KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) is Abu Dhabi’s largest industrial and logistics free zone. Here is the complete 2025 guide.
KEZAD Overview
KEZAD is the unified brand for the industrial and logistics zones adjacent to Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. KEZAD = KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone) + ZonesCorp (other Abu Dhabi industrial zones) merged into one entity. Size: 550+ sq km of industrial land — one of the world’s largest industrial zone footprints. Khalifa Port: adjacent to KEZAD, operated by AD Ports Group. Khalifa Port is one of the world’s most efficient ports (automated container terminal). KEZAD tenants: BP, Borouge (ADNOC/Borealis), Cleveland-Cliffs, Aldar (real estate), and 1,000+ industrial companies. Key industrial clusters in KEZAD: petrochemicals and plastics (Borouge complex), aluminum and metals (EMAL — Emirates Global Aluminium, the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter), food and agri-processing, paper and packaging, and automotive assembly.
KEZAD Business Setup for SMEs
KEZAD is primarily an industrial/logistics zone, so it is most relevant for: light manufacturers needing UAE industrial land, logistics companies needing Abu Dhabi warehousing, and trading companies doing large-volume import/export through Khalifa Port. Minimum land area: KEZAD plots start from 2,500 sq m (for industrial plots). Warehouses: available to rent in KEZAD logistics parks from 500 sq m up. Cost: KEZAD is competitively priced vs. Dubai industrial zones (Jebel Ali, Dubai South) given Abu Dhabi government subsidy of industrial development. Free zone benefits: 0% corporate tax (on free zone income), 100% foreign ownership, customs duty suspension (bonded zone).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEZAD | Free Zone Business Start-Up 1-visa package | AED 8,000–16,000 effective Year 1 (Abu Dhabi government waives licence fees for first 2 years; pay only visa + cards); without waiver: AED 17,000–26,000 (licence AED 9,000–14,000 + establishment card AED 1,500 + immigration card AED 1,500 + 1 visa AED 3,400–6,500) Confidence: Verified official price |
Quote-based renewal - confirm the current annual package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
AED 22,575 official 3-year 1-visa package including VAT Confidence: Verified official price |
Published packages for 1 to 4 visas | Shared workstation or dedicated office is listed in the startup solution | Verified official price | Official authority package page | Current package / renewal confirmation required | July 2026 |
| What is included | The official startup solution lists a free-zone business licence, shared workstation or dedicated office, internet/Wi-Fi and the selected visa provision. Published package amounts include VAT. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Renewal after the selected validity period, extra visas, immigration extras, insurance, industrial facility, utilities, regulated approvals and advisory services unless included in the selected package. |
| Hidden-cost risk | The AED 22,575 amount is a published three-year package, not a Year 1 figure multiplied by an assumed renewal. Industrial, warehouse and land-led configurations require separate quotations. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Manufacturing, industrial, logistics, warehouse and large facility-led businesses. |
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.