One of the fastest growing free zones in the UAE, Hamriyah Free Zone is based in the emirate of Sharjah. It is located on the west coast of the Arabian Gulf and provides strategic access by sea, land and air to a fast growing over one billion consumer market.

HFZ, advertised as the "next generation free zone", aims to become a hub for medium and heavy industries in the region. Great efforts have been exerted by the Sharjah Government and the HFZ Authority to establish a world-class investor-friendly atmosphere and a flexible and dynamic management.

No efforts have been spared to bring together a team of result-oriented business managers to manage the day-to day operations of the zone. The management works closely with its investors to develop free zone products and services to meet their needs.

Sharjah offers extensive transportation links to the Gulf states, Indian subcontinent and the emerging markets in Asian and African nations. These services are made possible by the "Sharjah Link".

The "Sharjah Link" gives the investor access to a trade bridge which creates a significant cost and time savings advantage. This link is created by Khor Fakkan container port on the east coast/Indian Ocean; Hamriyah and Khalid ports on the west coast/Arabian Gulf; and the Sharjah International Airport. All ports are connected by a super highway and will exempt goods from tax which are shipped to the Hamriyah Free Zone. This link can save up to 48 hours in sailing time and reduce insurance costs.

The Sharjah International Airport is currently the largest cargo handling base in the UAE today with Lufthansa selecting it as its Middle East base, while Sharjah is the UAE's preeminent industrial base. Adding to its strategic location is its proximity to Dubai International Airport which is only 6 km from the Sharjah Expo Centre.

HFZ Authority has already launched an intensive marketing campaign to promote the zone globally. The zone also plans to open offices in India, Australia and the US soon. Since starting the marketing of the zone in early 1998, the HFZ has leased some 21 per cent of its 10 million sq m of land to investors. HFZ has already attracted over $500 million in investment. The private investment is set to double this year.

The number of establishments in HFZ increased from five in 1998 to 90 in 1999.

The facilities/advantages and concessions offered by the free zone include:

Free Zone and Port

The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority manages the free zone area of approximately 10 million sq m of prime industrial and commercial land and the 14-m-deep water harbour which includes room for expansion.

It accommodates dedicated petrochemical, bulk handling and general cargo berths.

The master plan includes a 6 m deep inner harbour which will give investors access to 20 waterfront plots of 150 x 200 m.

The prime location of the zone's land underscores the importance of the zone to the Sharjah's development strategy.

Land for lease

The strategic plan for development of the zone's prime property envisions the building of a range of industrial plots ranging in sizes from 2,500 sq m and up. These plots can be developed by investors to suit their exact requirements.

Warehouse/factory/office

HFZ is customer-oriented, it gives customers the freedom to develop their factories, office infrastructure, warehouses and other buildings. For those investors who require ready-made, ready-to-go warehouse space, HFZ provides the investor with a choice of pre-built buildings in sizes of 416 sq m and 614 sq m.

Executive leased offices

For investors who require more than mere factory shells, who need a broad range of technology and communication-intensive services, the zone is preparing to meet those needs as well. The Business Centre provides space for 100 executive office suites with state-of-the-art conferencing and Internet.

Labour Accommodation

Comfortable labour accommodation is provided for investors who need on-site housing facilities, within few minutes from the warehouses and office blocks.