KIZAD Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi 2026 Guide
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi), now part of the KEZAD Group, is Abu Dhabi’s largest industrial free zone, spanning 417 square kilometres adjacent to Khalifa Port — one of the world’s most modern deep-water ports. KIZAD is the premier destination for heavy manufacturing, logistics, petrochemicals, and industrial businesses targeting Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region.
KIZAD/KEZAD Scale and Infrastructure
- Area: 417 km² (one of the world’s largest industrial zones)
- Adjacent port: Khalifa Port (deepwater, 2.5M TEU annual capacity)
- Connectivity: Abu Dhabi Logistics Corridor connecting port, free zone, and airport
- Sectors: manufacturing, petrochemicals, metals, food processing, logistics
- Companies: 700+ operating companies
KIZAD Formation Cost 2026
- Trading licence: AED 15,000–25,000 per year
- Industrial licence: AED 20,000–40,000 per year
- Warehouse units: from AED 60,000 per year
- Industrial land (long-term lease): from AED 30 per sqm/year
- Investor visa: AED 4,000–6,000
Why Choose KIZAD for Manufacturing?
KIZAD offers the largest industrial land plots in the UAE at competitive lease rates, making it ideal for capital-intensive manufacturing projects. Key advantages include: direct port-to-zone rail link, dedicated logistics corridors, 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, and Abu Dhabi government backing through ADNEC Group/AD Ports.
KIZAD vs JAFZA for Industrial Businesses
- KIZAD: Abu Dhabi, larger industrial plots, newer infrastructure, Khalifa Port access
- JAFZA: Dubai, established 38 years, Jebel Ali Port access, larger existing business community
For new large-scale manufacturing projects, KIZAD’s modern infrastructure and available large land plots give it an advantage. For companies prioritising the Dubai ecosystem and Jebel Ali Port’s sea connectivity, JAFZA remains the benchmark.
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 Free Zone KIZAD Khalifa Industrial Zone 2026 Guide | Current authority package | Quote-based - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based renewal - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Depends on package and office allocation | Authority quote required | Authority quote required | Current package / renewal confirmation required | June 2026 |
| What is included | Confirmed only after authority or partner quote. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visas, insurance, medical, Emirates ID, office upgrades, amendments and cancellation unless quoted. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Confirm establishment card, visas, office/flexi desk, insurance, renewal and cancellation before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium - depends on activity and documents |
| Best fit | Founders comparing this free zone against activity, visa, office, banking and renewal 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 June 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.