Operating in a highly competitive economic environment, the Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. The agreement is designed to enhance the legal infrastructure available to businesses operating within the fast-growing Ajman free zone, offering investors direct pathways to globally recognized dispute resolution frameworks.
Quick Facts
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ANCFZ secured 6,500 company registrations in its first year.
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UAE free zones to contribute AED 257B by 2030.
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Partnership grants ANCFZ clients access to DIFC public services.
Strengthening Dispute Resolution for UAE Free Zone Investors
The collaboration aims to provide ANCFZ clients with access to an extensive suite of DIFC public services. This includes the Small Claims Tribunal, Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and various specialized divisions such as the Tejouri Digital Vault and Mediation Service.
By integrating DIFC Courts’ capabilities into its ecosystem, ANCFZ is establishing a regulatory environment that prioritizes operational clarity. The move targets founders and foreign investors who require internationally recognized legal certainty to scale their ventures and manage cross-border commercial relationships.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi, Chairman of ANCFZ, noted the broader economic implications of the agreement.
“As we continue to expand our investor base and global reach, strengthening the legal and regulatory ecosystem surrounding our Free Zone is essential. This partnership with the DIFC Courts reinforces our commitment to transparency, governance, and international best practices, in line with Ajman Vision 2030 and the UAE’s broader economic diversification agenda.”
Scaling Digital Infrastructure and Business Setup in Ajman
Since its establishment in late 2024, ANCFZ has aggressively positioned itself as a high-speed hub for business incorporation. The free zone operates a hybrid digital platform capable of issuing business licenses within two hours and completing visa processing in under 24 hours.
This rapid onboarding model resulted in over 6,500 new companies registering during the entity’s first operational year. Now, the leadership team is focusing on retention, ensuring that these early-stage startups and global firms have the necessary institutional backing to operate securely.
Rishi Somaiya, CEO of ANCFZ, emphasized the relationship between reliable dispute mechanisms and commercial growth.
“Investor confidence is built on clarity, speed, and legal certainty. By formalizing cooperation with the DIFC Courts, we are enhancing the value proposition of ANCFZ and ensuring that businesses operating within our ecosystem benefit from greater awareness of robust dispute resolution frameworks available in the UAE.”
Driving Non-Oil GDP Growth Across the Emirates
The alignment between a specialized Ajman free zone and Dubai’s premier financial court highlights the broader integration occurring within the UAE business sector. The nation currently hosts over 40 multidisciplinary free zones, which are actively drawing foreign direct investment across technology, finance, and logistics.
Industry projections estimate that free zones will generate approximately AED 257 billion toward the UAE’s non-oil GDP by 2030. Concurrently, the DIFC is expanding its global footprint, registering a near 40% rise in firms in 2025 to surpass 8,800 operational entities.
Under the new MoU, the two organizations will execute joint outreach initiatives, investor awareness programs, and continuous exchanges of regulatory developments to keep businesses aligned with top-tier compliance standards.
About Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone
Established in 2024 through an Emiri Decree, the Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ) simplifies the business setup process for regional and global entrepreneurs. The zone provides hybrid business services, rapid license issuance, and comprehensive administrative support across technology, media, professional services, and trade sectors. Operating with a focus on speed and cost-effectiveness, ANCFZ is designed to provide entrepreneurs with an accessible environment to launch and scale their operations within the UAE.
Source: Zawya
