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.
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.
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.
Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Powerhouse
KEZAD Group (AD Ports)
Formed in 2022 from the merger of KIZAD and ZonesCorp under AD Ports Group.
Adjacent to Khalifa Port
Positioned roughly halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, on a deep-water port.
~550 sq km, 12 Zones
Around 100 sq km of free zone area, home to 1,750+ companies.
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.
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.
License Types Available
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & 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 →What Our Clients Say
Watch how IncHub helped businesses set up in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi’s largest industrial and logistics free zone.
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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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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.