Economic growth has been a major focus for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and with much success. At its current pace, the UAE has already achieved 75% of its AED 4 trillion annual foreign trade target for 2031.
Government plans such as “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071” demonstrates the country’s goal to continue advancing and remain globally competitive. This is reflected too in the incentives laid out for businesses at every stage, whether you’re a scale-up, small and medium enterprise (SME) or multinational corporation (MNC).
The following are some of the latest government incentives that you can actively explore while setting up your business in the UAE:
- In-Country Value (ICV) certificate
- Make it in the Emirates accelerator
- Utility rebates
- Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) innovation programme
- Hub71 Access Programme
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) innovation licence
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Prime Plus Package
1. In-Country Value (ICV) certificate
Overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the ICV certificate is an incentive for companies in:
- Manufacturing
- Services in areas such as engineering, consulting, IT and facilities management
- Construction and contracting
The MoIAT had previously shared that more than 3,500 companies were certified in the first half of 2024. Part of the UAE’s broader industrial strategy, Operation 300bn, this programme will assess your contribution to the UAE. Local procurement and hiring of Emiratis are among the factors considered, and if your application is successful, you’ll be issued a certificate along with an ICV score.
This will directly influence your ability to secure government and semi-government contracts as tenders often weigh the ICV score alongside price. A higher score offers a competitive advantage, even when pricing is similar, by demonstrating a stronger contribution to the UAE economy.
2. Make it in the Emirates accelerator
Also launched under Operation 300bn, the Make it in the Emirates accelerator can remove much of the initial preparation for manufacturing in the UAE. Over a period of six months, the accelerator can provide you with access to advanced production lines, research and development (R&D) labs as well as logistics support that may help in scaling your business.
You may also tap into investor introductions and pilot opportunities to improve your product offerings. Towards the end of the programme, there is an opportunity to participate in a national showcase, which can increase your product exposure. This incentive is particularly useful if you’re operating in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, food innovation, sustainable products and materials.
This accelerator is fully supported by the Emirates Development Bank (EDB) and MoIAT, meaning no cost is required on your part. Admission, however, is cohort-based so you will need to pay close attention to future openings if you’re interested in the resources provided.
3. Utility rebates
Depending on the area you’re looking to establish in, various utility rebates and discounts offer an additional incentive to help you save substantially on overheads.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, a reduced energy consumption tariff is provided to industrial and technological businesses that cross a certain threshold. Upon successful application, you can enjoy electricity rates as low as 26 fils per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
If you’re setting up in a UAE free zone, there are utility rebates arranged by the respective zone authorities. The Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), for example, offers a Power Tariff incentive for qualifying companies. This allows for electricity rates to start at AED 0.27 per kWh, with guaranteed price visibility for ten years.
Similarly, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) partners with the Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) to provide preferential electricity and water tariffs to businesses.
4. Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) innovation programme
From the UAE’s capital, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has a range of direct financial and non-financial incentives available to businesses via the Innovation Programme.
With a fund of AED 2 billion dedicated to this programme, the ADIO extends support to firms in fields such as agricultural technology (AgTech), healthcare and biopharmaceutical, information and communications technology (ICT) as well as financial services.
5. Hub71 Access Programme
You can also consider the 12-month Access Programme provided by Abu Dhabi’s Hub71. Hub71 is a government-backed tech hub and incubator based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Helping early-stage companies across a range of sectors, Hub71's Access Programme offers financial incentives to facilitate businesses in establishing a foothold in Abu Dhabi and scale globally.
Each selected startup can receive an incentive package worth up to AED 500,000, combining AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 cash incentive for equity. This can then cover some of your business’ most critical needs such as office space, housing and talent acquisition, all of which can significantly lower the cost of setting up in Abu Dhabi.
By the end of the programme, if you are recognised as top-performing, you may receive another AED 250,000 cash incentive in exchange for further equity. This could bring your total potential support to AED 750,000, an additional benefit while you focus on strengthening your business presence.
6. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) innovation licence
As a global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, the DIFC also provides special incentives to support the growth of technology and innovation companies in Dubai. One example is the DIFC innovation licence, which comes with a subsidised fee structure to lower the cost of setting up your business in the free zone’s Innovation Hub.
At a reduced annual licence fee of US$1,500, you can enjoy discounts on coworking spaces and employee visas for at least two years. This includes up to four visas on your first desk with a 50% discount on the visa fee. This may make the DIFC more accessible to your business, helping you to manage the costs of your hires.
To further encourage innovative activities in the DIFC, there are other business incentives available in addition to this cost relief. The DIFC’s regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), runs a Regulatory Sandbox known as the Innovation Testing Licence programme.
Suitable for firms at the testing stage, this sandbox can provide you with a controlled environment to develop new products with temporary regulatory flexibility. You may experiment with innovative financial products, services and business models for a period of 12 to 24 months before graduating to full licensing.
7. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Prime Plus Package
Another popular free zone in the UAE, the DMCC provides an accelerated setup programme for medium to large enterprises. Referred to as the Prime Plus Package, you can receive your DMCC licence alongside a number of benefits.
Under this package, the initial provisional approval validity is extended to 180 days instead of the usual 90 days, which can be helpful when you need a longer window to complete the setup formalities.
You may also add shareholders, directors or other business activities within the first three months of licence issuance at no extra charge, another significant benefit for more complex businesses. For example, if your company is setting up first with two shareholders and then onboarding a third investor shortly after incorporation. Normally, that would incur amendment fees, but the Prime Plus Package will cover it when done in the allowed timeframe.
Priced at AED 40,145 for a one-year term, this package provides faster processing and flexibility. There is also a three-year option at AED 78,100, which can provide you with savings over a longer period.
For smaller businesses, you may consider the Jump Start Package or the Basic Biz Package, which offers equally helpful benefits for your company formation in the UAE.
How we can support you
By ensuring targeted support is available across every location and sector, the UAE government positions itself as a true partner to businesses seeking growth. At Hawksford, we can help you navigate these opportunities with precision, advising on the most relevant incentives, corporate tax exemptions and regulatory frameworks for your specific industry and objectives.
Our Dubai team can structure and manage your market entry to maximise these benefits from day one, from securing incorporation and licences to aligning operations with government-backed programmes such as the ICV initiative. With our expertise, you can accelerate establishment, strengthen your competitive position and ensure a smooth, compliant transition into the UAE market. To find out more on how we can assist you, please get in touch.
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