MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Masdar City Free Zone has announced the establishment of its first overseas representative office in China, marking a strategic milestone aimed at strengthening economic, technological and sustainability cooperation between Abu Dhabi and one of the world’s largest innovation markets.
The new office, located in Suzhou Industrial Park and managed by Suzhou Yingdi Consultants Co. Ltd, is designed to attract Chinese companies and investors to Abu Dhabi while positioning Masdar City as a gateway for Chinese innovation into the Middle East.
Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City Free Zone, described the move as a “profoundly strategic advancement” aligned with the UAE’s national economic ambitions.
“This bold expansion serves as a tangible expression of our unwavering commitment to strengthening the critical economic, technological, and sustainability ties between the UAE and China, directly aligning with the ambitious objectives of the UAE’s Falcon Economy vision,” Al Breiki said.
He explained that a key motivation behind opening the China office is to boost foreign direct investment and accelerate technology transfer into Abu Dhabi. Masdar City is actively targeting Chinese companies operating in high-impact sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, smart mobility, agritech, and clean technology.
“We are actively inviting leading Chinese businesses, particularly those pioneering in sectors such as AI, biotech, robotics, and advanced sustainable mobility, to leverage Masdar City’s integrated ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, and unparalleled Free Zone benefits to establish and scale their operations within Abu Dhabi,” Al Breiki added.
According to Masdar City Free Zone, the representative office will provide end-to-end support for Chinese companies seeking to enter the UAE market. Services will include tailored business setup packages, guidance on Free Zone incentives such as 100% foreign ownership and zero income tax, and access to Masdar City’s specialised innovation clusters.
“The goal is to make the journey from concept to operational presence in Abu Dhabi as straightforward and efficient as possible,” Al Breiki said, noting that the office will also connect companies to advanced facilities such as the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub and state-of-the-art laboratories within Masdar City.
The Free Zone’s outreach to China is underpinned by a network of strategic partnerships. Masdar City has signed a memorandum of understanding with Suzhou Industrial Park, one of China’s most advanced government-backed innovation hubs, to promote joint investment, trade and knowledge exchange. Another key collaboration is with Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd, a leading high-tech ecosystem in Beijing.
“These institutional links fundamentally open new pathways for knowledge exchange and business facilitation at an international level,” Al Breiki said. “They also lend strong credibility and ensure that Chinese startups and technology companies receive tailored support when expanding into the UAE.”
Masdar City Free Zone expects the initiative to significantly enhance economic connectivity between Abu Dhabi and China by creating a direct pipeline for Chinese investment into the UAE’s innovation-driven sectors, while also enabling UAE-based companies to engage more deeply with China’s technology and industrial hubs.
From a technological perspective, the expansion is expected to accelerate cross-border research and development, particularly in AI, smart mobility, life sciences, and clean technology.
“By connecting Masdar City’s specialised innovation clusters with China’s advanced technology communities, we enable the co-creation and scaling of future-proof solutions within our living testbed,” Al Breiki said.
While acknowledging the challenges of engaging with a complex and highly competitive market, Al Breiki said Masdar City Free Zone is addressing these through localised expertise and long-term partnerships.
“Our on-the-ground presence in Suzhou, combined with trusted Chinese partners, ensures cultural understanding, regulatory insight, and effective communication, which are critical for building trust and long-term success,” he said.
Looking ahead, Masdar City views the China office as part of a broader global outreach strategy.
“This milestone is a pivotal component of our long-term vision to be larger in scale, broader in reach, and deeper in impact by 2030,” Al Breiki said. “It reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable development, while offering Masdar City’s green-print for future urban development to the world.”