There are two free zones in Qatar:
1. Ras Bufontas, the airport free zone, which is connected to the award-winning Hamad International Airport, and
2. Umm Al Houl, the sea port free zone, that sits next to the world’s newest greenfield deep-seaport.
Why Qatar Free Zones?
Digital infrastructure
Determined to see the 4th Industrial Revolution in the Middle East inside their Zones, Qatari Free Zones have equipped their investors with six-way telecommunications duct banks, redundancy networks, fully deployed 5G capabilities, and fiber-optic access points offering speeds of up to 1GBps.
Logistics infrastructure and global connectivity
Strategically located among globally acclaimed Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul Free Zones are designed to support logistics clusters with DHL and GWC already established. Ras Bufontas, the airport free zones, will complement high value and time-sensitive products, while Umm Alhoul, the seaport free zone, will provide international freight forwarders access to the chemical, oil and gas, and heavy machinery industries.
Energy
QFZ offers its investors some of the world’s cheapest energy, starting at just 3.5 USD cents per kW/h. This makes Qatari zones ideal for energy-intensive business operations in technology and industry. Because Qatar's energy is derived from natural gas, Qatar's energy is significantly cleaner than anything produced by oil or coal power stations.
Sustainability
Qatar free zones are designed to be as efficient as possible, making use of the wide range of innovative technologies to deliver on their vision to become the world’s most sustainable free zone group.
Business-friendly
Whether it means creating the framework necessary for tech companies to set up data centres, or establishing a regime for agritech firms, QFZ provides businesses with the environment they need to grow.
Tax Regimes
QFZ offers extremely competitive tax exemptions, including
- 20-year corporate tax holidays,
- No individual income taxes,
- Zero custom duties on imports.
- Investors are also entitled to 100% foreign ownership, with full capital repatriation.
International Courts
The Qatar International Court is a world-class civil and commercial court. It applies international best practices in dispute resolution and brings together renowned and experienced judges from around the world. This provides the investors with a familiar legal landscape to establish and operate their business from.
Industries
The free zones are built to enable companies in the key sectors to unleash their full growth potential. QFZ is there to connect investors with the opportunities they need to enable their growth.
Emerging Technology
QFZ has the regulatory and digital infrastructure that has brought Google and Microsoft to these zones to take advantage of the growth opportunities in Qatar and the wider regional market.
Trade, logistics and export
The world’s leading logistics companies are setting up regional hubs in these zones because of the unparalleled access they provide to Qatar’s award-winning air and sea-ports.
Maritime
Marsa marine cluster is a fully integrated maritime industry and leisure ecosystem with 2,200-ton load bearing synchro life, travel lift, finger piers and slipway.
Manufacturing & chemicals
Extremely competitive energy prices, access to feedstock and global connectivity gives manufacturers and chemical companies in these free zones a globally competitive edge.
STRATEGIC SECTOR FOCUS
QFZA is focused on sectors where Qatar has a strong value proposition, so that we can develop and offer specialized solutions for businesses based on the nature of their product.
Specialized clusters for logistics, chemicals and emerging technology will allow companies in these sectors to benefit from a growing community of like-minded organizations, and dedicated research and innovation facilities.
- Logistics: Qatar sits at the intersection of three continents, and within 8 hours flying time of more than 4.5 billion people. Qatar is also one of the world’s largest cargo hubs, making logistics a natural area of focus.
- Chemicals: As part of its mandate, QFZA is working to develop and expand the downstream landscape in Qatar, leveraging the country’s competitive advantages in natural gas.
- Emerging Technology: Qatar’s small size, powerful infrastructure, high internet and smartphone penetration and the continued growth of its tech sector all make it a great place for tech companies to establish operations.
To get more information about investment conditions in free zones of Qatar, please contact Soha Asia Follow Up Services consultants.
Updated on: Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024