If you are setting up a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or industrial operation in the UAE, KIZAD, now officially Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), is the most commercially complete answer. At 417 square kilometres with direct deep-water port access, Abu Dhabi government backing, and adjacency to the UAE’s largest petrochemical, aluminium, and energy assets, KIZAD is where heavy industry, logistics, and processing businesses build their UAE operations.
KIZAD / KEZAD — Quick Reference
| Zone Size | Port Access | Starting License | Foreign Ownership |
| 417 sq km | Khalifa Port (direct) | AED 15,000/yr | 100% permitted |
| Corporate Tax | Warehouse | Industrial Plots | Setup Timeline |
| 0% (QFZP) | From 500 sqm | From 5,000 sqm | 4 to 8 weeks |
What Is KIZAD (KEZAD) and Why Is It Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Hub?
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), formerly Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), was rebranded in 2022 when it merged with ZonesCorp to create Abu Dhabi’s consolidated industrial zones authority. The original Al Taweelah industrial zone adjacent to Khalifa Port is what most businesses refer to when searching “KIZAD company formation” or “KEZAD setup”, and it remains the most commercially relevant zone for international manufacturers and logistics operators.
Khalifa Port is KIZAD’s commercial engine. Commissioned in 2012 and operated by AD Ports Group, Khalifa Port handles over 7 million TEUs annually and is growing into one of the top 10 container ports globally. For manufacturers and logistics operators, co-locating production or distribution inside the free zone adjacent to this port eliminates the road transport leg between factory and port entirely, a cost and time saving that compounds across every shipment cycle.
Abu Dhabi Free Zone Trilogy: ADGM for financial services + Masdar City for clean energy + KIZAD for industrial operations. DIAC advises on all three under a single consultation.
- Government ownership: KEZAD is wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, giving it institutional weight and access to government supply chains that private free zones cannot match
- Direct Khalifa Port integration: Bonded cargo moves between KIZAD facilities and the port without customs clearance, reducing logistics costs and dwell time
- ADNOC and industrial anchor adjacency: Proximity to ADNOC downstream, EGA (Emirates Global Aluminium), and Borouge creates feedstock supply advantages and procurement pipeline access
- ICV programme eligibility: KIZAD manufacturers can qualify for Abu Dhabi’s In-Country Value (ICV) certification, which unlocks preference in government and ADNOC procurement scoring
- 100% foreign ownership: All KEZAD entities permit complete foreign ownership without a UAE national partner requirement
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income: KIZAD entities meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) criteria pay 0% tax on qualifying income under the UAE Corporate Tax Law
Dubai International Advisory Consultants are your trusted business setup consultants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with 14 years of experience across all UAE free zones. We manage the complete KIZAD company formation process from license selection and KEZAD authority interaction through to industrial space arrangement, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction.
KIZAD Business Types: Manufacturing, Logistics and Processing
KIZAD delivers the most commercial value to companies in specific industrial sectors. Here is a sector-by-sector breakdown of what KIZAD offers and where the commercial opportunity lies:
| Sector | What KIZAD Offers | Key Opportunity |
| Petrochemicals | Processing zones adjacent to ADNOC downstream assets; feedstock supply available | Borouge and Takreer proximity; upstream supply chain access for polymer and chemical producers |
| Aluminium | Fabrication and processing downstream from EGA Al Taweelah smelter | Local aluminium feedstock at competitive rates; aluminium product manufacturers benefit most |
| Food and Beverages | Halal food processing, cold chain infrastructure, and export-ready logistics | Gulf food export gateway; halal certification available; export to 50+ countries via Khalifa Port |
| Logistics and 3PL | Multimodal hub connecting Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi airport, and UAE road network | Bonded warehousing, regional fulfilment, and cold chain distribution operations |
| Building Materials | Construction material manufacturing near Abu Dhabi mega-project supply chains | Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi urban expansion creating sustained demand |
| Pharmaceuticals | Temperature-controlled storage, pharma manufacturing, and GMP-compliant units | Abu Dhabi healthcare expansion under Vision 2030; growing regional pharma demand |
KIZAD’s competitive advantage is not just the license, it is the physical infrastructure. Factory units with utility connections, port logistics integration, and proximity to Abu Dhabi’s hydrocarbon feedstock assets create a total operating cost structure that a business park free zone in Dubai cannot replicate regardless of license cost.
