Freeport facilities include 416 square
metres of prebuilt warehousing
HAMRIYAH FREE Trade Zone commercial director Dan Louw believes he has the best package in the UAE on offer.
And coming from the Durban-trained quantity surveyor who has specialised in setting up free trade zones all over the world, the comment should not be taken lightly.
Hamriyah is located between three continents, with Port Khalid on the Arabian Gulf and Port Khor Fakkan on the Indian Ocean, offering a major advantage over other emirates in Louw's view.
Ships from Durban and Cape Town don't have to travel through the Gulf which saves two days transit time as well as insurance costs, says Louw.
Adding to its strategic location is its proximity to Sharjah International Airport, a major benefit for combined air/sea shipments.
The free zone has taken up the challenge to provide incentives which exceed that of its competitors, although Louw makes it clear that they're not in competition with each other, but complementary.
Each investor has different needs, which different free zones will meet.
Hamriyah's generous incentive framework includes 100% foreign company ownership; 100% import and export tax exemption; 100% exemption from all commercial levies; 100% repatriation of capital and profits; and leases available for up to 15 years and renewable for a further 15 years.
There are no corporate or personal taxes. The words 'red tape' have been banned from its business directory.
It is zoned for 45% heavy industry and 55% medium and light industry. Among the facilities not available elsewhere in UAE free zones are 416 square metres of prebuilt warehousing.
A new port, which is currently under development, will offer a 14m draught, able to accommodate vessels up to 250-300 metres long. Half of its capacity will be dedicated to petrochemicals, with the remainder for general cargo and dry bulk.
Our vision is to ensure that Hamriyah is investor-oriented, says Louw.
We work closely with our investors to develop free zone products and services to meet their needs.
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