KEZAD
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi

KEZAD, formed in September 2022 from the merger of KIZAD and ZonesCorp, is the largest integrated economic zones operator in the UAE, spanning roughly 550 square kilometres around Khalifa Port. Entry-level packages start from around AED 9,350 a year, with genuine industrial-scale infrastructure across sector clusters in automotive, metals, polymers, food and life sciences that few other UAE free zones can match.

Zone at a Glance
RegulatorKEZAD Group (AD Ports Group)
LocationAdjacent to Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi
Launched19 September 2022 (KIZAD + ZonesCorp)
Total Area~550 sq km (12 economic zones)
Entry-Level FeeFrom approx. AED 9,350 / year
Legal StructuresFZ-LLC, Branch
Designated ZoneYes (Cabinet Decision 59)
Companies Hosted1,750+ companies
KEZAD REGISTERED CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER
KEZAD Certificate

IncHub Corporate Services Providers LLC is a duly licensed business operating in the United Arab Emirates, authorised to provide corporate and business setup consultancy services in accordance with its trade licence. The trade licence serves as official proof of the company’s legal registration and authorised business activities, demonstrating that IncHub operates as a licensed corporate service provider in the UAE.

Licence No.
1017774
Issue Date
28/12/2021
Valid Through
27/12/2026
Zone Overview

What Is KEZAD?

KEZAD stands for Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, launched on 19 September 2022 by AD Ports Group as a consolidation of two previously separate operators: Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and ZonesCorp. KIZAD is now part of KEZAD, creating a single group that manages 12 economic zones across approximately 550 square kilometres, including around 100 square kilometres of free zone area.

KEZAD sits adjacent to Khalifa Port, one of the region’s most advanced deep-water ports and home to the first semi-automated container terminal in the Middle East, positioned roughly halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. That location, combined with sea, road, air and (eventually) Etihad Rail connectivity, has made KEZAD the default choice for manufacturing, heavy industry and large-scale logistics operations that need genuine production infrastructure rather than office space, organised around sector-specific clusters in automotive, food and beverage, life sciences, metals, polymers, specialty chemicals and logistics.

The Ecosystem

Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Powerhouse

Operator

KEZAD Group (AD Ports)

Formed in 2022 from the merger of KIZAD and ZonesCorp under AD Ports Group.

Location

Adjacent to Khalifa Port

Positioned roughly halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, on a deep-water port.

Scale

~550 sq km, 12 Zones

Around 100 sq km of free zone area, home to 1,750+ companies.

Ideal Profiles

Who Is KEZAD For?

KEZAD is suitable for manufacturers, logistics operators, industrial businesses and investors looking for scalable facilities within Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), now operating under the KEZAD brand. It is a strong fit for:

Manufacturers

Manufacturers across automotive, metals, polymers, specialty chemicals and industrial sectors needing real production land and facilities.

Food & Beverage and Life Sciences

Food and beverage processors and life sciences companies, supported by dedicated sector clusters with purpose-built warehousing.

Logistics & Distribution Operators

Logistics and distribution operators benefiting from direct connectivity to Khalifa Port and multimodal transport links.

Trading Companies

Trading companies looking for some of the most cost-effective industrial-grade warehousing in the UAE.

Scaling Investors

Investors who want the option to scale from a workstation package up to a custom-built, large-footprint industrial facility within the same group.

Less Natural Fit

A digital-only or professional services business with no physical operation is a less natural fit, where a desk-based free zone elsewhere will offer a faster, lower-friction setup.

Structures & Requirements

License Types & Company Structures

KEZAD is organised into Area A, primarily for industrial-sector businesses, and Area B, where commerce-based companies operate, with both free zone and non-free zone (domestic) facilities available depending on whether a business needs free zone benefits or direct mainland market access.

Licensing

License Types Available

Industrial Licence: covers import of raw materials, manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging and export of intermediate or finished products.
Trading Licence: covers import, export, distribution, stocking and warehousing of specified products.
General Trading Licence: allows trading across multiple product categories under a single company licence.
Service Licence: covers marketing, management consultancy, logistics and cargo services, warehousing services, and travel and tourism activity.
KEZAD is organised into Area A, primarily for industrial-sector businesses, and Area B for commerce-based companies, with both free zone and non-free zone (domestic) facilities available depending on whether a business needs free zone benefits or direct mainland market access.
Structures & Capital

Company Structures

FZ-LLC

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): a separate legal entity with one or more shareholders, individual or corporate.

Branch (Local)

Branch of a Local Company: for companies already registered elsewhere in the UAE.

