Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These General Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern applications, registrations, licences, immigration services, facilities, digital portal services, payments and other services provided by Masdar City Innovation Zone (“MCIZ”, “Innovation Zone”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

By submitting an application, making a payment, accepting a quotation, using the MCIZ portal or website, or receiving any service from MCIZ, the applicant, licensee or customer (“Customer”, “Company” or “you”) confirms that it has read, understood and accepted these Terms.

These Terms shall be read together with:

• applicable UAE federal and Abu Dhabi laws and regulations;
• MCIZ regulations, policies, procedures and circulars;
• the Company’s constitutional and licensing documents;
• any quotation, application form, undertaking or service-specific terms; and
• the requirements of any competent government or regulatory authority.

In the event of inconsistency, applicable law and MCIZ regulations shall prevail.

2. Applications and Eligibility

All applications are subject to review, due diligence and approval by MCIZ and, where applicable, other competent authorities.

Submission of an application, payment of fees, reservation of a trade name, issuance of an initial approval, or preliminary assessment does not guarantee:

• company registration;
• issuance or renewal of a licence;
• approval of any business activity;
• immigration or visa approval;
• security clearance;
• regulatory approval;
• approval of office, facility or visa allocation; or
• opening of a bank account or any other service provided by MCIZ.

MCIZ may approve, reject, suspend, return or request amendments to an application in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, risk assessments and internal policies.

3. Customer Information and Documentation

The Customer shall provide complete, accurate, valid and up-to-date information and documents requested by MCIZ.

The Customer must promptly notify MCIZ of any change relating to its:

• registered address or contact details;
• business activities;
• source of funds or source of wealth;
• sanctions or compliance status; or
• legal, regulatory or immigration circumstances.

Any changes related to shareholders, beneficial owners, directors, managers, or authorized representatives will only be recognized if the official amendment applications are processed by the client.

MCIZ shall not be responsible for delays, rejection, penalties or losses resulting from incomplete, inaccurate, expired, misleading or late information or documents.

MCIZ may require original, notarised, legalised or attested documents at any stage.

4. Compliance and Due Diligence

The Customer shall comply with all applicable requirements relating to:

• anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing;
• sanctions and proliferation financing;
• ultimate beneficial ownership;
• corporate tax and value added tax;
• economic substance and transfer pricing, where applicable;
• data protection;
• employment and immigration;
• consumer protection;
• customs and controlled goods;
• sector-specific approvals; and
• any other applicable regulatory obligation.

MCIZ may carry out initial and ongoing screening, due diligence, inspection, monitoring and verification.

MCIZ may refuse, suspend or terminate services where:

• requested documents are not provided;
• information cannot be satisfactorily verified;
• the Customer or a related party presents an unacceptable compliance risk;
• unlawful, restricted, misleading or suspicious activity is identified;
• continuation may breach any law, sanction, regulatory requirement or government direction; or
• MCIZ considers the relationship inconsistent with its risk policies.

MCIZ is not required to disclose confidential compliance assessments, security information or legally restricted reasons for a decision.

5. Licence and Business Activities

The Customer may conduct only those activities expressly stated on its valid MCIZ licence and subject to any required external approval.

The Customer is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all additional approvals, permits, registrations and consents required from competent authorities.

A licence issued by MCIZ does not, by itself, authorise the Customer to:

• conduct regulated activities without external approval;
• operate from premises not approved for the relevant activity;
• conduct business outside the permitted geographical or regulatory scope; or
• represent that MCIZ guarantees or endorses its products, services or commercial performance.

MCIZ may amend activity descriptions, classifications or requirements where necessary to comply with applicable regulatory standards.

6. Trade Name

Approval or reservation of a trade name by MCIZ does not guarantee:

• trademark ownership;
• acceptance by another authority or jurisdiction;
• availability of a domain name; or
• absence of third-party intellectual property rights.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that its trade name and branding do not infringe the rights of any third party.

