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Masdar City Free Zone has launched a dedicated Emirati package to empower national entrepreneurs, according to a statement from the authority. The initiative provides tailored licensing options, reduced setup requirements and access to specialized infrastructure for UAE nationals focusing on clean technology, renewable energy and innovation-driven fields. Masdar City Free Zone noted that the package includes priority processing for applications along with mentorship and networking opportunities inside its growing business community. The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s goals for economic diversification through local talent development.
A December 2025 assessment recognized Masdar City Free Zone as the UAE’s fastest-growing free zone after it expanded to more than 2,000 tenants from over 90 countries. The evaluation reported a 68 percent year-on-year increase in the workforce from 2024 to 2025, driven by competitive licensing and sector-focused support. Masdar City Free Zone highlighted its Emirati Package alongside startup and innovation offerings as examples of customized solutions that match tenant needs within a sustainability framework. The authority stated that such packages have helped accelerate business setup while maintaining emphasis on advanced research and green commerce.
Masdar City Free Zone launches Emirati package to empower national entrepreneurs as part of its ongoing work to foster local participation in high-growth sectors. The package offers flexible workspace solutions including flexi-desks and shared laboratories in addition to streamlined registration that reduces administrative steps for qualifying nationals. It further grants entry to an ecosystem supporting artificial intelligence, life sciences, agritech and related industries, the free zone reported. Masdar City Free Zone added that the program addresses specific barriers faced by Emirati founders seeking to establish and scale operations.
The launch builds on a December 2025 memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Finance and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to integrate small and medium enterprises into federal procurement. That agreement focuses on preparing accredited national companies for government supply chains and enhancing their innovation capacity, according to a Ministry of Finance statement. The collaboration aims to raise the contribution of Emirati SMEs to overall economic output through better market access. Masdar City Free Zone’s package complements these national efforts by supplying a dedicated regulatory and physical environment for sustainable business growth.
Masdar City Free Zone, established in 2006, has developed into a hub for pioneering technology and low-carbon urban development. Zone data shows it maintains 100 percent foreign ownership for qualifying activities in most cases, zero corporate tax on qualifying free zone income and full capital repatriation rights. For Emirati entrepreneurs the specialized package adjusts these features to emphasize local ownership and long-term viability in priority sectors. The authority pointed to the free zone’s location five minutes from Zayed International Airport as a factor that supports efficient operations for new businesses.
Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, said in the announcement, “Masdar City is committed to supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision for economic diversification by creating tailored solutions that empower businesses to grow and thrive.” The executive added that the packages address evolving requirements of the business community while advancing innovation-driven objectives. Masdar City Free Zone reported that multiple licensing tiers now exist to accommodate different enterprise stages with the Emirati option centered on national empowerment. The free zone’s tenant network already supports thousands of jobs across its sustainability-focused operations.