KIZAD Industrial Setup | Get a Free Consultation from DIAC
KIZAD License Types and Industrial Activities
KEZAD issues four license categories for KIZAD operations. Industrial and logistics licenses are the core offering; trading and service licenses support the supply chain ecosystem:
| License Type | Starting Cost (AED/yr) | Key Activities |
| Industrial License | 20,000 to 60,000 | Manufacturing, assembly, processing, fabrication; industrial plots and factory units available |
| Logistics and Warehousing | 15,000 to 40,000 | Freight forwarding, 3PL operations, bonded zone warehousing, cold chain logistics |
| Trading License | 15,000 to 25,000 | Import and export of industrial goods, raw materials, petrochemicals, food commodities |
| Service License | 12,000 to 22,000 | Engineering consulting, industrial design, project management, EPC support services |
In-Country Value (ICV) Certification, What Competitors Miss
KIZAD manufacturing companies can qualify for Abu Dhabi’s In-Country Value (ICV) certification through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ADNOC. ICV certification is a mandatory requirement for many government and ADNOC supply chain contracts. A KIZAD-licensed manufacturer with ICV certification gains access to the most significant procurement pipeline in the Abu Dhabi economy, one that is effectively closed to companies without a UAE manufacturing presence. Our team advises on ICV eligibility as part of every KIZAD manufacturing setup engagement.
KIZAD Company Formation Cost
KIZAD costs divide into two categories: the license fee and the industrial space cost. For manufacturing and logistics businesses, the space cost is typically the larger variable:
License Fees
- Service license: AED 12,000 to AED 22,000 per year
- Trading license: AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 per year
- Logistics license: AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 per year depending on warehouse volume
- Industrial license: AED 20,000 to AED 60,000 per year depending on activity classification
Industrial Space Costs
- Warehouse units (from 500 sqm): AED 120 to AED 200 per square metre per year; standard logistics and distribution warehouses
- Industrial and factory units (from 1,000 sqm): AED 100 to AED 180 per square metre per year; includes utility connections (power, water, drainage)
- Industrial land plots (from 5,000 sqm): AED 20 to AED 50 per square metre per year; long-term land lease for companies constructing their own production facilities
- Cold storage units: AED 180 to AED 280 per square metre per year; pharmaceutical and food-grade temperature-controlled facilities
First-year cost estimate: A small-scale manufacturing operation with an industrial license, a 1,000 sqm factory unit, and two investor visas typically costs AED 180,000 to AED 280,000 in year one. Larger operations are quoted individually based on plot size and utility requirements.
For Abu Dhabi businesses that do not require industrial space, our Abu Dhabi free zone company registration guide covers Masdar City, ADGM, and Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone as more cost-appropriate options for non-industrial businesses.
KIZAD vs Masdar City vs ADGM: Which Abu Dhabi Zone Is Right for You?
Abu Dhabi has three commercially distinct free zone options. The right choice depends entirely on your business type:
| Feature | KIZAD / KEZAD | Masdar City | ADGM |
| Primary Focus | Industrial and manufacturing | Clean energy and ESG tech | Financial services |
| Legal Framework | UAE civil law | UAE civil law | English common law |
| Port Access | Khalifa Port (direct) | No | No |
| Industrial Land | Yes (from 5,000 sqm) | Limited | No |
| Starting License | AED 12,000 to 60,000 | AED 12,000 to 28,000 | USD 1,500 plus (AED 5,500+) |
| Best Sector | Petrochemicals, metals, food, logistics, building materials | Renewables, cleantech, ESG consulting | Fund managers, asset managers, fintech, holding structures |
The clean decision rule: If your business processes, manufactures, or distributes physical goods and needs port access, choose KIZAD. If your business develops clean energy technology or needs ESG credentials, choose Masdar City. If your business is in financial services, funds, or holding structures requiring English common law, choose ADGM.
KIZAD Registration Process and Documents
The KIZAD company formation process combines the KEZAD authority registration with an industrial space agreement. Here is the complete step-by-step sequence:
- Choose entity type and activities (1 to 3 days): Confirm industrial activities, license category, and space requirement. Industrial licenses require KEZAD technical team activity confirmation
- Trade name reservation (1 to 2 days): Reserve company name through KEZAD portal; name must comply with UAE naming guidelines
- Document submission (2 to 5 days): Submit passport copies, proof of address, business description, and attested corporate documents if shareholder is a company
- KEZAD authority review (5 to 10 days): Industrial licenses receive sector team review; service and trading licenses process in 3 to 7 working days
- Industrial space selection (1 to 3 weeks): Choose warehouse, factory unit, or industrial plot; execute lease agreement; submit utility connection applications
- License issuance (1 to 2 days after fees): License issued upon payment confirmation and execution of the space lease
- Investor visa processing (2 to 4 weeks): GDRFA entry permit, DHA medical fitness, ICA Emirates ID if residence visas required
- Bank account opening (3 to 8 weeks): Emirates NBD, FAB, and ADCB are the most common choices for KIZAD industrial entities
Documents Required
- Valid passport copies of all shareholders and directors (minimum 6 months validity)
- Proof of residential address (bank statement or utility bill dated within 3 months)
- For corporate shareholders: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, AOA, and Board Resolution, apostilled and UAE embassy attested
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declaration for all natural persons with 25% or above ownership
- Industrial activity description: brief outline of manufacturing process, raw material inputs, finished goods, and target markets
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA): required for chemical, petrochemical, or heavy industrial activities before KEZAD approves the license
Is KIZAD the Right Free Zone for Your Business?
