FAQs | Abu Dhabi Ports
What is the Abu Dhabi climate like?

Between November and March, the average highs are around 26°C, while average low drops to around 15°C. Between April and October, the average high rises to 39°C (50°C in August) and average low drops to around 25°C at night. However, the humidity rises noticeably peaking at 87% in August/September. Average rainfall is low -at less than 6.5 cm annually; more than half of which occurs in December and January.

What are the steps for a free zone and non-free zone residence permit?

Free Zone Employment Visa Process

  • Apply for entry permits new/work – labour
  • Apply for new Emirates ID card
  • Apply for medical test
  • Apply for health card
  • Apply for new residence permit

Non-Free Zone Employment Visa Process

  • Apply for new quota less 50 (Tasheel)
  • Apply for payment receipt for project/electronic quota work permit
  • Apply for electronic work permit approval
  • Apply for work permit approval payment
  • Apply for bank guarantee payment
  • Apply for update work permit information (Tasheel)
What are the various categories of licenses issued by Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KIZAD)?

We issue three categories of licenses – Industrial, Trading and Services.

What are the different types of business operations permitted in the free zone areas?

All types of legitimate business operations are permitted. Please refer to Companies Registration Regulations and the Licensing Categories Decision document published by KIZAD.

What are the various clusters in KIZAD?
  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Petrochemicals and Chemicals
  • Paper, Print and Packaging
  • Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Equipment
  • Food
  • Trade and Logistics
  • Engineered Metal Products
  • Mixed use and others
How can an investor sign up for land, warehouses, offices or other facilities in KIZAD?

Business owners can log on to www.adports.ae or www.kizad.ae websites and complete the Industrial Project Application (IPA) or Logistics Project Application (LPA) forms.

The Business Development team at Abu Dhabi Ports will contact you to process your application.

Can I use any trade name to register my company?

Yes. However, the use of name is subject to approval by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

Do I have to adopt Emiratisation in my recruitment?

It is not mandatory. However, as a semi-government organization, we do encourage the inclusiveness.

What are the current global rankings for Abu Dhabi / UAE to attract the investors in terms of doing business?
  • UAE BMI logistics risk ranking Q2 2018 – 1st in MENA region
  • UAE ranking in Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018: 17th in global markets
  • UAE – Doing business Rank (World Bank) 2018:  21st globally in terms of Ease of Doing Business
What is the minimum/maximum free waiting period at Abu Dhabi Ports once cargo is unloaded before charges get levied?
  • Import & Export – 20 days free period/open yard (General cargo, heavy lift, project, steel)
  • Import & Export – 10 days free period/close shed for (General cargo, heavy lift, project, steels)
  • RoRo Vehicles – 10 days except Free Port
What is VAT?

Value Added Tax or VAT was introduced in the UAE on 1 January 2018 and stands at 5 percent. Abu Dhabi Ports collects and accounts for the tax on behalf of the government.

VAT is an indirect tax on the consumption or use of goods and services levied at each point of sale. It is used in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information, please visit the Federal Tax Authority Website: https://www.tax.gov.ae

What is VAT law, and how can I find more details?

The services conditions for VAT purposes are detailed in the VAT Law and VAT Executive Regulations

Who should register for VAT?

A business must register for VAT- if its taxable supplies and imports exceeds mandatory registration thresholds.

In addition, it is optional for businesses whose supplies and imports exceed voluntary registration thresholds.

Registration threshold and other details are mentioned in the VAT Law and VAT Executive Regulations

As a free zone company, is my company still liable to register for VAT?

Yes, as a company operating in a free zone, the company deemed to have a place of residence in UAE for VAT purposes as per VAT Law Article (51) clause 9. Accordingly, your company will have to review the registration requirements as per the VAT Law and the VAT Executive Regulations

What is the TRN of Abu Dhabi Ports?

Abu Dhabi Ports is registered as 100208828200003 – this is our group TRN number.

The VAT Group members are:

  1. Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC
  2. Abu Dhabi Marine Services Co – Safeen L.L.C.
  3. Khalifa Industrial Zone Company L.L.C.
  4. Abu Dhabi Free Zone L.L.C.
  5. Maqta Gateway L.L.C.
  6. Fujairah Terminals Operating Company – Fujairah Terminals LLC
  7. Autoterminal Khalifa Port L.L.C

You can download copy of the registration certificate from this link

Can't find the answer?

Feel free to contact us, we are always ready to assist you with any questions you may have in mind.