standard for all UAE free zone companies. However, there are no restrictions on exhibiting at trade fairs and exhibitions anywhere in the UAE.
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What are the steps to set up a company in UAQFTZ?
According to the official UAQFTZ Steps page, the company formation process is structured in three main stages: choose your entity, choose your licence and facility, then submit your application. The process can be completed remotely, with no requirement to be physically present at the free zone’s offices.
Step 1: Choose your entity type
The first decision is the legal structure. You will need to decide between a Free Zone Establishment (FZE, single shareholder), a Free Zone Company (FZC, two to 50 shareholders), or a Branch of an existing company. The choice determines the number of shareholders permitted and the corporate governance obligations. You will also confirm the company name at this stage, subject to UAQFTZ naming guidelines.
Step 2: Choose your licence type
Once the entity type is confirmed, select the licence or licences that align with your business activities. Commercial, Service, Consultancy, Industrial, or Freelance Permit options are available, as well as dual licence combinations. Multiple activities can be included in a single licence within the permitted limits described in the previous section.
Step 3: Choose your facility
All packages at UAQFTZ require a minimum facility, which is a shared workstation or coworking desk. This is the minimum legal requirement for company registration in the UAE. Beyond this minimum, you can choose from private executive offices (from 9 sq.m), warehouses (from 100 sq.m), or land plots (from 2,500 sq.m). The facility you select affects your visa allocation and the nature of the activities you can conduct on-site.
Step 4: Prepare documentation and submit your application
Compile the required documents (detailed in the next section) and submit your application to UAQFTZ. The authority has an online application process that allows remote submission. After the application is reviewed and the invoice is paid, the authority issues your trade licence. Once you have your licence, you are eligible to apply for UAE residency visas for yourself and your employees. According to UAQFTZ, efficient due diligence means that investors can set up in as little as two working days.
Post-licensing services, including licence renewal, amendments to business activities, and visa processing, are handled by the UAQFTZ Client Relations team.
What documents are required to register a company in UAQFTZ?
The precise documents required vary depending on the entity type. UAQFTZ provides a downloadable document checklist on its official Downloads page. The categories below reflect the standard requirements. It is recommended to check the most current version of the checklist on the official UAQFTZ website before submitting, as requirements can change.
Documents for individual shareholders (FZE or FZC)
Individual shareholders will typically need to provide a passport copy with at least six months’ validity, a recent passport-sized photograph, a copy of the UAE visa page (if residing in the UAE), proof of residential address (such as a utility bill), a completed application form with personal and business information, and a signed and notarised power of attorney if the application is being handled by a representative. For the manager or director, a CV or resume may also be required.
Documents for corporate shareholders
Where one or more shareholders are corporate entities rather than individuals, the following are generally required: an attested and notarised Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company, an attested and notarised Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, a board resolution authorising the establishment of the UAQFTZ entity and naming the authorised signatory, and a certificate of good standing if applicable. Documents issued outside the UAE typically require attestation by the UAE embassy in the country of issue and further attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Documents for a branch of an existing company
A branch registration requires the parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, a board resolution or shareholders’ resolution authorising the opening of the branch in UAQFTZ, and proof of the parent company’s existing business registration. Attestation requirements follow the same process as corporate shareholder documents.
In all cases, original or attested copies should be prepared before submission. UAQFTZ recommends checking the official Downloads section at uaqftz.gov.ae for the most current document checklist and application forms.
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What are the government fees and setup costs in UAQFTZ?
