JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) and KIZAD (now KEZAD) are the UAE’s two largest industrial free zones — each anchored by a major port. JAFZA serves Dubai. KEZAD serves Abu Dhabi and is increasingly competitive for heavy industry.
JAFZA vs KEZAD at a glance
JAFZA: from AED 15,000, Jebel Ali Port Dubai, plot AED 30-80/sqm/year. Trading, distribution, light manufacturing.
KEZAD: from AED 11,000, Khalifa Port Abu Dhabi, plot AED 20-50/sqm/year. Heavy industry, manufacturing, petrochemicals.
About JAFZA
JAFZA, founded 1985, the older and more established. Strength: logistics density — 9,000+ companies, on-site customs, multiple warehouse zones, direct truck access to Dubai International Airport (45 min). Caters to importers and distributors moving goods through Dubai.
About KEZAD
KEZAD (formerly KIZAD): launched 2010 by Abu Dhabi Ports. Much larger physically (550+ km²). Aggressively positioned for heavy industry: aluminium smelting (EGA), steel, automotive assembly, food processing, petrochemicals. Khalifa Port operates the world’s first fully automated container terminal.
Setup costs
Both offer service licenses for AED 11,000-15,000. Where they diverge: land/warehouse pricing.
JAFZA warehousing: 200 sqm units AED 60,000-80,000/year. Plots AED 50-80/sqm/year, scarce.
KEZAD warehousing: 500 sqm units AED 50,000/year. Plots AED 20-50/sqm/year, abundant up to 1,000,000 sqm parcels.
Logistics infrastructure
JAFZA via Jebel Ali: 14M+ TEU capacity, busiest port outside Asia. Excellent for re-export to GCC and East Africa.
KEZAD via Khalifa Port: 5M+ TEU growing fast. Better for oversized cargo (industrial machinery). Etihad Rail link planned. Multi-modal logistics.
Best fit for…
Choose JAFZA: importer/distributor for UAE/Dubai market, re-exporter to GCC/Africa, 3PL provider, automotive/electronics distributor, food/beverage importer.
Choose KEZAD: heavy manufacturer (steel/aluminium/automotive), industrial chemical/petrochemical, large-scale food processor, multi-modal logistics, large land parcels.
FAQs
Can I do trading from KEZAD?
Yes, but JAFZA’s trading ecosystem is denser.
Tax benefits?
Both qualify for 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person under UAE Corporate Tax 2026.
Final verdict
Trading/distribution serving Dubai: JAFZA. Heavy industrial manufacturing at scale: KEZAD.
Browse UAE free zones or use our setup calculator.