Prestigious global recognition highlights the Free Zone’s knowledge-led business community and contribution to Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 19 October 2026: Masdar City Free Zone has been named among the world’s top 10 free zones in fDi Intelligence’s Global Free Zones of the Year Awards 2026.It also received Highly Commended recognition in the Knowledge Zones of the Year category, both globally and across the Middle East.
The recognition is a strong international endorsement of Masdar City Free Zone’s business offering and knowledge-led environment. It reflects the Free Zone’s ability to support investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation while advancing sustainable economic growth in Abu Dhabi.
“Being named among the world’s top 10 free zones is a proud moment for our team, our partners and the companies that have chosen to build their business with us,” said Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City. “Today, more than 2,800 companies from over 90 countries have chosen to grow with us, and every day, they work alongside researchers, founders and some of the region’s leading institutions. That closeness is what helps an idea become a business, and a business become a global player. We will keep making it simpler for companies to establish, connect and scale, because every company that grows with Masdar City Free Zone adds up to Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy and to the future-focused industries the UAE is building.”
Masdar City Free Zone provides businesses with a streamlined platform to establish, expand and connect from Abu Dhabi. Through flexible licensing solutions, tailored workspaces, business support services and access to a connected innovation community, it enables startups, SMEs and multinational organizations to pursue growth across the UAE and international markets.
The achievement also underscores Masdar City’s Free Zone’s contribution to Abu Dhabi, which entered Startup Genome’s global top 50 startup ecosystems for the first time this year, while new economic licenses across the emirate rose 5% in the first half of 2026. Masdar City Free Zone’s business community is contributing to that growth across advanced technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability and clean energy.
The annual fDi Global Free Zones of the Year Awards recognize free zones worldwide for their performance, value proposition and contribution to investment and business growth.
To learn more about establishing and growing a business in Masdar City Free Zone, visit masdarcityfreezone.com
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Historically, Masdar City and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) underwent a strategic separation in late 2022 to maximize their contributions to the UAE and the world while ensuring brand continuity for both entities. Please do not abbreviate Masdar City to Masdar. Masdar City is now a separate legal entity.
About Masdar City
Masdar City is a pioneering sustainable urban community, a world-class business and technology hub, and a “green-print” for cities that want to be part of the solution to climate change. With one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, we are dedicated to creating a new kind of city, a new way of working and living, and a more sustainable future for everyone.
The Masdar City Free Zone is a diverse, innovative and ambitious group of over 2,800 organizations that benefit from comprehensive business support as well as the city’s rich ecosystem. Tenants include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UAE Space Agency, Siemens Energy, G42, the Advanced Technology Research Council, several Fortune 500 companies and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The Masdar City Free Zone also includes The Catalyst, a clean-tech startup investor powered by both Masdar City and BP.
