Madinat Zayed
The region
Al Dhafra lies between the Empty Quarter and the Gulf, west of Abu Dhabi city, and covers about 35,250 square kilometres, including the country's richest oil and gas reserves. Its population was estimated at 301,000 in 2013. The seven main settlements are Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Ghayathi, Liwa, Ruwais, Sila'a and Delma Island.1
Al Dhafra Fort, which is mentioned in old manuscripts on the region's history, stands at Sayh Al Surra, about 30 km east of Madinat Zayed.4
Festival and railway
The 20th Al Dhafra Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, runs from 27 October 2026 to 13 January 2027 with more than AED 97 million in prizes. Its third stage, the camel mazayna at Madinat Zayed from 3 to 10 December 2026, has 88 rounds and AED 10,255,000 in prizes.3
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed directed that the Etihad Rail passenger stations at Madinat Zayed and Liwa open on 30 November 2026, earlier than planned, to match the start of the region's events and festivals season.2
Setting up
| Item | Who |
|---|---|
| Mainland licences | Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) |
| Chamber of commerce | Abu Dhabi Chamber |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland; UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities; UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies5,6,7
Al Dhafra follows Abu Dhabi's rules: membership of the Abu Dhabi Chamber is required, licence documents must be in Arabic, and applications can be made at ADDED and TAMM branches.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Madinat Zayed?
Madinat Zayed is one of the seven main settlements of Al Dhafra, in the west of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Mainland businesses there are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Sources
- Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport: Plan Al Dhafra
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Hamdan bin Zayed directs launch of Madinat Zayed and Liwa passenger stations on 30 November (22 July 2026)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): 20th Al Dhafra Festival to begin as part of the Camel Mazayna Season (6 July 2026)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Hamdan bin Zayed visits Al Dhafra Fort (7 February 2018)
- UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland
- UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities
- UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies
- Investor Abu Dhabi Guide (ADDED), via the UAE Government Portal
Figures checked 23 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.