The free zone was established by Abu Dhabi Law No. 22/2007 establishing Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company which is a Private Joint Stock Company and is wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Government's Mubadala Investment Company.

Masdar, also known as Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a subsidiary of Mubadala.

The following regulations govern the free zone:

• 1. Business Licensing Regulations 2009;

  2. Company Registration Regulations 2009; and

  3. Employment Regulations 2009.

Masdar and Abu Dhabi Ports, representing its subsidiaries Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to support the economic growth of Abu Dhabi and achieve the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. Masdar and Abu Dhabi Ports will collaborate to develop a framework which will allow investors to expand business operations across both free zones.