7. Fees, Invoices and Taxes

Fees shall be payable in advance unless MCIZ agrees otherwise in writing.

The Customer shall pay:

• licence and registration fees;
• immigration and visa fees;
• facility and lease-related charges;
• government and regulatory fees;
• third-party charges;
• applicable taxes;
• penalties and late-payment charges;
• bank and payment-processing costs; and
• any additional charges resulting from changes in scope or regulatory requirements.

Fees may change due to amendments in law, government charges, authority requirements, exchange rates, third-party charges or MCIZ policies.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, quotations are valid only for the period specified and are subject to final verification at the time of processing.

All amounts shall be paid without set-off, counterclaim or deduction.

8. Online and Card Payments

The person making a payment confirms that:

• the payment instrument is lawfully held or authorised for use;
• the payer has authority to make the payment for the Customer;
• all payment information is true and accurate; and
• the payer will comply with the terms of the relevant bank or payment provider.

MCIZ may request:

• identification of the cardholder or payer;
• proof of authorisation;
• a bank or card statement;
• source-of-funds evidence; or
• other verification documents.

MCIZ may suspend or cancel a transaction where fraud, unauthorised use, chargeback risk or suspicious activity is identified.

The Customer shall raise card-processing, duplicate-debit, authentication and bank-charge disputes directly with the issuing bank or payment provider where the matter is outside MCIZ’s control.

9. Portal Account and Portal Balance

The Customer is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of its portal login credentials.

Actions performed using the Customer’s authorised portal account shall be treated as authorised by the Customer unless MCIZ is notified promptly of unauthorised access.

Any balance maintained in the Customer’s MCIZ portal account:

• may be used only for eligible MCIZ services;
• is not a deposit, savings product or interest-bearing account;
• may not ordinarily be withdrawn, transferred or assigned;
• may not be converted into cash during the Company’s active registration; and
• remains subject to reconciliation, compliance review and outstanding liabilities.

A remaining portal balance may be refunded to a bank account only after completion of the Company’s closure, liquidation and de-registration from MCIZ, subject to:

• cancellation of all visas, immigration files and active services;
• settlement of all fees, penalties and liabilities;
• completion of all regulatory and compliance clearances;
• verification of the source and ownership of funds; and
• MCIZ’s final approval.

Any approved refund shall ordinarily be made to the original payer or a verified bank account in the Company’s name.

10. Immigration and Visa Services

All immigration, entry permit, residency, security clearance, establishment card, Emirates ID and visa applications are subject to approval by the competent UAE authorities.

MCIZ acts as a facilitator and does not guarantee approval.

Where available, MCIZ may conduct a preliminary eligibility assessment before formal submission. Such assessment:

• is indicative only;
• is based on information available at that time;
• does not constitute government or immigration pre-approval; and
• does not guarantee the final outcome.

MCIZ shall not be liable for rejection, delay, suspension or cancellation arising from:

• security or immigration decisions;
• nationality or residency restrictions;
• previous immigration records;
• civil or criminal matters;
• sanctions or adverse screening;
• incomplete or inconsistent documents;
• medical fitness requirements;
• changes in immigration laws or procedures; or
• decisions of any competent authority.

The Customer remains responsible for ensuring that all sponsored persons maintain valid immigration and residency status.

11. Renewal and Expiry

The Customer is responsible for renewing its licence, immigration documents, lease, permits and other services before expiry.

MCIZ may issue reminders as a courtesy, but failure to receive a reminder shall not relieve the Customer of its renewal obligations.

Failure to renew may result in:

• late fees and penalties;
• suspension of portal or other services;
• freezing or cancellation of the licence;
• suspension or cancellation of immigration files and visas;
• inability to carry out amendments or transactions;
• referral to competent authorities; or
• compulsory deregistration.

All outstanding liabilities remain payable despite expiry, suspension, non-renewal or cancellation.

12. Returned or Incomplete Applications

Where an application is returned for additional information or documentation, the Customer must satisfy the outstanding requirements within the period specified by MCIZ.

