Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA)
Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) is Sharjah's major industrial free zone, built around its own deep-water port and known for competitively priced land, warehouses and workshops. It suits manufacturing, oil and gas, petrochemicals, maritime and heavy-trading businesses. AOPA member firms support HFZA companies with accounting, audit and UAE Corporate Tax.
Overview
Established by Emiri decree in 1995, HFZA is one of the UAE's largest industrial free zones, managing around 30 million square metres of land and operating its own deep-water port. It hosts thousands of companies from more than a hundred countries and is organised into specialised zones for activities such as oil and gas, steel, construction, petrochemicals, timber and maritime industries.
Who it suits
HFZA is aimed at manufacturers, oil, gas and petrochemical operators, steel and construction firms, shipbuilding and maritime businesses, and heavy traders needing land, warehouses and port access. Its competitive land and warehouse pricing and long-term leases make it a strong choice for capital-intensive and industrial projects.
Licences and activities
The free zone issues commercial, industrial, service and general-trading licences. Facility options include pre-built warehouses, workshops, executive offices and large industrial land plots on long-term leases, plus direct access to the free zone's own port for import, export and re-export operations.
Setting up
Steps: (1) select the activity and licence type; (2) reserve the trade name; (3) choose a facility such as an office, warehouse or land plot; (4) submit incorporation and KYC documents to HFZA; (5) receive the licence and lease; (6) complete customs registration, visas and Emirates ID.
Accounting and audit requirements
HFZA companies must keep proper accounting records, and audited financial statements are commonly required at renewal and for banking. Every entity must register for UAE Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority and assess whether it qualifies for the 0% free-zone rate, with VAT and Economic Substance reviewed where relevant. AOPA member firms handle HFZA industrial accounting, audit and Corporate Tax filings.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hamriyah Free Zone best known for?
HFZA is Sharjah's major industrial free zone, known for its own deep-water port and competitively priced land, warehouses and workshops for manufacturing, oil and gas and heavy industry.
Does HFZA have its own port?
Yes. HFZA operates its own deep-water port with an inner harbour, giving industrial and trading companies direct import, export and re-export access.
Is HFZA cost-effective for industrial setups?
HFZA is regarded as one of the more competitively priced options for warehouses, workshops and long-term industrial land in the UAE.
Do HFZA companies pay Corporate Tax?
They are within the UAE Corporate Tax regime and may qualify for 0% on qualifying income where free-zone conditions are met, but must register with the Federal Tax Authority. AOPA member firms can advise.