JRE · Joshi Real Estate
3 min read

Ajman Free Zone pursues secondary Indian cities and Chinese markets while Ajman's Dh1.8 billion urban plan takes shape

AFZ is targeting new geographies for company formation as Ajman commits Dh1.8bn to 30 infrastructure projects across the emirate.

# AFZ sets its sights on secondary Indian cities and China

Ajman Free Zone is actively recruiting from markets beyond its traditional bases. According to Gulf News reporting from 6 July 2026, the zone is focusing its outreach on second-tier Indian cities and China as it ramps up its global expansion strategy. The move reflects a recognition that metropolitan hubs such as Mumbai and Delhi are already well-served by competing UAE free zones, leaving smaller industrial cities with growing export ambitions as a less-contested audience.

This is a meaningful strategic shift rather than a routine marketing exercise.

Obaid Al Matrooshi of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman told Gulf News on the same date that the UAE maintains its position as a resilient investment destination despite regional headwinds, citing the free zone model as a core pillar of that resilience. He stopped short of projecting specific company registration targets, and the Gulf News article on AFZ's digital licensing push from 30 June describes a continuing effort to process company formations and licence renewals through online channels rather than in-person visits.

# Ajman's Dh1.8 billion urban programme and what it signals

The wider emirate context matters for free zone operators. Ajman announced a Dh1.8 billion urban development agenda spanning 30 projects, as reported by Gulf News on 7 July 2026. The emirate did not break down how much of that figure is allocated to areas adjacent to or within AFZ boundaries, so operators should treat the headline number as a signal of government intent rather than a confirmed infrastructure commitment to the free zone specifically.

Improved road access, utilities and municipal services in Ajman generally do benefit businesses based in AFZ, which sits in the Ajman industrial corridor. For companies with logistics or light-manufacturing operations inside the zone, the pace and scope of those 30 projects is worth tracking as detailed project announcements follow.

# What it means for companies in Ajman Free Zone

Three practical points emerge from this cluster of developments.

Expansion into new markets. AFZ's recruitment drive in secondary Indian cities and China suggests the zone expects increased formation activity from those geographies over the next 12 to 24 months. Existing licence-holders with supplier or client relationships in those regions may find AFZ a more straightforward jurisdiction for hosting joint-venture structures or trading licences tied to those corridors.

Licence renewals and digital processing. The zone's stated commitment to online licence processing is relevant for companies approaching their annual renewal window. Operators should confirm which categories of renewal the digital channel fully supports and which still require physical document submission, as implementation often lags the announcement.

Infrastructure timeline uncertainty. The Dh1.8 billion urban programme is announced but not yet delivered. Companies making long-term capital decisions based on anticipated infrastructure improvements should seek specific project timelines from Ajman's planning authority before committing.

None of the recent reporting contains changes to free zone fees, ownership rules or visa quotas, so no immediate regulatory action is required. The developments are directional rather than prescriptive.

# Sources

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