In today's economic environment, countries around the world compete to attract investors and businesses which will contribute to the development of their economies and their workforce. An increasing number of them are creating free trade zones and other special economic zones offering a range of incentives to investors. These may include special tax or customs regimes, favorable foreign ownership rules and, in a few cases, entirely separate legal and regulatory regime and dispute resolution bodies.

These zones were pioneered in the Middle East and have been replicated around the globe. As a result of our long-standing presence in the Middle East, we have many years of experience advising governments on the establishment and regulation of free trade zones, and special economic zones and investors on the options available to them.

Dentons’ clients include zone authorities needing advice on regulatory regimes and structures, inward investors seeking the most favorable economic and regulatory conditions, and many of the businesses set up in the zones. We also can advise you both inside and outside the zones, on taking advantage of the specialist courts and arbitration available in the Dubai International Financial Centre, and we can provide foreign investors with a familiar, trusted forum for the resolution of disputes in the region.

Insights

New Executive Council resolution issued to regulate free zone establishments operating outside designated zones in the Emirate of Dubai

April 29, 2025

United Arab Emirates: Dubai Executive Council recently issued Resolution No. 11 of 2025 regulating the Free Zone Establishments' Conduct of their Business within the Emirate of Dubai (Resolution), and it is a new regulation that allows free zone establishments (FZEs) to expand their operations to onshore Dubai.

New Law on Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in Oman

April 29, 2025

Oman: A new law on Special Economic Zones and Free Zones was issued by Royal Decree 38/2025 (New Law). The New Law came into effect on 8 April 2025 and repeals the free zones law issued by Royal Decree 56/2002.

Costa Rica: A milestone in the fight against corruption with a new law protecting whistleblowers

February 12, 2024

Costa Rica: February 8, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Costa Rica with the enactment of the Comprehensive Anti-Corruption Law that Protects Whistleblowers. This law extends protection to individuals who report potential acts of corruption in both the public and private sectors, prohibiting any form of workplace retaliation against whistleblowers and witnesses, thus ensuring their safety.

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