JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) and KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) are the two premier industrial free zones in the UAE. Both offer world-class port access, large industrial land plots, and incentives for manufacturers — but serve different strategic needs.
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone)
JAFZA is the UAE’s largest free zone and one of the world’s top 10 logistics and manufacturing hubs. It is co-located with Jebel Ali Port — the world’s 9th busiest container port — giving JAFZA manufacturers the most direct sea freight access of any UAE free zone. Key facts: 9,700+ companies, 140 km² land area, direct Jebel Ali Port rail and road connectivity. Best for: global manufacturing companies needing maximum port connectivity, automotive component manufacturers, chemicals manufacturers, and FMCG companies that re-export globally.
Annual licence: AED 15,000–30,000. Land plots: AED 20–40 per sqft per year. Warehouses: AED 30–60 per sqft per year.
KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi)
KEZAD is Abu Dhabi’s answer to JAFZA — a 550 km² integrated economic zone anchored by Khalifa Port (ranked among the world’s 50 busiest). KEZAD hosts 1,000+ companies and focuses on: petrochemicals (CHEMZONE is dedicated to chemical/petrochemical companies), aluminium and metals, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Key advantage over JAFZA: KEZAD has significantly larger land plots available (ideal for heavy industry), lower land costs, and access to Abu Dhabi’s government procurement channels.
Annual licence: AED 12,000–25,000. Land plots: AED 12–25 per sqft per year (30–40% cheaper than JAFZA). CHEMZONE land: dedicated leasing structure for chemical manufacturers.
Comparison Table
| Factor | JAFZA | KEZAD |
|---|---|---|
| Port Access | Jebel Ali (world top 10) | Khalifa Port (world top 50) |
| Location | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Land Cost | AED 20–40/sqft/yr | AED 12–25/sqft/yr |
| Annual Licence | AED 15,000–30,000 | AED 12,000–25,000 |
| Chemical Focus | Good | Excellent (CHEMZONE) |
| Rail Connectivity | Yes (Etihad Rail) | Yes (Etihad Rail) |
| Government Contracts | Dubai government | Abu Dhabi government + ADNOC |
Recommendation
Choose JAFZA for maximum global sea freight connectivity and Dubai’s trade ecosystem. Choose KEZAD for lower land costs, the petrochemical/aluminium cluster, and proximity to Abu Dhabi government contracts and ADNOC supply chains.