Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone ADAFZ 2026
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), now part of the KEZAD Group ecosystem, is located adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport. It is positioned as an air cargo logistics and international trade hub, benefiting from Abu Dhabi Airport’s status as a major Middle East aviation hub serving 30M+ passengers annually. This guide covers ADAFZ setup, costs, and use cases for 2026.
ADAFZ Key Advantages
- Airport adjacency: direct access to Abu Dhabi International Airport cargo terminals
- Abu Dhabi government backing: ADAFZ is part of AD Ports Group
- Multi-modal connectivity: airport + Zayed Port + road network
- Sectors: aviation maintenance (MRO), pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce, general trading
- UAE CT: qualifying income at 0% for QFZP-eligible companies
ADAFZ Formation Cost 2026
- Annual trading licence: AED 15,000–25,000
- Executive flexi-desk: AED 12,000–18,000
- Warehouse unit (500 sqm): from AED 55,000/year
- Investor visa: AED 4,000–6,000
ADAFZ vs SAIF Zone for Air Cargo Businesses
- ADAFZ: Abu Dhabi Airport, larger aircraft hub (Etihad Airways home base), Abu Dhabi government brand
- SAIF Zone: Sharjah Airport, lower cost, older/more established, Air Arabia hub
ADAFZ is preferred for businesses targeting Abu Dhabi government clients or needing Etihad cargo relationships. SAIF Zone is more cost-effective for general air cargo and Sharjah-focused operations.
Aviation MRO in ADAFZ
ADAFZ has a dedicated aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) zone. UAE is one of the world’s fastest-growing MRO markets (USD 2B+ annually). Companies in ADAFZ’s MRO zone benefit from proximity to both Etihad and flydubai maintenance operations, and access to Abu Dhabi Aviation MRO community of 50+ companies.