Branch (Foreign)

Branch of a Foreign Company: for companies incorporated outside the UAE, carrying out the same activity as the parent rather than a separate legal entity.

Requirements
KYC and compliance checks completed through KEZAD or a registered agent.
Corporate shareholders must submit company ownership documents.
Full Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosure under UAE AML/CFT rules.
Share Capital

Minimum paid-up capital for an LLC structure has historically been cited at around AED 150,000 by some advisers, though requirements can vary by activity and facility type. Confirm the current figure directly with KEZAD for your specific structure.

Setup Costs

Setup Costs and Packages

Entry-level KEZAD packages start from around AED 9,350 a year, making KEZAD one of the most cost-effective industrial free zone solutions in the UAE, with costs varying by facility, visa quota and footprint:

Package What’s Included & Visas Price (Advance)
Entry-level free zone package Licence-based package for commerce and service activities From approx. AED 9,350 – 9,450 / year
Workstation package with 1 visa quota Shared workstation with one residency visa allocation From approx. AED 11,000
Industrial land / warehouse lease Pre-built warehouse or custom-developed industrial plot Activity & footprint dependent (quoted with KEZAD)
KEZAD consistently positions itself as one of the most cost-effective industrial and logistics free zones in the UAE, with workstation and entry-level packages priced well below comparable Dubai free zones. Large-scale industrial land and warehouse leases are priced on a custom basis reflecting plot size and infrastructure needs.

KEZAD Cost Calculator

Not sure what your business setup will cost? Receive a personalised, itemised quote based on your activity, licence and company structure—in under 2 minutes.

Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free consultation call.

Formation Guide

How to Set Up a Company in KEZAD

Whether you are planning a KEZAD Free Zone Business Setup or researching the former KIZAD, the incorporation process follows these steps.

1
Confirm Activity
Day 1
Engage with KEZAD or a registered agent to confirm your activity aligns with KEZAD’s industrial, trading or service focus.
2
Select Structure
Day 1
Select your legal structure (FZ-LLC, Branch of a Local Company or Branch of a Foreign Company).
3
Reserve Name & Docs
2 – 3 business days
Reserve a trade name and prepare incorporation documents, including shareholder certificates and notary attestation where required.
4
Select Facility
1 – 2 business days
Select your facility, from a workstation or office to a pre-built warehouse or custom-developed industrial plot.
5
Pay Fees & Sign
Same day
Pay registration, licence and facility fees and sign the constitutional documents.
6
Receive Licence
5 – 10 business days
Receive your trade licence; larger industrial projects complete a site visit and facility planning process with KEZAD specialists.
7
Apply for Visas
7 – 10 business days
Apply for UAE residency visas under your facility’s quota, including the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
8
Bank Account
3 – 6 weeks
Open a corporate bank account, a separate process from licensing.
Key Benefits

Why Businesses Choose KEZAD

Khalifa Port Connectivity

Direct connectivity to Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi’s flagship deep-water container port with COSCO and MSC as anchor tenants, giving a port-adjacent operating base.

Direct Etihad Rail Connectivity

Connection to the UAE’s Etihad Rail national freight network, enabling intermodal logistics from Abu Dhabi’s industrial zone to other emirates without road dependency.

Dual Licensing for Mainland Access

KEZAD entities can apply for a dual licence alongside an Abu Dhabi mainland DED licence, enabling direct Abu Dhabi government and mainland market access without a separate entity.

ADNOC Supply Chain Proximity

A Khalifa Industrial Zone location that places businesses within the Abu Dhabi oil and gas supply chain catchment, relevant for industrial businesses targeting ADNOC and its contractors.

Large-Scale Industrial Land

Industrial land plots at scale for heavy manufacturing operations that require larger footprints than Dubai industrial zones can accommodate at comparable cost.

Consider Alternatives

When KEZAD May Not Be the Right Fit

Dubai & Gulf Trade Flows

If your trade flows are primarily through Dubai and the Arabian Gulf, JAFZA’s Jebel Ali Port adjacency and larger established trading community serve those flows more efficiently.

Services, Consulting & Digital

If your business is services, consulting or digital without an industrial, logistics or port component, KEZAD’s infrastructure adds cost without delivering the value it was designed around.

Lowest Industrial Entry Cost

If you need the lowest possible industrial entry cost without Abu Dhabi-specific market access, RAKEZ or Hamriyah Free Zone offer lower industrial land pricing in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

Clean Energy & Sustainability

If clean energy or sustainability sector focus is the priority, Masdar City’s sustainability-first environment and IRENA proximity are better aligned for that sector narrative.

