KEZAD or Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group was launched by AD Ports Group on September 19, 2022, as part of the plan to consolidate and grow its Economic Cities and Free Zones. The action comes after the incorporation of Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) into the recently established KEZAD Group (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group), which consists of 12 economic zones.
KEZAD Group is the largest operator in the UAE when it comes to fully integrated economic zones, business services, staff accommodation, and industrial real estate solutions. Their primary goal is to create business ecosystems that promote sustainable growth by providing an open, agile, and integrated environment. This, in turn, attracts both foreign and local investment to Abu Dhabi by offering market access, low operating costs, and a favorable business environment.
The group is equipped with top-notch transportation infrastructure and multimodal connectivity by road, sea, air, and future rail networks. These zones provide attractive benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profit, potential for duty-free trade within the region, and advanced technology platforms that integrate the port community systems with the economic zones. These exclusive offerings allow clients and partners to stay competitive in the dynamic global market.
With over 1,750 clients from various sectors such as Food Processing, AgTech, Life Science, Speciality Chemicals, Plastics & Polymers, Metals, Retail & Logistics, Pharmaceuticals, Hi-Tech & Green Energy, Building Materials, Oil & Gas, and Automotive, KEZAD Group forms one of the largest economic and logistics ecosystems.
In total, KEZAD Group covers an extensive area of 550km2, including 100km2 dedicated to economic zones. This vast infrastructure and well-connected environment enable clients and partners to enhance their competitiveness in the ever-evolving global market.
Why KEZAD Group?
Outstanding Access to Markets
KEZAD Group offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for businesses. One of the key reasons is its outstanding access to markets. The group's economic cities and free zones are strategically located near Khalifa Port, which is one of the world's most advanced deep-sea ports. This port is capable of handling mega vessels, making it convenient for businesses to import raw materials and export finished goods. It is also well-connected to major shipping lines and multiple ports, enabling easy domestic and international shipment of products.
In addition to maritime connectivity, KEZAD Group provides multi-point access by air. Its economic cities and free zones are in close proximity to five international airports, including Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, and Sharjah International Airport. These airports are fully equipped to handle air cargo, offering an alternative transportation solution for shipments.
Furthermore, KEZAD Group is future-focused and recognizes the importance of rail transportation. With the completion of the Etihad Rail network in the near future, businesses will have the option to transport shipments by rail. The Etihad Rail network is a modern rail network that will connect the UAE with the rest of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) from dedicated terminals. This will provide businesses with the opportunity to integrate rail freight facilities into their supply chain operations.
Overall, KEZAD Group's outstanding access to markets, multimodal connectivity (via sea, air, and future rail), and its focus on facilitating efficient transportation make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to establish themselves in Abu Dhabi.
Benefits
Cost Savings:
- Reliable utility supply (power, gas, and water) at competitive rates
- No corporate or income tax
- Duty-free trade in the GCC for products made in the UAE
- Prime location facilities at competitive lease rates such as raw material suppliers, packaging and specialized logistics services
Speed to Market and Proximity Advantage:
- Quick access to key markets through major ports, international airports, highways, and future rail connectivity
- Simplified and flexible company formation
- Presence of support entities within the zone
- Single interface for all approvals
Flexibility in Scale of Operations:
- Option to operate for local and regional/global markets through Free Zone and Domestic Economic Zone facilities
- Flexibility in lease tenure and structuring
- Infrastructure supporting a wide range of businesses
- Future-ready development with provisions for expansion and integration with new projects
Growing Community of Businesses, Zones, and Amenities:
- Residential, social areas, and leisure facilities within close proximity
- On-site staff accommodation facilities
- Zoned approach with shared amenities for efficient planning
- Dedicated zones for SMEs, logistics, and business parks
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Overall, KIZAD offers a range of amenities and facilities for both residents and businesses, including access to transportation, schools, healthcare, religious centers, and dining options. With plans for further development and expansion, KIZAD is set to become an even more vibrant and convenient neighborhood in Abu Dhabi.
