Free zone · Abu Dhabi
KEZAD (formerly KIZAD) Company Setup in Abu Dhabi
KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, formerly known as KIZAD) is the UAE’s largest operator of integrated economic zones, part of AD Ports Group. Spread over 550 sq km next to Khalifa Port, it offers free zone and domestic (mainland) licences with serviced land, warehouses and offices for industrial, logistics and trading companies.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about KEZAD
- Emirate
- Abu Dhabi
- Operator
- KEZAD Group, part of AD Ports Group
- Size
- Over 550 sq km of land
- Licence routes
- Free zone and domestic (mainland) economic zone
- Port access
- Next to Khalifa Port
- Clusters
- Metals, polymers, food, automotive, logistics, life sciences, chemicals
What is KEZAD and how does it work?
KEZAD Group is part of AD Ports Group’s economic cities and free zones cluster, and its zones sit beside Khalifa Port with multimodal logistics links. Its clusters include metals, polymers, food processing, automotive, logistics, life sciences and speciality chemicals.
KEZAD offers two routes. Its free zone suits wholesale distributors, re-exporters, warehousing, service providers and manufacturers targeting markets outside the region, with 100% foreign ownership. Its domestic economic zone gives direct access to UAE and GCC markets, where products can be certified as made in the UAE.
Activities
What can a KEZAD company do?
- Manufacturing and heavy industry
- Logistics, warehousing and distribution
- Food processing
- Automotive and Ro-Ro logistics
- Re-export and wholesale trading
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Serviced land plots
- Pre-built warehouses and light industrial units (KEZAD Logistics Parks)
- Build-to-suit facilities for lease or sale
- Offices, shared workspaces and start-up offices
Visas
How many visas can a KEZAD company get?
Visa capacity depends on your facility and licence. Industrial operations typically need larger visa quotas, which are linked to warehouse or plot size and processed through Abu Dhabi’s standard medical, Emirates ID and stamping steps.
Tax
How is a KEZAD company taxed?
Free zone companies in KEZAD can be Qualifying Free Zone Persons if they meet the conditions, applying 0% to qualifying income and 9% to other taxable income. Domestic (mainland) zone companies follow the standard 0% and 9% corporate tax bands.
Good fit
Who is KEZAD best for?
- Manufacturers needing large serviced plots
- Port-dependent logistics and re-export businesses
- Food, chemicals and automotive companies
- Groups wanting both free zone and mainland options in Abu Dhabi
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Desk-based consultancies needing a city address
- Very small start-ups
- Businesses whose customers are in Dubai only
Process
How to set up a company in KEZAD
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in KEZAD.
- 01
Decide between the free zone and the domestic (mainland) economic zone.
- 02
Confirm plot, warehouse or logistics park size against your operations.
- 03
Check utility, environmental and industrial approvals for your process.
- 04
Plan logistics through Khalifa Port and the road network.
- 05
Size your visa needs to the facility you lease.
Frequently asked
Questions about KEZAD
Is KEZAD the same as KIZAD?
Yes. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is now part of KEZAD Group, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, which belongs to AD Ports Group.
Does KEZAD offer mainland licences?
Yes. Alongside its free zone, KEZAD runs a domestic economic zone that gives direct access to UAE and GCC markets.
What premises does KEZAD offer?
Serviced land, pre-built warehouses, light industrial units in KEZAD Logistics Parks, build-to-suit facilities, offices and start-up workspaces.
Is KEZAD connected to a port?
Yes. KEZAD is located next to Khalifa Port, with direct access for multimodal logistics and a dedicated Ro-Ro terminal for automotive.
Can products made in KEZAD be sold across the GCC?
KEZAD states that goods produced in its domestic economic zone can be certified as made in the UAE and benefit from duty-free status in the GCC, subject to the applicable rules.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure KEZAD is right?
Tell us your activity, customers and visa plans, and we will compare the options with real quotes.