MCIZ may close or cancel an application if the requirements remain outstanding beyond the applicable period.

Closure of an incomplete application does not create an automatic right to a refund.

Reinstatement may require:

• a new application;
• updated documents;
• fresh due diligence;
• payment of additional fees; and
• compliance with the requirements then in force.

13. Refund Policy

14. Cancellation, Suspension and Deregistration

14.1 Cancellation or Suspension

MCIZ may suspend, restrict or cancel a licence, registration, portal account, immigration service or other service where:

• fees remain unpaid for 30 days from required payment date
• the licence expires or is not renewed for 30 days from expiry date
• the Customer breaches these Terms or applicable regulations;
• compliance requirements are not satisfied;
• the Customer carries out unauthorised or unlawful activities;
• required premises or approvals are not maintained;
• false or misleading information is provided; or
• suspension or cancellation is required by a competent authority.

14.2 Deregistration or Closure

A Customer requesting voluntary closure or deregistration must:

• must send an email from the registered email id clearly stating the reason;
• cancel all visas and immigration files;
• terminate or clear facility obligations;
• obtain required government and regulatory clearances;
• settle all amounts due; and
• provide the required liquidation or closure documents.

14.3 Forfeiture

If you fail to fulfil obligations or proceed with the agreed services within 30 days from the date of initial or full payment, we shall forfeit the payment, which shall be non-refundable. Upon forfeiture, we shall have no obligation to provide any further services. Reinstatement will require a new agreement and fresh payment terms, subject to our discretion. This clause does not apply in cases of force majeure, provided you notify us in writing before the deadline.

15. Employment and Sponsored Persons

The Company is solely responsible for:

• its employees and sponsored persons;
• employment contracts and benefits;
• wages, end-of-service entitlements and insurance;
• workplace conduct and safety;
• immigration status;
• compliance with labour and immigration requirements; and
• acts and omissions of its employees, directors, agents and contractors.

MCIZ shall not be liable for employment disputes or obligations between the Company and its employees or sponsored persons.

16. Facilities and Registered Address

Where MCIZ provides or facilitates a registered address, desk, office, facility or lease, the Customer shall comply with the applicable facility terms.

The Customer shall not:

• sublease or share premises without approval;
• use premises for unauthorised activities;
• create a nuisance or safety risk;
• make structural changes without consent; or
• use an address after expiry or termination of the relevant entitlement.

Facility allocation, visa eligibility and licence validity may be linked and may be subject to inspection and regulatory requirements.

17. Banking and Commercial Outcomes

MCIZ does not guarantee:

• opening or maintenance of a bank account;
• banking facilities or financing;
• merchant or payment-gateway approval;
• customer acquisition;
• profitability;
• tax treatment;
• eligibility for government incentives; or
• any particular commercial outcome.

Banks, financial institutions and other third parties make independent decisions under their own policies and regulatory obligations.

18. Communications and Notices

The Customer consents to receiving official communications through:

• email;
• the MCIZ portal;
• telephone;
• SMS;
• messaging applications; or
• the registered address.

The Customer must maintain current contact details and regularly monitor its registered email and portal account.

A notice sent to the last registered contact details shall be deemed validly delivered, subject to applicable law.

19. Data Protection and Information Sharing

MCIZ may collect, process, store, verify and disclose personal and corporate information for:

• application and service processing;
• regulatory and compliance purposes;
• identity and security verification;
• immigration and government submissions;
• payment processing;
• audit and risk management;
• service improvement; and
• fulfilment of legal obligations.

Information may be shared with competent authorities, banks, payment providers, service providers, professional advisers and other parties where required for lawful and operational purposes.

The Customer confirms that it has lawful authority to provide personal data relating to its shareholders, employees, directors, representatives and beneficial owners.

20. Website and Digital Services

The MCIZ website, portal and digital services are provided on an “as available” basis.

MCIZ may modify, suspend, restrict or discontinue any digital service for technical, operational, security or regulatory reasons.

