Development Abu Dhabi free zone sees two-fold jump in leases By Pramod Kumar April 26, 2023, 5:37 AM Wam The number of newly registered entities with the free zone increased by 45 percent in 2022 Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports, registered a two-fold increase in leased-out spaces and properties in 2022. The free zone signed contracts for 163,580 sq m of space across Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International and Al Bateen Executive airports, state-run WAM news agency reported. Properties included commercial spaces, land development plots and administrative facilities, driving annual leases up by 256 percent. Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said that the free zone will continue to play its role in supporting economic diversification and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a hub for aviation, pharmaceutical, logistics, light industries, advanced technology sector and general entrepreneurship. The number of newly registered entities with the free zone increased by 45 percent in 2022. New licenses in the manufacturing sector advanced by 200 percent year-on-year, followed by IT (133 percent) and aviation (54 percent). The free zone’s main priorities under its annual development strategy include further developing its business by attracting more small and medium enterprises, foreign direct investment businesses and signing new property contracts.
