What does ‘Qatar Free Zone' actually mean?

Qatar Law No. 34/2005, as amended by Qatar Decree-Law No. 21/2017 established the Free Zones Authority (the ‘Authority') which in summary, is responsible for managing specific Free Zones within the State of Qatar.

The Free Zones are dedicated areas of land within the State of Qatar that have been identified as economic zones; these economic zones have been designed in a way that enables investors to benefit from economic incentives over and above those available to companies investing within the State of Qatar.

Currently, there are two (2) free zones:

• 1) Ras Bufontas – known as an ‘Airport Free Zone and 4 km2 in size; this particular zone is some 6 km away from Hamad International Airport, and is intended to provide for industries such as logistics, consumer products, light manufacturing, services, technology and applications, and pharmaceuticals.

• 2) Umm Alhoul – located near Hamad Port and 30 km2 in size will primarily cater to maritime industries, polymers and plastics, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.

What activities are permitted in the Free Zones?