Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) is the free zone located adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Here is a complete guide to ADAFZ in 2025.
About ADAFZ
ADAFZ (Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone) is managed by Abu Dhabi Airports. It is situated directly adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), one of the UAE’s three major international airports. ADAFZ is home to: aviation-related businesses (airlines, ground handlers, MRO providers), aerospace manufacturers, logistics and freight companies, international trade companies, and high-value manufacturing.
ADAFZ Business Licences
ADAFZ issues licences for: aviation services (ground handling, cargo handling, airline operations), aircraft maintenance and overhaul (MRO), aerospace manufacturing, international trading, logistics and warehousing, pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics, and professional services (legal, finance, consulting in support of aviation/logistics sectors). Warehouse and industrial space: large industrial units available for rent within the free zone, designed for high-value cargo handling and manufacturing. Licence fees: AED 10,000-30,000/year depending on type and size.
ADAFZ vs. KIZAD/KEZAD
ADAFZ is specifically designed for aviation-adjacent businesses. KIZAD/KEZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, now KEZAD Group) is Abu Dhabi’s heavy industry and manufacturing free zone. ADAFZ: better for aviation, MRO, aerospace, and airport-adjacent logistics. KIZAD/KEZAD: better for large-scale manufacturing, petrochemicals, and port-adjacent trading. If your business is specifically aviation or airport-dependent: ADAFZ offers the direct airport access and aviation regulatory framework that KIZAD does not.
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone | Public basic licence/setup references; airport-linked facility priced separately | AED 11,500 (zero-visa package); AED 18,000–30,000 (standard 2-visa package); AED 40,000+ (premium 6-visa package) Confidence: Conflicting public sources |
Quote-based annual renewal - public references differ and the authority requires a current quote Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on the confirmed licence, facility and renewal terms Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and immigration services depend on the selected legal form and facility | Flexi desk, executive desk, office, warehouse, logistics unit, hangar or serviced land depending on the operating route | Conflicting public sources | Multiple public consultant sources; official authority licensing and facility context; current itemised quote required | Conflicting public sources - confirm current package | July 2026 |
| What is included | Current public sources place basic ADAFZ licence/setup references between AED 11,500 and AED 20,000. The official authority confirms the one-stop registration/licensing route and its flexi desk, office, warehouse, hangar and serviced-land options. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | The range is not a uniform all-in package. Registration, facility or lease, deposits, visas, insurance, airside access, regulated approvals and support costs vary by source and configuration. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Public sources mix licence-only, zero-visa and basic setup references. Airport access, facility type, airside requirements and activity approvals can materially change the total. Request an itemised ADAFZ quote before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Depends on activity, ownership, documents and transaction profile |
| Best fit | Specialist businesses that match the authority activity and facility requirements. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.