IncHub compares KEZAD against JAFZA and Dubai South before recommending it; KEZAD is strongest when Abu Dhabi government supply chain access, Khalifa Port logistics and large-scale industrial land are all genuine requirements.

Free Zone Comparison

KEZAD vs JAFZA vs Dubai South

KEZAD, JAFZA and Dubai South serve very different industrial and logistics models. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches what your business actually needs, not just the most recognisable name.

Factor KEZAD JAFZA Dubai South
Core Focus Industrial, manufacturing, logistics Port trading, logistics, industrial Aviation, logistics, e-commerce
Key Access Khalifa Port & Etihad Rail (Abu Dhabi) Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) Al Maktoum Airport (Dubai)
Entry-Level Cost From approx. AED 9,350 Premium From approx. AED 8,500
Location Abu Dhabi (Khalifa Port) Jebel Ali, Dubai Dubai South
Best For Manufacturers, ADNOC supply chain, heavy industry Large-scale port trading, established traders Aviation, freight, e-commerce fulfilment

IncHub holds direct relationships across the UAE’s free zones, helping you choose the one that best fits your sector and regulatory needs, not just the one with the strongest brand.

Compliance

Compliance & Ongoing Obligations

Standard UAE federal compliance obligations that apply to all free zone companies, including corporate tax, VAT, Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) reporting, accounting, licence renewal, visa renewal and FTA amendments, are documented in full in IncHub’s UAE Free Zone Compliance Guide. The KEZAD-specific obligations that differ between zones are listed below.

Annual Audit

KEZAD companies are generally required to file audited financial statements annually; manufacturing and industrial entities may face additional Abu Dhabi industrial-sector reporting requirements.

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)

Companies carrying out a relevant activity must file annual ESR notifications and, where applicable, full ESR reports with the FTA; first-violation penalties are AED 50,000 rising to AED 400,000 on repetition.

Khalifa Port Customs Compliance

Companies with port-adjacent operations must maintain compliance with Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Abu Dhabi Customs requirements; Abu Dhabi Customs operates independently of Dubai Customs with its own procedures.

KEZAD Compliance Guide

Standard UAE federal compliance obligations for free zone companies corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence and visa renewal, and FTA amendments covered in one detailed guide.

Want IncHub to manage compliance for your KEZAD company? Book a free review call.

Prefer to read it yourself first?

Read the Compliance Guide →
Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Watch how IncHub helped businesses set up in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi’s largest industrial and logistics free zone.

Video Stories
Google Reviews 1 / 20
L
L S R Holiday Homes L.L.C
3 weeks ago

Visa renewal can often feel complicated due to the multiple steps involved. However, my experience with IncHub was very smooth. They planned the process in advance, guided me at every stage, and ensured everything was completed on time. What I liked most was that I didn’t have to follow up everything was managed efficiently by their team.

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D
DigitalX Tech – FZCO
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company was not straightforward, especially when it came to choosing the right jurisdiction for my business model. Making the wrong decision could have resulted in unnecessary time and cost. IncHub provided clear and practical guidance, helping me select the most suitable free zone based on my activities.

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C
Cosmium IT – FZCO
2 months ago

Setting up a company in Dubai can get confusing, especially with so many free zones. I wasn’t sure what would suit my business, but IncHub made it simple. They guided me clearly, handled everything, and kept me updated throughout. The whole process felt very smooth. Definitely recommend speaking to them before you get started.

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BLUEDCM FZE
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company through IncHub was seamless from start to finish. Their team handled everything — trade licence, immigration card, and office registration — within the promised timeline. No surprises on costs. If you’re serious about establishing in the UAE, IncHub is who you call first.

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ABI Quality Goods Wholesalers Co. L.L.C
2 weeks ago

Most consultants only react when you approach them, but Inchub is different. They track your renewal timelines and remind you in advance. The execution was smooth, and everything was done exactly when it should be. If you want it done right the first time, Inchub is the way to go.

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O
Optimity L.L.C
1 month ago

I had a very positive experience with Inchub for my license renewal. What stood out the most was their follow-up system — I was reminded well before the expiry date, which gave enough time to plan everything properly. The team handled the entire process efficiently, and the renewal was completed without delays.

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Univex L.L.C-FZ
3 months ago

Inchub handled the entire business setup process smoothly — everything was clearly explained, and the execution was efficient from start to finish. They have also assisted and guided us when there were AML compliance notifications from the authority. Overall, a reliable partner for end-to-end corporate services.