The over 1.3 million square foot warehouses located in KIZAD Logistics Park (KLP) are accessible to the logistics companies based there.
Properties in KIZAD
Regarding the properties available, the majority are large land lots set aside for commercial development. There are plans to expand the area's warehouse and retail space inventory. In KIZAD, there are a few real estate listings, including residential structures. Furthermore, it is anticipated that Spinneys, the top grocery store chain in the United Arab Emirates, will construct a cold storage distribution center in KIZAD Abu Dhabi.
The network also links to the three main airports in the UAE: Al Maktoum International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Dubai International Airport. It enjoys geographic exclusivity due to its proximity to Khalifa Port and the fact that it has an intermodal infrastructure. This gives investors convenient access to the rail, air, and sea routes from KIZAD. Furthermore, all establishments feature dedicated parking spaces and open lots for public parking.
Public Transportation near KIZAD
As for the public transportation route near KIZAD, a bus station is in proximity. E100 and E101 shuttle from Abu Dhabi, Samha 2 Station. It is around 10 minutes away from KIZAD.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Some notable landmarks near KIZAD include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, and Yas Marina Circuit. For leisure activities, residents and visitors can enjoy the nearby Yas Island, which offers attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Yas Mall.
In conclusion, KIZAD offers a range of amenities, facilities, and convenient access to transportation, making it an attractive location for both businesses and residents. With plans for further development and expansion, KIZAD is set to become an even more vibrant and convenient neighborhood in Abu Dhabi.
Location
- Distance from the mainland: more than 40 minutes
- Distance from Abu Dhabi International Airport: 30 minutes
- Distance from Dubai: 60 minutes
- Access Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, E11 in 17 minutes
- Access Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, E311 in 2 minutes
Company Licence Type
Learn the fundamentals of company licensing that complies with the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
Industrial Licence
Importing raw materials, producing, processing, assembling, packaging, exporting intermediate and/or completed goods, and engaging in other industrial activities included in the Industrial Licence Category List are all permitted with this license.
Trading Licence OR General Trading Licence
An import, export, distribution, stocking, and warehousing of goods and products listed on the license, as well as any other trading activities listed in the Trading Licence Category List, are all permitted under the license.
If there are more products than 17 (seventeen) or more groupings than 3 (three), a general trading license is granted.
Service Licence
A service license allows for the provision of services, including those listed in the Service Licence Category List: restaurants, retail food outlets, catering services, travel agencies, cargo and freight forwarding, marketing services, management and economic consulting services, and so forth.
Company Legal Type
Different types of business establishments can be set up with KEZAD Group, as defined in the United Arab Emirates’ company laws.
Limited Liability Company
As the name suggests, the company is a limited liability company, having a minimum paid-up capital of AED 150,000 or such higher paid-up capital as may be prescribed.
The limited liability company can be formed by a minimum of 2 (two) and a maximum of 50 (fifty) shareholders whose liability is limited to their shares in the business capital. It can be owned by an individual or corporate or both.
Branch Company
An existing company holding a valid registration and licence outside of KEZAD can apply for the formation of a branch company in KEZAD.
The branch company can be either registered as a branch of a UAE Company or a branch of a foreign Company.
Register Company Fees:
|
3 year license Fees (VAT Included) |
2 year license Fees (VAT Included) |
1 year license Fees (VAT Included) |
Packages |
|
22,575 |
17,800 |
9,450 |
1 Visa Package |
|
26,625 |
21,000 |
11,150 |
2 Visa Package |
|
28,988 |
24,200 |
12,850 |
3 Visa Package |
|
32,813 |
27,400 |
14,550 |
4 Visa Package |
The above packages are included the followings:
- Preapproval fees
- Registration & license fees
- Annual workstation lease
- Establishment Card fees
Regarding warehouse facilities, there are free zone and non-free zone areas.
The minimum size is 380 sqm, the cost is AED 350 per sqm per year.
Regarding the land, we have different sizes. The cost is 35 per sqm per year.
Updated: 20/12/2023
To get more information about investment conditions in free zones of Dubai, please contact Soha Asia Follow Up Services consultants.