Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)
1998
350+
MSF
Physical Address
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
About Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)
A comprehensive industrial hub offering world-class infrastructure and facilities for heavy and light industries, supporting manufacturing, engineering, and processing sectors
About Industrial City of Abu Dhabi
Established as Abu Dhabi’s cornerstone industrial development, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) represents a mature and comprehensive approach to manufacturing infrastructure that prioritizes operational efficiency, industrial specialization, and production excellence for enterprises seeking to establish manufacturing facilities with regional reach and supply chain integration. Developed as a fundamental component of Abu Dhabi’s industrial strategy, ICAD was conceptualized as a complete environment where manufacturing operations, production activities, and industrial processes are supported through purpose-built infrastructure and specialized industrial frameworks. The operational model follows a sector-focused approach centered on manufacturing efficiency and industrial specialization—creating a distinctive framework where production capability, operational reliability, and manufacturing excellence form the core value proposition for industrial enterprises across diverse sectors and production requirements.
What distinguishes ICAD from other industrial developments is its emphasis on established industrial ecosystems that maximize operational reliability while maintaining full production efficiency. The zone’s approach includes specialized industrial areas, mature infrastructure, and comprehensive business solutions—with particular attention to sector-specific requirements, manufacturing optimization, and operational reliability that support diverse production operations across multiple industries. This industrial foundation is complemented by a business-friendly regulatory framework designed to facilitate manufacturing operations, with streamlined processes for facility establishment, industrial licensing, and operational compliance that address the essential requirements of organizations seeking an efficient pathway to manufacturing presence in a strategic location with regional reach.
Established Industrial Ecosystem
ICAD has developed into a comprehensive ecosystem that supports a wide spectrum of industrial operations—from heavy manufacturing and process industries to light industrial production, assembly operations, and specialized manufacturing activities. This integrated approach creates a dynamic environment where industrial enterprises at various scales of operation can establish production facilities, develop manufacturing capabilities, and build regional distribution networks with appropriate levels of infrastructure support and operational integration. The zone’s specialization extends to both industrial focus and operational scale—accommodating diverse activities across metals, polymers, food processing, building materials, automotive components, and various manufacturing sectors with tailored solutions that align with specific production requirements and strategic objectives in today’s manufacturing landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes industrial reliability through a combination of established infrastructure, operational support, and manufacturing efficiency. This approach creates a production-oriented environment where companies can focus on core manufacturing activities while benefiting from mature industrial systems and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive infrastructure and business facilitation. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including industrial licensing, facility development, operational support, and business facilitation that enhances the manufacturing capabilities of industrial enterprises within the ecosystem through established methodologies and regional market access.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the MSF free zone
Construction
Construction and infrastructure services
Industrial
Manufacturing and productionEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose MSF for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Established Industrial Infrastructure
Mature and comprehensive industrial infrastructure developed over decades of operational experience, providing reliable utilities, robust service networks, and proven industrial systems that support manufacturing operations with demonstrated reliability and operational stability.
Strategic Abu Dhabi Location
Prime positioning within Abu Dhabi's established industrial corridor with excellent accessibility to key markets, major transportation networks, and essential business facilities, providing strategic advantages for manufacturing operations with regional reach.
Specialized Industrial Zones
Purpose-designed industrial areas with specific infrastructure, technical specifications, and operational parameters optimized for particular industries including metals, polymers, food processing, building materials, and automotive components.
Manufacturing-Focused Environment
Comprehensive ecosystem specifically designed for manufacturing excellence with specialized infrastructure, production-oriented services, and operational frameworks that prioritize manufacturing efficiency and industrial productivity.
Diverse Facility Options
Flexible facility solutions including industrial land plots, ready-built factories, warehousing facilities, and specialized production environments that accommodate various manufacturing scales, production requirements, and operational needs.
Reliable Utility Systems
Dependable utility networks providing industrial-grade power supply, water services, telecommunications, and essential services with capacity and reliability designed specifically for manufacturing operations and production facilities.