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E
Ecom Vacation Homes Rental L.L.C
1 month ago

We had a bit of a challenge when it came to opening the labor file and processing new visas. There were a few complications along the way. That’s where Inchub really stepped in. Their team handled the entire process clearly and kept us updated throughout without us having to follow up constantly. Very reliable team.

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C
CMAR Management FZE
3 months ago

Our experience with Inchub has genuinely exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the team has been extremely professional, approachable, and proactive. They’ve supported us across multiple areas — including corporate services, corporate tax filing, and visa renewals — all managed in a structured manner.

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T
Toyo Mea L.L.C-FZ
2 months ago

We worked with Inchub on a share amendment, which was quite complex. Their team guided us through each step, managed the process efficiently, and ensured everything was handled correctly despite the challenges. They also handle our accounting and VAT filing smoothly. A reliable and professional team.

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Nicube International FZCO
4 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub across multiple areas. They initially helped us with setting up both our offshore and free zone company, guiding us clearly. Since then, they’ve assisted us with annual renewals on time, and they manage our accounting and VAT filings efficiently. A highly dependable partner.

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Well Mate L.L.C-FZ
5 months ago

I’ve been working with Inchub for several years, and the experience has been consistently positive. Their services are reliable and efficient. They’ve supported me across multiple areas — from managing trade license renewals to assisting with business bank account opening. Having everything under one team saved a lot of effort.

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Telora Global L.L.C – FZ
2 months ago

Managing compliance alongside running a business can get overwhelming. Inchub takes care of our accounting, VAT, CT filings, and license renewal, which has saved us a lot of time and effort. Everything is handled efficiently and professionally. IncHub operates across every discipline and maintains high quality.

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G
Gaia Resources DMCC
2 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub for our ongoing compliance and business support. They handle everything from maintaining our company’s good standing to managing renewals on time, along with accounting and VAT filings. A very smooth experience, and they are definitely a reliable partner.

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Nextgen Brokers FZE
3 months ago

We have engaged Inchub for ongoing compliance support. They handle our company’s good standing, ensure renewals are completed on time, and manage accounting and VAT filings efficiently. The team is proactive, well-organized, and keeps everything on track without the need for constant follow-ups.

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M
Mw Holding Group Ltd
4 months ago

We worked with Inchub for setting up our offshore holding company. They facilitated the entire process smoothly, including the company formation and opening the corporate bank account. They also manage our accounting and bookkeeping. It’s helpful to have one team handling both setup and ongoing requirements.

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J
Jannali Foundation
3 months ago

We engaged Inchub for setting up our RAK ICC foundation. They supported us throughout the entire formation process, including documentation, and guided us at every step. They also assisted with opening the bank account, which was handled smoothly. The team was very organized and efficient.

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D
Drops By Nada Portal
1 month ago

We worked with Inchub for both our license renewal and visa renewal. The entire process was handled very smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Everything was completed right on time without any complications. Their structured approach and clear communication make them very easy to work with.

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P
Peopex LLC
5 months ago

Setting up a company in the UAE can feel complex. With Inchub, the entire process was handled seamlessly. They took care of everything — from the trade license and immigration card to visa application and even opening the company bank account. The team managed the entire process efficiently.

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Aube International Commercial Brokers
4 weeks ago

We’ve been working with Inchub since day one for license renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, and visa processing. The experience has been very smooth. One thing that stands out is how responsive their team is. Whenever we need support, they’re quick to respond and guide us clearly.

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Work With IncHub

How IncHub Can Help You Set Up in KEZAD

IncHub supports businesses through every stage of KEZAD Free Zone Business Setup, including companies that still search using the previous KIZAD name. Whether you need KIZAD business setup, KEZAD company setup, or industrial expansion advice, our consultants manage the complete incorporation process.

OUR SERVICES FOR COMPANY FORMATION IN KEZAD
Free zone suitability assessment comparing KEZAD vs JAFZA and Dubai South
Legal structure & licence selection with dual-licence structuring
Industrial land selection, plot sizing & lease negotiation
Khalifa Port customs compliance coordination
ADNOC supply chain certification guidance
Investor & employee visa processing
Corporate bank account introduction with Abu Dhabi banking partners
Annual audit, ESR, UBO & FTA amendment management
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Work with IncHub

Ready for Your KEZAD Free Zone Business Setup?

IncHub supports businesses through every stage of KEZAD Free Zone Business Setup, from free zone suitability assessment and licence selection to industrial land, visas, banking and ongoing compliance. Our consultants manage the complete incorporation process from start to finish.

Dubai, UAE  |  www.inchub.ae