UAQFTZ is known for being one of the more affordable free zones in the UAE. The authority publishes promotional packages on its official Promotions page, and these represent the most up-to-date pricing. The table below summarises the key package options and recurring costs based on the official UAQFTZ website. All prices are in AED; approximate USD equivalents are shown for reference using a rate of AED 3.67 to USD 1.
| Cost Item | Price (AED) / Approx. USD |
| UAQ LYTE Package Licence only, no visa, coworking desk |
AED 5,500 Approx. USD 1,500 |
| Freelance Permit Individual, no separate company |
AED 9,999 Approx. USD 2,720 |
| UAQ START All-Inclusive Package Licence + 1 visa + coworking + medical + Emirates ID + medical insurance + e-channel + establishment card + bank account assistance |
AED 12,500 Approx. USD 3,400 |
| Industrial land rent Per sq.m per year — minimum 2,500 sq.m |
From AED 18 / sq.m Approx. USD 4.90 / sq.m |
| Warehouse units From 100 sq.m — rent varies by size |
Contact UAQFTZ for current rates |
| Staff accommodation Per person per month |
From AED 400 / month Approx. USD 109 / month |
| Visa validity period All UAQFTZ visas |
2 years (renewable) |
Note: The packages above are promotional rates published on the official UAQFTZ Promotions page as at May 2026. Package inclusions and prices are subject to change. Verify all fees directly with UAQFTZ at uaqftz.gov.ae before applying. Additional costs may apply for third-party approvals, activity-specific regulatory fees, and attestation charges.
What is the minimum share capital requirement in UAQFTZ?
According to the official UAQFTZ Licences and Entity page, the minimum stated share capital for a company formed in UAQFTZ is AED 300,000 (approx. USD 82,000), with each share valued at AED 1,000 (approx. USD 274).
Importantly, UAQFTZ also states that there is no requirement to provide proof of start-up capital at the point of registration. This means that while AED 300,000 is the legal stated (or authorised) capital that appears in your company documents, you are not required to deposit this amount in a bank account or prove its existence before your licence is issued. This is a common feature of UAE free zone company formation and is quite different from the paid-up capital requirements seen in some other jurisdictions.
For the freelance permit, there is no company incorporation and therefore no share capital requirement. Individual freelancers operate in their own name and are not required to meet any capital threshold.
Businesses planning to apply for specific regulated activities, such as financial services or certain third-party approvals, may face separate capital requirements from the relevant regulatory body. Always check activity-specific requirements before applying.
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How many visas can I get with my UAQFTZ licence?
According to UAQFTZ’s official Leasing Services page, office spaces start from 9 square metres and qualify for six or more visas, with flexible visa options described as available for businesses of all sizes. The number of visas attached to your licence is directly linked to the size and type of facility you rent.
All UAQFTZ visas carry a two-year validity period and are renewable. The visa process is described on the official Support Services page as quick and convenient. UAQFTZ assists investors and employees in obtaining residence and work visas through its in-house support team.
UAQFTZ also assists with dependent visas. Licence holders can sponsor their spouse, children, parents, and domestic staff (maids). The full process, including the medical test, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping, is handled with support from UAQFTZ’s client relations team.
For businesses with larger workforces, UAQFTZ also provides staff accommodation on-site, with rooms available from AED 400 per person per month in a purpose-built G+3 building with facilities including a dining area, recreation room, and laundry services. The accommodation is within walking distance of the industrial clusters.
If your planned headcount requires more visas than a standard office package provides, UAQFTZ recommends discussing your requirements directly with their team at the time of application, as custom packages and larger office configurations are available.
What office and facility options are available in UAQFTZ?
UAQFTZ describes its facilities across four main categories on its official Leasing Services page.
Executive offices and co-working spaces
Private executive offices are available from 9 sq.m upwards. Offices are described as impeccably designed and ready to move into, with shell-and-core options available for businesses that want to customise their layout. All offices include broadband internet and telephone infrastructure, 24-hour CCTV security, on-site management support, common parking, and access to conferencing and meeting room facilities. Co-working desks are also available within the UAQFTZ headquarters building and are the minimum facility required for licence registration.
Warehouses
Pre-built warehouses are available from 100 sq.m upwards. According to the official Leasing Services page, warehouses at UAQFTZ have an eaves height of 7.2 metres or above, are heat-insulated, include an attached office space, pantry, and toilet facilities, are fitted with fire alarm and firefighting systems compliant with international standards, and are equipped with electricity infrastructure offering standard power from 15kw to 36kw (upgradable). Ramps for forklift access are included. The warehouses are ready to occupy with road access and include 24-hour CCTV security within the free zone perimeter.
