4th June 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi Airports’ Free Zone (ADAFZ) is thriving as the destination of choice for businesses, as it issues its 200th trade license today to NATS.

NATS is the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services. Each year the company handles 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers in UK airspace alone. In addition to providing services to 14 UK airports, and managing all upper airspace in the UK, NATS is working with customers around the world, and prides itself on extending its services to the Middle East region.

With the 200th trade license, ADAFZ has proven its popularity in attracting businesses to the capital, as it has granted licenses to companies from over 38 countries and, through its Government Services Office, has issued more than 2250 employment visas to date.

Located strategically in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region, Abu Dhabi provides the best connections to a quarter of the world’s population making it a vital element of a competitive freight network. ADAFZ offers comprehensive warehousing and fully serviced office solutions to a broad spectrum of business sectors including aviation, aerospace and logistics, providing the ideal business environment for any start-up to thrive.

Adel Al Taheri, Acting Senior Vice President of Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone and Business City, said: “ADAFZ is able to offer its business partners a range of benefits including a 100% duty and tax exemption, foreign ownership, and repatriation of capital and profits, amongst others.  Our vision for ADAFZ is for it to be the preferred business destination for international and local organizations in the aviation, airport services, IT, Consultancy Management, logistics and cargo, and freight sectors. Our free zone also offers a hub for all aviation-friendly and light industrial activities seeking to gain advantage from close proximity to the airport for import and export requirements.”

Ben Kiff, Director of NATS Middle East, commented: 'We are delighted to be joining ADAFZ, and look forward to developing our business in Abu Dhabi, as part of our ongoing commitment to the UAE and the region. By positioning us nearer our customers, our operations in ADAFZ will allow us to better serve those we are already working with, as well as those we hope to work with in the future, as Abu Dhabi expands and develops its aerospace ecosystem.'

ADAFZ’s jurisdiction spreads across more than 10.6 km2 around Abu Dhabi International Airport, covering in the long-term five commercial districts: Logistics Park, Business Park, Destination Village, Al Falah Free Zone and the Airport City, alongside its premises at Al Ain International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport.