UAE Review

Ajman’s new `friendly’ zone

Sheikh Abdul: AMC will support the economic growth of Ajman

The Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ), the newest free zone in the UAE, has announced a range of cost-effective packages for potential business owners.

Ahead of the official launch of the free zone, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the AMCFZ, said: “Globally, entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are widely considered to be vital to national economies. We are committed to supporting the small and mid-size business investors and offering easy and cost-effective services, which will help this sector and also boost the UAE’s rankings in the global business destination list.”

The AMCFZ has been developed as a customer-friendly zone, making the emirate of Ajman an international economic centre for investors and businesses, in line with the “Ajman 2021” Vision.

 

No deposit mandate

The chairman announced a landmark decision to abolish all the security deposits related to the visa process for new companies, which set up their base in the free zone. Sheikh Abdul said: “We want new business owners to receive significant cost advantage and make it easier for them to set up a new business in the UAE. This decision is one of the several advantages we offer to support the creative, media and entertainment industry.”

 

Ease of Business

Another USP of AMCFZ is the culture to promote and ensure “ease of business” for every potential investor.

“We have identified key issues a potential investor faces when setting up a new business such as the cost of doing business, set-up costs, the regulatory requirements, and their expectations such as the availability of a long-term sustainable framework, which allows them to set up, operate and function with ease,” he said.

 

TOP infrastructure

The chairman further said: “We function as a facilitator and bring the investors, innovators and talent together, into this ecosystem, as innovation and entrepreneurship emerge and grow. This framework gives support and comfort to a new entrant or investor who wishes to invest in the UAE but who may not be familiar with the local laws, regulations and culture. The new business owners are supported by a highly trained and qualified customer service team to offer personalised service and further ease the process for investors.”

 

Strategic Collaborations

The AMCFZ is entering strategic alliances with organisations in key markets such as India and Egypt in the first phase.

Outlining recent developments and collaborations in the international markets, Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, executive director of the AMCFZ, said: “In India, we have successfully created long-term alliances with two of the largest media conglomerates, The Times of India and Hindustan Times. A MoU has been signed with The Hindustan Times already and the second MoU with the Times of India Group will be finalised soon. As part of the collaboration, the AMCFZ will identify value propositions, projects and events that can be localised for the UAE market and be brought to Ajman.”

Similarly, Egypt is a key market for the Ajman Media City, AMC, as the country is a pioneer in the business of media and entertainment in the Mena region, Al Hashemi explained.

He said that over the next few months, the AMC will engage with other key markets and organise a series of road shows and business visits to strengthen ties with regional countries.

“The free zone is receiving a very positive response from the key international markets already. The unique services offered by the AMC will support the economic growth of Ajman and also enable the emirate to play a bigger and more significant role in bringing a substantial economic boost to the UAE,” he added.