Leasable land plots
Land plots for commercial and industrial construction are available from 2,500 sq.m upwards. Plots are available on short- and long-term leases of up to 25 years (renewable). The land sits directly alongside the E311 highway, with ample electricity and water infrastructure already in place. Land rent is priced from AED 18 per sq.m per year. Plots are suited for factories, warehouses, showrooms, and corporate campuses. Labour accommodation is available within walking distance.
Staff accommodation
UAQFTZ operates a purpose-built staff accommodation facility (G+3 building) for the workforce of registered businesses. Rooms are furnished with beds and wardrobes (six beds per room), and the facility includes multiple washroom facilities per floor, a laundry, a convenience store, a mini restaurant, a recreation room, and a common dining area. Monthly rent starts at AED 400 per person, with a meal plan option available. This is described as a “walk-to-work” facility, positioned within cycling or walking distance of the industrial zone.
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What are the key benefits of setting up in UAQFTZ?
According to the official UAQFTZ Benefits page, the free zone offers the following verified advantages.
100% foreign ownership: There is no requirement for a UAE national partner. Foreign investors can hold the entire share capital of their UAQFTZ company.
100% capital and profit repatriation: There are no restrictions on transferring your profits or capital out of the UAE. This applies regardless of the investor’s nationality or country of residence.
100% import and export tax exemption: Goods imported into or exported from UAQFTZ are exempt from import and export duties within the free zone and in trade outside GCC countries.
No currency restrictions: There are no controls on holding, exchanging, or transferring foreign currencies.
Corporate tax position: UAE corporate tax at 9% applies to profits above AED 375,000 from the financial year beginning on or after 1 June 2023, as per the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Free zone companies that meet the qualifying free zone person conditions and earn qualifying income can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on that qualifying income. Investors are advised to seek professional tax advice to determine their specific position.
No restrictions on hiring foreign employees: UAQFTZ places no restriction on the nationality of employees you hire. This gives businesses access to the full international talent pool.
Special concessions at UAQ seaport: Businesses registered in UAQFTZ benefit from special concessions at Hutchison Ports UAQ, the emirate’s commercial seaport. This is a material advantage for import/export and logistics businesses.
Remote setup with no physical presence required: UAQFTZ allows full remote company formation. Investors do not need to visit the free zone office at any point during the initial registration process.
One-stop shop: UAQFTZ acts as a single point of contact for licensing, visas, customs, and immigration, reducing the number of government authorities an investor needs to deal with.
Award-winning recognition: UAQFTZ has received the Qadat Al Tagheer Award for “Best Free Zone for Startups and SMEs” and two Asia One Awards: “Best Upcoming Free Zone for Small to Large-Scale Industries” and “Highest Investor Satisfaction Award.”
How does UAQFTZ compare to other UAE free zones?
UAE entrepreneurs and investors have more than 40 free zones to choose from across the seven emirates. The table below provides a feature-level comparison of UAQFTZ against three other popular free zones for SMEs and startups. Pricing information is based on official UAQFTZ figures only; investors should verify pricing for other zones directly with those authorities.
Freezone Comparison: UAQ FTZ vs RAKEZ vs IFZA
| Feature | UAQ FTZ | RAKEZ (RAK) | IFZA (Dubai) |
| Regulator | Govt of Umm Al Quwain | Ras Al Khaimah Econ. Zone | Intl Free Zone Authority |
| Entry-level licence package | From AED 5,500 | Contact authority | Contact authority |
| 100% foreign ownership | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual licence (2 types, 1 entity) | Yes | Limited | No |
| Business activities | 1,500+ | 14,000+ activity codes | 1,500+ |
| Remote setup | Yes 2-day turnaround cited
|
Yes | Yes |
| Seaport access | Yes Hutchison Ports UAQ
|
Yes Saqr Port
|
No |
| Staff accommodation on-site | Yes From AED 400 / person
|
Yes | No |
| Industrial land available | Yes From AED 18 / sqm / yr
|
Yes | No |
| Free zone designation | Cabinet Decision 54/2023 | Federal / Emirate law | Federal / Emirate law |
UAQFTZ’s primary advantages over many comparable free zones are its entry-level price point, the dual licensing provision, on-site staff accommodation, direct seaport access, and its strategic location on the E311 highway. It is particularly well suited to businesses with physical goods, logistics needs, or manufacturing ambitions. For pure service and consultancy businesses with no warehousing or industrial requirements, other free zones in Dubai or Abu Dhabi may offer a larger client base closer to hand, though typically at a higher cost.