Regional Market Access
Strategic positioning that facilitates efficient access to regional markets, distribution networks, and commercial centers throughout the UAE and neighboring GCC countries, enhancing market reach for manufactured products.
Industrial Clustering
Established industrial clusters where complementary industries, supply chain partners, and related operations are co-located to maximize operational synergies, supply chain efficiency, and manufacturing collaboration.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your industrial enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international manufacturers full control over strategic direction, operational management, and business development within a globally-oriented industrial environment.
Secure Land Tenure
Reliable land tenure through established lease agreements providing operational stability, investment security, and development certainty for industrial projects requiring substantial infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.
Expansion Capabilities
Flexible development frameworks that accommodate business growth, operational expansion, and increased production capacity allowing industrial enterprises to align facility development with business growth and market demand.
Worker Accommodation
Access to worker residential facilities in close proximity to industrial zones, providing quality accommodation for production staff, technical personnel, and support workers with comprehensive amenities and transportation connections.
Environmental Management Systems
Established infrastructure and technical support for environmental management including waste handling facilities, emissions control systems, and environmental compliance frameworks that facilitate regulatory adherence for industrial operations.
Operational Support Services
Comprehensive business support services including administrative assistance, regulatory guidance, operational facilitation, and specialized industrial support that enhance manufacturing efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Manufacturing Community
Integration within an established community of manufacturing enterprises, industrial operators, and production specialists creating opportunities for business collaboration, knowledge sharing, and industrial partnerships.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
Start your commodities trading journey in MSF with expert guidance from Inlex Partners
Setup Process
A streamlined 33-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD)
Industrial Consultation
1-2 days
Engage with ICAD industrial specialists to discuss your manufacturing objectives, production requirements, and facility needs. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the industrial infrastructure and identifies the optimal approach for your specific manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing Feasibility Assessment
5-10 days
Conduct a preliminary feasibility assessment of your proposed industrial operation to ensure alignment with ICAD's infrastructure capabilities, utility availability, and environmental parameters, identifying any specialized requirements or technical considerations.
Site Visit & Zone Tour
1 day
Visit ICAD industrial zones to assess available locations, evaluate infrastructure, understand logistics connections, and identify the optimal positioning for your specific industrial operation within the various specialized areas.
License Category Selection
2-3 days
Determine the most appropriate license category based on your specific industrial activities, manufacturing focus, and operational objectives, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your production operations.
Company Name Reservation
3-5 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Industrial Business Plan Development
10-20 days
Prepare a comprehensive industrial business plan detailing your manufacturing strategy, production processes, facility requirements, equipment specifications, utility needs, logistics requirements, and growth projections specific to your ICAD operations.
Facility Requirements Specification
7-14 days
Develop detailed specifications for your industrial facility including land area requirements, building specifications, utility demands, infrastructure needs, and specialized features necessary for your manufacturing processes.
Environmental Compliance Planning
7-14 days
Develop preliminary environmental management plans addressing emissions control, waste management, resource efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations applicable to your specific industrial activities.
Initial Application Submission
3-5 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed industrial activities to initiate the formal review process with ICAD Authority.
Technical Review Meeting
1-2 days
Participate in technical review sessions with ICAD specialists to evaluate your industrial processes, production requirements, facility specifications, and operational parameters for feasibility and compliance assessment.
Document Submission
5-7 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, industrial specifications, technical requirements, and operational details through the ICAD application portal.
Application Review
10-20 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by ICAD authorities who evaluate industrial viability, technical feasibility, infrastructure requirements, and alignment with the zone's industrial development strategy.
Preliminary Approval
3-7 days
Receive preliminary approval for your industrial project in ICAD, confirming eligibility to proceed with detailed planning and facility development for your specific manufacturing activities.
Lease Agreement Negotiation
7-14 days
Negotiate and finalize the land lease agreement or pre-built facility lease specifying terms, conditions, development requirements, and operational parameters for your industrial premises.