Use this checklist before committing to KIZAD registration:
| KIZAD is the Right Choice If… | |
| YES | You need industrial land or a factory unit, KIZAD is the only Abu Dhabi free zone offering large-scale industrial plots with utility connections |
| YES | Your supply chain depends on sea freight, Khalifa Port direct integration makes KIZAD the strongest choice for import-heavy manufacturers and exporters |
| YES | Your sector is petrochemicals, aluminium, food processing, pharma, or building materials, adjacency to ADNOC, EGA, and Borouge creates supply chain advantages |
| YES | You are pursuing ICV certification for Abu Dhabi government supply chain contracts, KIZAD manufacturing status supports ICV eligibility |
| NO | You are a consulting firm, digital business, or service company, KIZAD industrial infrastructure costs are not justified for non-physical businesses |
| NO | Your budget is below AED 20,000 per year, IFZA, Meydan, or Sharjah free zones deliver 100% ownership and 0% tax at lower cost for non-industrial businesses |
KIZAD Company Formation | Get a Site-Specific Quote from DIAC
Frequently Asked Questions About KIZAD and KEZAD
Is KIZAD the same as KEZAD?
KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) is the parent authority created in 2022 when KIZAD merged with ZonesCorp. The industrial zone most businesses refer to, adjacent to Khalifa Port in Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, is now officially called KIZAD within the KEZAD umbrella. Both names remain in widespread commercial use and refer to the same zone.
Does KIZAD require a physical factory or warehouse to register?
For industrial and logistics licenses, a physical space commitment is typically required, either a warehouse unit, factory unit, or industrial plot. Service and trading licenses can sometimes be processed with a registered address arrangement, but KEZAD’s commercial proposition is built around physical industrial operations. Companies needing only a license without production space will find lower-cost options at IFZA, Meydan, or Ajman free zones.
Can I access Khalifa Port directly from a KIZAD facility?
Yes. KIZAD is physically adjacent to Khalifa Port, and bonded logistics companies within the free zone can move goods between their KIZAD facility and the port without customs processing for bonded cargo. The port’s Maqta Gateway digital platform connects KIZAD logistics operators to real-time port scheduling and cargo tracking. This port integration is KIZAD’s most commercially irreplaceable advantage.
What is ICV certification and does KIZAD help me qualify?
In-Country Value (ICV) certification is an Abu Dhabi government programme that incentivises companies supplying to Abu Dhabi government entities and ADNOC to manufacture and employ locally. A KIZAD-licensed manufacturer can apply for ICV certification through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. ICV-certified companies receive preference in government tender scoring, effectively unlocking the Abu Dhabi procurement market. Our team advises on ICV eligibility as part of every KIZAD industrial setup engagement.
How does KIZAD compare to JAFZA for manufacturing businesses?
Both serve manufacturing and logistics but through different ports. JAFZA serves Jebel Ali Port, Dubai’s massive container hub with the UAE’s largest shipping volumes. KIZAD serves Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi’s growing port with direct proximity to Abu Dhabi’s petrochemical, aluminium, and energy asset base. Abu Dhabi sector-linked manufacturers choose KIZAD; Dubai-market-focused manufacturers choose JAFZA.
Does KIZAD offer cold storage and pharmaceutical-grade facilities?
Yes. KEZAD has dedicated cold chain and pharmaceutical-grade storage units within the KIZAD zone. Temperature-controlled warehouse units meeting GSP (Good Storage Practice) standards are available from approximately 500 square metres. GMP-compliant production units for pharmaceutical manufacturers with cleanroom specifications can be arranged within the industrial zone. Cold storage rates are higher than standard warehousing at AED 180 to AED 280 per square metre per year.
About the Author
Adil Ahmad is a UAE free zone specialist at Dubai International Advisory Consultants with 14 years of experience in KIZAD and KEZAD company formation, Abu Dhabi industrial zone setup, manufacturing business licensing, and free zone advisory across all UAE emirates. He has guided petrochemical traders, food processors, logistics operators, and pharmaceutical companies through the complete KIZAD registration and industrial space selection process.
