KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi), now expanded and rebranded as KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi), is one of the world’s largest industrial zones — spanning 417 km² adjacent to the state-of-the-art Khalifa Port. Here is a complete guide.
KEZAD Overview
KEZAD is a master-planned industrial and logistics zone developed by AD Ports Group (Abu Dhabi Ports). It integrates: Khalifa Port (a deep-water port with 7.5M TEU annual capacity, one of the world’s most modern container terminals), KIZAD industrial zone (for manufacturing and industrial businesses), and the Free Trade Zone at Khalifa Port (for import/export, bonded logistics). KEZAD’s location: Abu Dhabi emirate, 30 km south of Abu Dhabi city, 65 km from Dubai.
KEZAD Focus Industries
KEZAD is specifically targeting: aluminium and metals processing (proximity to EMAL aluminium smelter), petrochemicals and plastics, food and beverages (food processing with Halal certification support), pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, paper and printing, logistics and distribution, and maritime and ship repair. KEZAD offers dedicated cluster areas for each industry with shared utilities, supply chain support, and sector-specific incentives.
KEZAD Investment Incentives
KEZAD incentives for qualifying manufacturers: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate and personal income tax (on qualifying income), no import/export duties within the zone, subsidised land lease rates for qualifying industries, and dedicated utilities (water, power) at competitive industrial tariffs. Minimum investment: varies by project — contact AD Ports Group for large-scale industrial proposals.
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.