KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) is Abu Dhabi’s flagship industrial free zone, covering 550 km² around Khalifa Port. It is the UAE’s second-largest free zone by land area (after JAFZA) and the most strategically integrated port-industrial zone in Abu Dhabi.
KEZAD Districts and Specialisations
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi): Core manufacturing and logistics district. Hosts Emirates Steel (the region’s largest steel manufacturer), Borouge (joint venture between ADNOC and Borealis — one of the world’s largest plastics producers), and 1,000+ manufacturing companies. CHEMZONE: Dedicated chemical and petrochemical manufacturing zone with purpose-built safety infrastructure (blast walls, fire suppression, chemical drainage). Best for: chemical manufacturers, petrochemical processors, and hazardous materials handlers. Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone: Direct port access area for logistics and trading companies needing sea freight handling. KEZAD Al Markaz: Business park cluster for professional services companies supporting KEZAD industrial clients.
KEZAD Connectivity
Khalifa Port: one of the world’s most modern ports — completed in 2012 with a semi-automated container terminal (one of the world’s first). Direct Etihad Rail connection to the GCC network. 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. 120 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
KEZAD Costs
Annual free zone licence: AED 12,000–25,000. Industrial land (long-term lease): AED 12–25 per sqft per year (significantly cheaper than JAFZA). Ready-built warehouse: AED 25–40 per sqft per year. Factory unit (shell-and-core): AED 20–35 per sqft per year + utilities at subsidised Abu Dhabi government rates.
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.