In a significant move to enhance investor access to the UAE’s vital energy sector, Sharjah’s two major free zones have joined forces with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).
The initiative, marked by a high-level workshop held by Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (Saif Zone) in collaboration with Adnoc, aims to streamline investor integration into the national oil and gas value chain and open the doors for businesses in the free zones to directly participate in strategic energy projects.
The initiative reflects a broader national push to strengthen institutional linkages between free zones and key industrial sectors such as energy, which continues to be the backbone of the UAE economy. The workshop introduced companies operating within HFZA and Saif Zone to Adnoc’s stringent supplier registration processes and qualification standards, enabling them to become verified vendors capable of bidding for contracts across the company’s vast project portfolio.
Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of both HFZA and Saif Zone, described the partnership as a landmark in institutional integration. “This collaboration sets a benchmark for national synergy. It aligns with our shared vision of establishing sustainable and impactful partnerships that empower our investors, while enhancing the competitiveness of national enterprises,” he said. “By facilitating direct access to Adnoc’s supply chain, we are providing our investors with valuable opportunities to contribute to the UAE’s energy ambitions.”
Al Mazrouei underlined Sharjah’s emergence as a regional hub for oil and gas investments, citing its state-of-the-art infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and strategic location. He noted that the emirate’s free zones have gained global traction by offering international investors a platform that combines ease of doing business with advanced logistics and regulatory frameworks aligned with global standards.
Mubarak Al Mehairbi, senior vice president at Adnoc, echoed the sentiment, emphasising Adnoc’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem of suppliers that share its values of transparency, quality, and sustainability. “Our engagement with HFZA and Saif Zone reflects Adnoc’s dedication to expanding its network of capable partners who can meet the growing demands of the energy sector,” he said. “Workshops like this help bridge gaps between policy and practice, accelerating supplier onboarding and empowering businesses to become part of the UAE’s strategic energy journey.”
He noted that such initiatives also reinforce the UAE’s industrial growth agenda through the “Make it in the Emirates” campaign, which encourages local manufacturing and participation in high-value projects.
The workshop focused on a detailed walkthrough of the Adnoc supplier registration process, offering insights into licensing, qualification, and compliance requirements. Sessions also addressed commercial regulations specific to Abu Dhabi, as well as Adnoc’s quality benchmarks and evaluation criteria. Attendees were briefed on the importance of aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) protocols—now a non-negotiable criterion in all of Adnoc’s partnerships.
Sharjah’s two free zones collectively host more than 15,000 companies from over 165 countries, across sectors including energy, manufacturing, logistics, and services. Both HFZA and Saif Zone offer full foreign ownership, 100 per cent repatriation of profits, zero import or re-export duties, and fast-track licensing, making them attractive gateways for international energy investors.
Free zones across the UAE have been playing a growing role in supporting national strategic goals. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, there are over 45 free zones operating across the country, contributing nearly 30 per cent to non-oil trade and playing a central role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2023, FDI into the UAE reached $23 billion, with a sizable share channelled through free zones.
Sharjah’s free zones, in particular, have been proactive in adapting to evolving investor needs. The new Adnoc partnership is part of a broader strategy to deepen their engagement with strategic sectors, helping companies access procurement pipelines, innovation clusters, and industrial projects linked to the UAE’s long-term energy and economic diversification plans.
The workshop concluded with an open dialogue session, where participants had the opportunity to seek clarifications on the registration and accreditation process. The interaction highlighted growing investor interest in aligning with national energy goals and participating in Adnoc’s multi-billion-dollar project ecosystem.
issacjohn@khaleejtimes.comis Managing Editor at media and has over 45 years of experience in top-tier newspapers across UAE. A seasoned business writer and economic analyst, he brings unmatched insight into the geopolitics and geoeconomics shaping the Gulf and India.