Capital Commitment Confirmation
3-7 days
Provide documentation confirming the commitment of required capital for your industrial project, meeting the investment requirements for your specific manufacturing operation and facility development.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, land reservation fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1-2 days
Formally execute the lease agreement for industrial land or pre-built facilities, establishing the legal framework for your industrial premises in ICAD.
License Issuance
3-7 days
Receive your ICAD industrial license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the industrial zone for specified manufacturing activities and operational functions.
Detailed Design Development
20-40 days
For land plots - develop detailed architectural and engineering designs for your industrial facility including building plans, production layouts, utility systems, and technical specifications in accordance with ICAD building regulations.
Design Approval
10-20 days
For land plots - submit facility designs for review and approval by ICAD planning department and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and industrial regulations.
Construction Permitting
10-20 days
For land plots - obtain necessary construction permits, building approvals, and development authorizations from relevant authorities to commence facility construction.
Facility Construction/Preparation
90-180 days
For land plots - undertake construction of your industrial facility according to approved designs and specifications. For pre-built facilities - prepare the premises for your specific operational requirements and equipment installation.
Utility Connections
15-30 days
Establish connections to essential utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and other required services according to your operational specifications and consumption requirements.
Equipment Installation
15-45 days
Install manufacturing equipment, production machinery, industrial systems, and specialized tools required for your operations according to your production layout and technical specifications.
Environmental Compliance Certification
10-20 days
Obtain necessary environmental permits, compliance certifications, and operational approvals from environmental authorities based on your specific industrial activities and environmental impact.
Health & Safety Compliance
10-20 days
Implement required health and safety systems, emergency procedures, and workplace safety measures in compliance with industrial safety regulations and ICAD requirements.
Operational Readiness Inspection
3-7 days
Undergo facility inspection and operational readiness assessment by relevant authorities to verify compliance with building codes, safety standards, environmental requirements, and industrial regulations.
Immigration Card Issuance
3-7 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, technical specialists, production staff, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
10-20 days
Begin processing employment visas for your management team, technical specialists, production workers, and support personnel according to your visa allocation and operational requirements.
Bank Account Opening
10-20 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Abu Dhabi, facilitating financial operations for your industrial business including operational funding, transaction processing, and expense management.
Production Testing
7-15 days
Conduct trial production runs, system testing, equipment calibration, and operational verification to ensure all manufacturing processes and industrial systems function according to specifications.
Operational Certification
7-15 days
Obtain final operational certificates, production approvals, and manufacturing authorizations from relevant regulatory authorities specific to your industrial sector and production activities.
Commencement of Operations
3-7 days
Launch your industrial operations, manufacturing activities, and production processes following completion of all setup requirements, regulatory approvals, and operational certifications.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (6 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Industrial business plan
Comprehensive business plan outlining your manufacturing strategy, production approach, operational framework, and growth projections specific to your activities in ICAD, with particular attention to your production methodology and industrial requirements.
Permitted Activities
Manufacturing Operations
Establishment and operation of production facilities, manufacturing plants, industrial processing units, and fabrication operations for various products, components, and materials
Metal Processing
Processing, fabrication, treatment, and manufacturing of metal products, components, structures, and specialized items through various metallurgical and production techniques
Building Materials Production
Manufacturing of construction materials, building components, structural elements, and related products for the construction industry through various industrial processes
Automotive Components Manufacturing
Production of vehicle parts, automotive components, transportation equipment parts, and related products through assembly operations, manufacturing processes, and industrial techniques
Polymer Processing
Manufacturing, processing, and production of plastic products, polymer materials, synthetic compounds, and related items through various chemical and industrial processes
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
Start Your Free Zone Business Journey Today
Get expert guidance on UAE free zone business setup with our comprehensive consultancy services. Schedule your free consultation today.
Get Free Consultation
Contact Our Experts
Free Zone Guide Download
Download our comprehensive guide covering all UAE free zones, comparison charts, and setup requirements.
Download Free Zone GuideStrategic Location & Accessibility
Explore the strategic location and connectivity advantages of this free zone for your business operations
Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates