Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD)
2022
1.8K+
KEZ
Physical Address
Khalifa Industrial Zone, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
About Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD)
A vast, integrated industrial, logistics, and trade ecosystem with direct access to Khalifa Port, multimodal connectivity (sea, air, road, and future rail), and a focus on sustainable, large-scale business growth
About Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD)
Established as part of Abu Dhabi’s economic vision, KEZAD represents the integration of Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and ZonesCorp to create a unified industrial and economic zones operator under AD Ports Group. This strategic consolidation has formed the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub in the region, spanning approximately 550 square kilometers. KEZAD was developed to position Abu Dhabi as a global industrial and manufacturing powerhouse, creating a comprehensive ecosystem where industrial production, logistics operations, and trade activities can flourish in an integrated environment with direct connectivity to one of the region’s most advanced deep-water ports. The concept centers on creating a seamless industrial and logistics corridor that optimizes supply chains, reduces operational costs, and enhances market access for businesses across diverse sectors.
What distinguishes KEZAD is its integrated approach to industrial development, combining industrial zones, logistics parks, free zones, and economic zones within a unified management framework. This comprehensive model creates exceptional synergies across the industrial value chain, allowing businesses to establish optimized operations with streamlined logistics flows and efficient market access. The zones offer specialized infrastructure designed for specific industry requirements, including heavy manufacturing, light industrial production, logistics operations, and trade activities, with tailored utility systems, transportation networks, and operational frameworks that support diverse industrial processes from raw material processing to finished product distribution.
Integrated Industrial Ecosystem
KEZAD has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem supporting a wide spectrum of industrial operations—from heavy manufacturing and process industries to light production, assembly operations, logistics services, and trading activities. This integrated environment creates a dynamic industrial community where companies of various scales can establish production facilities, develop supply chain operations, and build regional and global market connections with appropriate levels of infrastructure support and ecosystem integration. The zone’s specialization extends across multiple industrial sectors—from metals, polymers, and building materials to food processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries, offering tailored solutions that align with specific operational requirements and strategic objectives in today’s global manufacturing landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes operational efficiency through a combination of advanced infrastructure, logistics networks, and collaborative frameworks. This approach creates a forward-thinking environment where companies can focus on core production activities while benefiting from purpose-built facilities and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive development planning and strategic positioning. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, land allocation, facility provision, and administrative facilitation that enhances the operational capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and global market access.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the KEZ free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach 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 KEZ for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Strategic Port Integration
Direct connectivity to Khalifa Port, one of the world's most advanced deep-water ports, providing exceptional access to global shipping routes, container terminals, and maritime logistics services for efficient import and export operations.
Multimodal Connectivity
Comprehensive transportation infrastructure including sea, road, air, and future rail connections creating unparalleled logistics efficiency for raw material imports, finished goods distribution, and supply chain optimization.
Industrial Clustering
Specialized industrial zones and sector-specific clusters designed for complementary industries, creating operational synergies, supply chain integration, and collaborative opportunities within focused industrial ecosystems.
Scalable Land Solutions
Flexible land allocation options ranging from small plots to large industrial parcels with long-term leases, allowing businesses to secure appropriate space for current operations with expansion potential for future growth.
Advanced Industrial Infrastructure
Purpose-built industrial infrastructure including heavy-duty roads, specialized utility networks, industrial-grade power systems, and technical facilities designed specifically for manufacturing and logistics operations.
Integrated Utilities
Comprehensive utility systems including industrial-grade power supply, process water, natural gas, telecommunications, and specialized industrial utilities delivered through reliable networks with capacity for high-consumption operations.
Supply Chain Optimization
Strategic positioning within an integrated industrial ecosystem with upstream and downstream connectivity, enabling efficient supply chain development, vendor proximity, and logistics optimization.
Pre-Built Solutions
Ready-to-operate warehouses, light industrial units, and logistics facilities available for immediate occupation, reducing setup time and allowing rapid operational deployment for time-sensitive business requirements.
Customs-Bonded Zones
Access to customs-bonded areas allowing duty-free import of raw materials, components, and equipment for manufacturing, processing, and re-export activities with simplified customs procedures.
Workforce Solutions
Comprehensive labor accommodation options, workforce management support, and staffing solutions facilitating efficient recruitment, housing, and management of industrial personnel at various skill levels.
Industrial Support Services
Access to specialized industrial services including equipment maintenance, technical support, logistics assistance, and operational services supporting manufacturing efficiency and business continuity.
Regulatory Framework
Business-friendly regulations, streamlined permitting processes, and coordinated regulatory oversight creating an efficient operational environment with reduced administrative complexity for industrial businesses.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your industrial enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international companies full control over manufacturing operations, business development, and strategic direction.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, full repatriation of capital and profits, exemption from import and export duties for certain activities, and absence of currency restrictions.
Strategic Market Access
Ideal positioning for serving Middle East, Africa, and South Asian markets with efficient logistics connections, established trade routes, and strategic proximity to major regional economies and emerging markets.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
Start your commodities trading journey in KEZ with expert guidance from Inlex Partners
Setup Process
A streamlined 34-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD)
Industrial Consultation
1-2 days
Engage with KEZAD specialists to discuss your industrial business objectives, manufacturing focus, and facility needs. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can integrate with the industrial ecosystem and identifies the optimal approach for your specific operations.
Industrial Activity Assessment
3-7 days
Conduct a preliminary assessment of your proposed industrial operation to ensure alignment with KEZAD's industrial focus, infrastructure capabilities, and ecosystem parameters, identifying integration opportunities and optimization potential.
Site Visit & Zone Tour
1 day
Visit KEZAD to experience the industrial environment, assess available land plots and facilities, understand the logistics ecosystem, and identify the optimal positioning for your specific industrial operation within the various specialized clusters.
License Category Selection
1-2 days
Determine the most appropriate license category based on your specific industrial activities, operational focus, and strategic objectives, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your operations.
Company Name Reservation
2-4 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
5-10 days
Prepare a comprehensive business plan detailing your operational strategy, manufacturing approach, logistics framework, facility requirements, and growth projections specific to your KEZAD operations.
Land or Facility Selection
3-7 days
Identify and select the optimal land plot or pre-built facility for your industrial business based on your spatial requirements, technical specifications, and operational needs with consideration for future expansion.
Environmental Planning
5-10 days
Develop detailed environmental management plans addressing emissions control, waste management, resource utilization, and compliance measures aligned with KEZAD's environmental standards and regulatory requirements.
Initial Application Submission
1-3 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed industrial activities to initiate the formal review process with KEZAD Authority.
Technical Review Meeting
1-2 days
Participate in review sessions with KEZAD specialists to evaluate your business model, industrial approach, technical requirements, and operational parameters for integration within the industrial ecosystem.
Document Submission
2-5 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, business specifications, technical details, and operational plans through the KEZAD application portal.
Application Review
5-10 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by KEZAD authorities who evaluate business viability, technical feasibility, environmental compliance, and integration with the zone's industrial development strategy.
Preliminary Approval
2-5 days
Receive preliminary approval for your industrial business in KEZAD, confirming eligibility to proceed with detailed planning and facility preparation for your specific activities.
Land Lease or Facility Agreement Negotiation
3-7 days
Negotiate and finalize the land lease or facility agreement specifying terms, conditions, operational parameters, and technical requirements for your industrial premises within KEZAD.
Capital Commitment Confirmation
2-5 days
Provide documentation confirming the commitment of required capital for your industrial project, meeting the investment requirements for your specific 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 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected land plot or facility, establishing the legal framework for your industrial premises in KEZAD.
License Issuance
2-5 days
Receive your KEZAD business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the economic zone for specified industrial activities and operational functions.
Facility Design & Planning
30-60 days
For land plots: Develop detailed architectural and engineering designs for your industrial facility according to your operational requirements and in compliance with KEZAD building regulations.
Construction Permitting
15-30 days
Submit facility designs for review and obtain necessary construction permits, building approvals, and development authorizations from KEZAD and relevant regulatory authorities.
Facility Construction
180-365 days
For land plots: Undertake construction of your industrial facility according to approved designs, building regulations, and technical specifications under appropriate supervision and quality control.
Facility Preparation
30-90 days
For pre-built facilities: Prepare your leased facility for your specific operational requirements including interior modifications, technical setup, and specialized installations according to your industrial needs.
Utility Connections
15-30 days
Establish connections to essential utilities including electricity, water, gas, telecommunications, and other required services according to your industrial specifications and consumption requirements.
Equipment Installation
30-90 days
Install industrial machinery, production equipment, technical systems, and specialized tools required for your operations according to your manufacturing layout and technical specifications.
Environmental Compliance Verification
7-14 days
Undergo verification of your facility's compliance with environmental standards, emissions requirements, waste management protocols, and resource utilization parameters based on your specific industrial activities.
Health & Safety Compliance
15-30 days
Implement required health and safety systems, emergency procedures, and workplace safety measures in compliance with industrial safety regulations and KEZAD 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
5-10 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, technical specialists, production workers, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
10-20 days
Begin processing employment visas for your management team, technical specialists, production personnel, and support staff according to your visa allocation and operational requirements.
Bank Account Opening
10-15 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.
Ecosystem Integration
Ongoing
Establish connections with relevant suppliers, service providers, logistics partners, and collaborative platforms within the KEZAD ecosystem to maximize operational efficiency and development opportunities.
Production Testing
7-21 days
Conduct trial production runs, system testing, equipment calibration, and operational verification to ensure all manufacturing processes and technical systems function according to specifications.
Operational Certification
7-14 days
Obtain final operational certificates, industrial approvals, and activity authorizations from relevant regulatory authorities specific to your industry sector and operational activities.
Commencement of Operations
1-7 days
Launch your industrial operations, manufacturing activities, and business 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.
Business plan
Comprehensive business plan outlining your operational strategy, industrial approach, manufacturing or logistics processes, and growth projections specific to your activities in KEZAD, with particular attention to your production capabilities and supply chain integration.
Permitted Activities
Manufacturing Operations
Establishment and operation of manufacturing facilities for production of goods, components, materials, and finished products across various industrial sectors
Process Industries
Operation of process manufacturing facilities including chemical processing, materials transformation, and continuous production operations for industrial products
Assembly Operations
Establishment of assembly facilities for components, equipment, machinery, vehicles, and finished products requiring multi-part assembly processes
Metals Processing
Processing, fabrication, and manufacturing of metal products, components, structures, and specialized metal items for various industrial applications
Polymer Processing
Manufacturing and processing of polymer products, plastic components, composite materials, and related items for industrial and consumer applications
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Khalifa Industrial Zone, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates