Abu Dhabi has rapidly evolved into a global hub for entrepreneurship, attracting investors and innovators from around the world. Its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and thriving economy make it a prime destination for startups and established companies alike. Yet, despite this growth, several misconceptions still circulate about what it takes to start a business in the Emirate. In this blog, we’re busting five of the most common myths—so you can make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

Abu Dhabi is often recognized for its strategic location, political stability, and investor-friendly policies. But beyond the headlines and familiar business setup advantages—such as 100% foreign ownership and zero personal income tax—the emirate offers a range of lesser-known benefits that can make a significant difference to entrepreneurs and investors. Here are some hidden perks of setting up a business in Abu Dhabi that you might not know about:

Abu Dhabi has transformed into a global hub for entrepreneurship, thanks to its robust infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and diverse industry ecosystem. At Setup in Abu Dhabi, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to guide you seamlessly—from inception through growth—with expert support tailored to every stage of your journey.

Choosing the right location is as crucial as the business idea itself. An entrepreneur needs more than just a place to operate; they need an ecosystem that fuels growth, and Abu Dhabi has meticulously built that ecosystem.

A brilliant business idea is the essential spark, but capital is the fuel that allows it to take flight. In today's competitive landscape, access to funding is one of the most critical factors for success. The leadership of Abu Dhabi understands this reality and has built a rich, multi-faceted landscape of financial resources designed to support startups and SMEs at every stage of their journey.

Compare Abu Dhabi's top free zones: ADGM for finance, twofour54 for media, KIZAD for industry. Find the best free zone in Abu Dhabi for your business setup.

Abu Dhabi has transformed into a global hub for entrepreneurship, thanks to its robust infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and diverse industry ecosystem. At Setup in Abu Dhabi, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to guide you seamlessly—from inception through growth—with expert support tailored to every stage of your journey. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or established […]

Choosing the right location is as crucial as the business idea itself. An entrepreneur needs more than just a place to operate; they need an ecosystem that fuels growth, and Abu Dhabi has meticulously built that ecosystem. Today, the city is a strategic launchpad for innovators and visionaries looking to tap into a future driven […]

A brilliant business idea is the essential spark, but capital is the fuel that allows it to take flight. In today’s competitive landscape, access to funding is one of the most critical factors for success. The leadership of Abu Dhabi understands this reality and has built a rich, multi-faceted landscape of financial resources designed to […]

For decades, the global startup narrative has been dominated by a few key cities. But today, a new leader is emerging, not by chance, but by design. Abu Dhabi has meticulously engineered itself into a launchpad for ambitious startups, moving beyond just offering a business license to providing a fully integrated ecosystem for growth. For […]

When it comes to turning bold ideas into thriving businesses, Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a premier destination. Beyond its impressive skyline and rich culture, the city offers an ecosystem designed to support innovation, growth, and meaningful impact. Whether you are an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking technology, a creative artist with a new […]