KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) is Abu Dhabi’s largest industrial and logistics free zone. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
KIZAD Overview
- Location: Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai; adjacent to Khalifa Port
- Established: 2010
- Regulator: Abu Dhabi Ports Group
- Khalifa Port: One of the world’s most advanced semi-automated container ports; directly integrated with KIZAD
KIZAD Key Industries
- Primary metals: Aluminium (EMAL smelter is world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter)
- Petrochemicals and polymer products
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Food and beverages
- Paper and packaging
- Logistics and supply chain
KIZAD Business Types
- Service companies: Office space; virtual office
- Industrial: Warehouses, factories, land plots
- Trading: Port-adjacent trading companies
KIZAD 2026 Costs
- Office licence: AED 10,000-15,000/year (basic)
- Warehouse: Competitive Abu Dhabi industrial rates
- Land plot: Available for long-term industrial development
KIZAD vs Jebel Ali (JAFZA)
- Both port-adjacent: KIZAD at Khalifa Port; JAFZA at Port Jebel Ali
- KIZAD advantage: Abu Dhabi location; strong for companies serving Abu Dhabi government or ADNOC
- JAFZA advantage: Dubai location; larger established industrial ecosystem; more international banks accept JAFZA