Plug2UAEAbu Dhabi
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi: real costs, licences and review
Abu Dhabi's industrial engine, wrapped around Khalifa Port.
Estimate. KEZAD does not publish a full price list. This figure is our own estimate rather than a rate confirmed by the authority: treat it as an order of magnitude and ask us for a firm quotation.
Our view
KEZAD — the former KIZAD, now the consolidated Abu Dhabi economic zones group — is the emirate's answer to JAFZA. It offers industrial land, warehousing and manufacturing facilities adjacent to Khalifa Port, typically at lower land cost than Dubai, with incentives aimed at manufacturers rather than service companies.
It is the right fit for industrial projects. Consultants and service companies are better served by an office-based licence elsewhere.
Key facts
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|
| Licence from | AED 20,000 |
| Typical cost (1 visa) | AED 48,000 |
| Issuance time | 10–30 working days |
| Visa quota | Unlimited (with office) |
| Flexi-desk | Yes |
| Remote setup | No |
| Licence types | Industrial, Commercial, Professional / service |
| Established | 2010 |
Official source: www.kezad.ae
Strengths and points to weigh
Strengths
- Lower land cost than Dubai
- Khalifa Port integration
- Strong manufacturing incentives
- Large available plots
Points to weigh
- Industrial focus, not designed for services
- Far from Dubai's business centre
- Space commitment drives cost
- Longer setup
Who this suits
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Heavy logistics
- Industrial land leases
- Food processing
Your quotation within one working day
Four details are all we need. We come back with a firm quotation, the recommended free zone and the reasons for it.