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Tips for Setting Up in UAQFTZ
Practical Tips from the Field
- Start with the UAQ LYTE package if you are testing the market. The AED 5,500 LYTE package includes a licence and a coworking desk but no visa. It is the lowest-cost way to have a legally registered UAE company. You can upgrade to a larger office or add a visa later.
- Use the dual licence to save on entity costs. If you plan to both trade in goods and offer related consultancy services, you do not need two separate companies. Add a second licence type to the same entity, which is far cheaper than incorporating a second company.
- Attest corporate documents well in advance. If a corporate entity is a shareholder, the attestation process (UAE embassy in the country of incorporation, then UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) typically takes two to four weeks. Factor this into your timeline to avoid delays.
- Confirm activity-specific third-party approvals before applying. Some activities, such as food trading, education, or healthcare-related services, require approval from a UAE federal or emirate-level regulator in addition to the UAQFTZ licence. Confirm whether your activities require a third-party approval and include those fees in your budget.
The 0% corporate tax benefit requires qualifying income. Free zone companies are not automatically exempt from the 9% UAE corporate tax. To benefit from the 0% rate on qualifying income, the company must meet the qualifying free zone person conditions set by the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Seek professional tax advice before relying on the 0% rate.
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Whether you are a solo founder looking for the most affordable UAE entry point, or a corporate group opening a branch for a specific project, our team will give you a clear cost breakdown, realistic timelines, and hands-on support throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions about UAQFTZ Business Setup
Yes. According to the official UAQFTZ Benefits page, company formation can be completed entirely remotely. No physical presence is required at the free zone office for registration, licence issuance, or renewal. The authority processes applications online and communicates with applicants via email and its online portal.
UAQFTZ states on its Benefits page that businesses can be set up in as little as two working days, provided that all documentation is in order. In practice, setup timelines depend on the completeness of your application and, for corporate shareholders, the time required to attest parent company documents.
All UAQFTZ company registrations require a minimum facility, which is a shared workstation or coworking desk. This is the minimum UAE legal requirement for company registration. A fully virtual office is not available. However, the coworking desk option is the most economical and is included in the entry-level packages.
The minimum stated share capital is AED 300,000 (approx. USD 82,000), with each share valued at AED 1,000. However, UAQFTZ does not require proof of paid-up capital at the time of registration. The capital figure is recorded in your company documents but does not need to be deposited in a bank account before the licence is issued.
Not directly. As with all UAE free zone companies, a UAQFTZ entity must use a licensed UAE mainland agent or distributor to sell goods or services into the local (onshore) UAE market. The free zone licence permits trading within the free zone and internationally. There are no restrictions on participating in exhibitions and trade fairs anywhere in the UAE.
The number of visas is tied to the office facility you rent. Offices from 9 sq.m qualify for six or more visas, with flexible options available for businesses of all sizes. All UAQFTZ residence visas carry a two-year validity. Dependent visas for spouses, children, parents, and domestic staff are also available through UAQFTZ’s support services.
Yes. UAE corporate tax at 9% applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000 from the financial year beginning on or after 1 June 2023 (per the UAE Federal Tax Authority). Free zone companies that qualify as a “qualifying free zone person” and earn “qualifying income” as defined by the Federal Tax Authority can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on that qualifying income. This is a complex area and investors should take independent tax advice to determine their specific position.
Yes. UAQFTZ’s dual licensing provision allows a single entity to hold more than one licence type. For example, a company can hold a commercial licence and a consultancy or service licence simultaneously, without needing to incorporate a separate entity. This saves on ongoing costs and simplifies administration.
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