The Customer shall not:

• attempt unauthorised access;
• share credentials with unauthorised persons;
• upload malicious software;
• interfere with system operation;
• scrape or reproduce portal content;
• use the system for fraudulent or unlawful purposes; or
• misrepresent an affiliation with MCIZ.

MCIZ does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free availability of digital services.

21. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in MCIZ’s:

• name and logo;
• website and portal;
• documents and forms;
• databases;
• designs;
• software;
• content; and
• service materials

belong to MCIZ or its licensors.

No Customer may reproduce, modify, publish, distribute or commercially use such material without prior written approval.

Issuance of a licence does not grant the Customer any right to use the MCIZ or Masdar brand except as expressly authorised.

22. Third-Party Services and Links

MCIZ may engage or refer Customers to third-party service providers.

Unless expressly stated otherwise:

• third parties act independently;
• their services are subject to their own terms;
• MCIZ does not guarantee their performance or approval;
• the Customer remains responsible for third-party fees; and
• MCIZ shall not be liable for a third party’s act, omission, delay or refusal.

External links are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement.

23. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, MCIZ shall not be liable for:

• indirect or consequential loss;
• loss of profit, revenue, business, opportunity or reputation;
• decisions or delays of competent authorities;
• banking or third-party decisions;
• immigration or security rejection;
• changes in laws, policies, fees or regulatory requirements;
• Customer error, delay or non-compliance;
• portal downtime or cybersecurity incidents beyond MCIZ’s reasonable control; or
• events of force majeure.

Where MCIZ is found liable, its aggregate liability shall not exceed the fees paid directly to MCIZ for the specific service giving rise to the claim, except where such limitation is prohibited by law.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

24. Indemnity

The Customer shall indemnify and hold harmless MCIZ, its officers, employees and representatives from claims, losses, penalties, liabilities and reasonable costs arising from:

• breach of these Terms;
• inaccurate or misleading information;
• unlawful or unauthorised business activity;
• acts or omissions of the Company, its shareholders, employees or agents;
• infringement of third-party rights;
• employment or immigration violations; or
• misuse of the website, portal, licence or MCIZ name.

25. Force Majeure

MCIZ shall not be liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including:

• government action;
• changes in law;
• war, terrorism or civil disturbance;
• epidemic or public-health emergency;
• natural disaster;
• interruption of utilities, telecommunications or government systems;
• cybersecurity incidents;
• banking disruption; or
• failure of a third-party service provider.

Performance shall resume when reasonably practicable.

26. Amendments

MCIZ may review, revise or update these Terms, its fees, procedures and policies at regular intervals to reflect changes in applicable laws, regulations, government requirements, operational procedures or business practices.

Updated Terms may be published on the MCIZ website or portal or communicated through other official channels. Unless otherwise stated, the updated Terms shall take effect from the date of publication or the effective date specified by MCIZ.

The Customer or Company is responsible for reviewing the latest applicable Terms and ensuring that it remains informed of all updates. Continued use of MCIZ services after an update takes effect shall constitute acceptance of the updated Terms, subject to applicable law.

27. Assignment

The Customer may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations without MCIZ’s prior written approval.

MCIZ may assign or delegate administrative or operational functions to its affiliates, government entities or approved service providers, subject to applicable law.

28. Severability and Waiver

If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

Failure or delay by MCIZ in enforcing a right shall not constitute a waiver of that right.

29. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the applicable regulations, applications, undertakings, licence documents, quotations and service-specific conditions, constitute the entire framework governing the relevant services.

No verbal representation shall bind MCIZ unless confirmed in writing by an authorised representative.

30. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by the federal laws of the United Arab Emirates and the laws applicable in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Any dispute shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of Abu Dhabi, unless applicable law or a written agreement expressly provides otherwise.

31. Language

These Terms may be issued in Arabic and English.

In the event of inconsistency, the Arabic version shall prevail where required under applicable law or expressly stated by MCIZ.