This is what ‘Ease of doing’ — not ‘Fees for doing’ — business looks like…

Bengaluru: In a landmark achievement underscoring its growing global relevance, the Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ) has completed its first successful year of operations, marking the establishment of over 6,500 companies since its launch in October 2024.

The milestone reflects ANCFZ’s rapid rise as one of the UAE’s most dynamic business hubs and a key contributor to foreign direct investment (FDI), reinforcing Ajman’s position as a preferred destination for Indian entrepreneurs and investors seeking digital efficiency, affordability, and speed.

As part of its anniversary outreach, a high-level delegation from Ajman has embarked on its maiden India tour — covering Bengaluru and other key cities — to engage with business leaders, startups, and trade bodies, presenting Ajman as a new global gateway for Indian entrepreneurs.

Digital transformation meets personalized service

Since inception, ANCFZ has revolutionized company formation in the region through a fully digital ecosystem that enables investors to secure a business license within two hours and complete visa processing within 24 hours.

The Free Zone combines the efficiency of automation with personalized support — its dedicated team manages every step of the process on behalf of clients, from documentation and approvals to licensing and compliance — offering a completely hands-free experience.

This hybrid model of digital agility and human assistance has proven especially valuable to entrepreneurs focused on innovation and growth, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision for a smart, innovation-driven economy.

Vision 2030: Powering Ajman’s economic momentum

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of ANCFZ, remarked: “This achievement reaffirms Ajman’s standing as a thriving business hub aligned with Ajman Vision 2030. Surpassing 6,500 company formations in one year demonstrates the confidence global entrepreneurs place in Ajman’s progressive policies and ANCFZ’s innovative digital model.”

Echoing the sentiment, Rishi Somaiya, CEO of ANCFZ, stated: “Our vision is to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs by delivering simplified, technology-driven business solutions. This milestone reflects our commitment to Ajman’s economic growth and to strengthening the UAE’s global leadership in innovation and business excellence.”

Global appeal and economic impact

The success of ANCFZ is fuelled by a diverse investor base spanning more than 150 nationalities, mirroring Ajman’s long-standing global partnerships. According to the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), FDI inflows into UAE free zones have grown steadily since 2022, contributing significantly to non-oil GDP and fortifying the UAE’s reputation as a world-class entrepreneurial hub.

ANCFZ’s flexible structure allows up to 10 business activities under a single license, making it particularly attractive to startups and next-generation enterprises across sectors such as AI, blockchain, digital gaming, and creative technologies.

This approach supports the UAE Digital Economy Strategy 2031, which aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to national GDP over the next decade.

Empowering global entrepreneurs

With all-inclusive business packages starting from AED 10,800, ANCFZ provides licensing, visa, and workspace solutions under one roof.

Strategically located in Ajman, it offers seamless connectivity to global markets through major logistics corridors linking the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

In a market comprising over 45 free zones across the UAE, ANCFZ distinguishes itself through speed, simplicity, and service excellence —streamlining business setup and enabling faster market access.

Driving global entrepreneurship

Globally, SMEs represent nearly 90 percent of all businesses and account for more than half of total employment. Yet many continue to face challenges in accessing finance and resources for expansion.

By simplifying business formation and offering end-to-end digital solutions, ANCFZ directly contributes to global efforts in empowering entrepreneurship and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi summed it up thus: “Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone sets a new benchmark for entrepreneurial support by combining affordability, agility, and world-class digital infrastructure. We are focused on helping businesses thrive while driving Ajman’s economic diversification.”

Concluding on an optimistic note, CEO Rishi Somaiya added: “Our first year marks an extraordinary beginning. We aim to expand our global reach, enhance digital innovation, and reinforce ANCFZ’s position as one of the most entrepreneur-friendly free zones in the UAE.”