Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
FOIZ is a Fujairah-based free zone with packages starting from AED 21,000, supporting up to 10 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. FOIZ (Fujairah Oil Industry Zone) is a specialized energy free zone on the UAE's east coast, strategically located near the Port of Fujairah — the world's second-largest bunkering port. Spanning 12.8 million square meters with over 70 million barrels of oil storage capacity, FOIZ provides a critical gateway for global energy trading that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The zone serves oil storage operators, bunkering companies, refineries, energy traders, and increasingly sustainable energy ventures, offering government incentives and direct Indian Ocean access.
From
AED 21,000
Established
2003
Companies
18
Max Visas
10
Banking
Moderate
FOIZ Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Visa (Virtual Office) | AED 15,000 | 0 | Virtual Office | AED 21,000 | AED 20,000 |
| 1 Visa (Small Warehouse) | AED 15,000 | 1 | Small Warehouse | AED 40,840 | AED 39,840 |
| 2 Visas (Standard Warehouse) | AED 15,000 | 2 | Standard Warehouse | AED 50,680 | AED 49,680 |
| 3+ Visas (Large Warehouse) Long-term lease agreements (10+ years) may qualify for government-subsidized rates. | AED 15,000 | 3 | Large Warehouse | AED 60,520 | AED 59,520 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Massive oil storage infrastructure — 70+ million barrels capacity across the zone, with expansion underway
- Strategic location on UAE east coast provides direct Indian Ocean access, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint
- World's 2nd largest bunkering port — proximity to Port of Fujairah enables direct ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore operations
- Fujairah government incentives including reduced land lease rates and customs duty exemptions
- Growing SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and renewables expansion aligns with UAE's clean energy strategy
- 12.8 million sqm zone provides ample space for large-scale industrial operations
Watch out for
- Highly specialized oil & gas focus — extremely limited scope for non-energy businesses
- Remote from Dubai (approximately 1.5–2 hours) and Abu Dhabi (3+ hours) — affects logistics and staffing
- Limited pricing transparency — most costs require direct engagement and negotiation
- Subject to volatile global oil markets and geopolitical risks in the Gulf region
- Smaller company ecosystem than major Dubai or Abu Dhabi free zones
Visa Information
Max Quota
10 visas
Visa quota depends on facility size. Typically up to 3 visas initially, expandable for larger operations.
Processing Time
18 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,000
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 2,500
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,000
Investor Visa
AED 3,500
Medical Standard
AED 450
Emirates ID Typing
AED 390
In Country Status Change
AED 1,500
2–3 weeks via Fujairah/Dubai immigration portal
Banking
Partner Banks
Banking for energy sector companies is moderate. FAB, Emirates NBD, and Mashreq have Fujairah branches. Expect 2–4 weeks for account opening with full paperwork. Oil trading companies face enhanced due diligence. Having a credible business plan and deposits helps — some local bank branches are cautious with oil trades.
Features
Mainland Trading
Free zone entity. Direct port operations do not require mainland license.
Physical Office Required
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Not applicable — oil & gas and energy focus only.
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Annual audit required. Energy companies must also comply with environmental reporting and safety standards.
Share Capital Requirement
AED 500,000 (estimated, due to industrial scale)
Location
Recent Developments
- Expansion of oil storage capacity beyond 70 million barrels with new tank farm developments
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility announced in partnership with global energy firms
- Fujairah government offering enhanced incentives for green energy and hydrogen projects
- Port of Fujairah ranked as world's 2nd largest bunkering hub, driving zone growth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FOIZ (Fujairah Oil Industry Zone)?
FOIZ is a specialized energy free zone on the UAE's east coast near the Port of Fujairah, the world's second-largest bunkering port. It spans 12.8 million square meters with over 70 million barrels of oil storage capacity, serving oil storage, bunkering, refining, and energy trading companies.
How much does an FOIZ license cost in 2026?
Typically AED 15,000+ for an industrial/trading license. Trading/service licenses start around AED 10,000. Additional fees include establishment card (~AED 1,000) and visa processing (~AED 3,000+ per person including medical and Emirates ID).
Why is FOIZ strategically important for the oil industry?
FOIZ's location on the UAE's east coast provides direct Indian Ocean access, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for oil shipping. This reduces transit risk and shipping times. Proximity to the Port of Fujairah, the world's 2nd largest bunkering hub, provides additional operational advantages.
What types of businesses can set up in FOIZ?
FOIZ primarily serves oil storage operators, bunkering companies, oil refineries, energy traders, oil services firms, and maritime logistics providers. The zone is increasingly welcoming sustainable energy ventures including SAF production and hydrogen projects.
Is FOIZ expanding into renewable energy?
Yes. FOIZ and the Fujairah government are actively attracting sustainable energy projects, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and hydrogen initiatives, aligning with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy.
How far is FOIZ from Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
FOIZ is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Dubai and 3+ hours from Abu Dhabi by road. While remote, the location provides strategic advantages for maritime and energy operations with direct sea access.
What are the visa options at FOIZ?
Virtual office packages offer 0 visas (license only), small warehouse setups include 1 visa, standard warehouses include 2 visas, and large warehouse operations provide 3+ visas. Visa quota depends on facility size, with a maximum of around 10. Processing takes 2–3 weeks.
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Starting From
AED 21,000 /yr