KIZAD Is the Top Industrial Free Zone in Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, making one of the UAE’s most powerful business hubs. Supported by Abu Dhabi Ports and directly linked to Khalifa Port, KIZAD offers businesses with world-class, extensive infrastructure, streamlined logistics, and simplified regulations that make it ideal for businesses involved in industrial, manufacturing and trading. If you are looking for KIZAD company setup information or looking for a KIZAD Abu Dhabi location map, this guide offers a summary of everything you need to know as a new business, global brand, or industrial investor.
A Quick Guide to Establishing a Company in KIZAD
Select Your Business Activity
When starting your business in KIZAD Free Zone , you should select a primary business activity from the list by KIZAD Authority. Typical business activities for KIZAD are right to select from manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, trade and distribution, oil and gas services, e-commerce fulfillment, and food processing. Your choice of activity will determine your license type and office or facilities requirements.
Select a Legal Structure
You can set up a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)… which may have one or more shareholders, or a Branch Office of an existing company, UAE or foreign company, that wants to establish a branch in the KIZAD Free Zone.
Select Your Facility Type
There is a range of infrastructure choices available, so at KIZAD, we are flexible. You can select from land plots, pre-built Light Industrial Units (LIUs), warehouses for Logistics and a flexible office space. This infrastructure will suit businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and industrial.
Submit Your Documents and Register
Your applications are prepared and you have submitted the required documentation. Depending on your country and business structure, this may include copies of your passports, an application form, a business plan, a tenancy agreement, and possibly a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if required. KIZAD will process your application once submitted and proceed with the company registration process.
Obtaining Your License
Apply the appropriate business license based on your chosen activity. KIZAD offers commercial, industrial, and service licenses. Most licenses are issued with 5 to 10 business days depending on the size of the business and the status of documents.
Apply for Visas & Open Bank Account
Once your company is registered, you are eligible to apply for investor visas and employee visas. You can also open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank, which will allow you to legally start your operations.
What is KIZAD?
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) is one of the UAE’s most strategically located in industrial free zones, supporting light and heavy manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and advanced manufacturing operations. Directly integrated with Khalifa Port, KIZAD provides unmatched access to global shipping lanes, making it the most connected trade and industrial hub in the Middle East. What sets KIZAD apart from other business setup zones in the UAE is its hybrid offering—it combines the advantages of a free zone (such as 100% foreign ownership and zero personal income tax) with the flexibility of onshore business licensing. This enables companies to trade within the UAE and internationally, making it a top choice for manufacturers, exporters, and logistics firms looking for cost-effective company formation in Abu Dhabi.
Built for growth, backed by innovation.
What Makes KIZAD the Best Option for Entrepreneurs Today?
Industrial Start-Up with Low Costs
KIZAD Free Zone is one of the lowest-cost zones in the UAE to establish a business in the industrial sector. Rentals for land, warehouses and office space are highly competitive, which is attractive to entrepreneurs and small- to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) who are looking to keep their fixed costs low. This includes flexible and scalable options for industrial property that grow with your business, along with many incentives for manufacturers and traders that the government subsidizes to encourage manufacturing and trade in Abu Dhabi.
Connectivity to World-Class International Markets
KIZAD’s location allows it a unique position to serve international markets. KIZAD has a direct connection to Khalifa Port, one of the region’s most sophisticated deep-sea ports, and is a short drive to Abu Dhabi International Airport, whereas KIZAD places itself at the heart of logistics management of imported-export business, freight forwarding, and global supply chain management – all of which rely on incredibly seamless and efficient access to road, air, and sea transportation.
100% Foreign Ownership and Full Profit Repatriation
KIZAD Free Zone allows entrepreneurs to enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national local sponsorship requirement. In KIZAD, you can maintain full control over your business and decision-making process. KIZAD offers full repatriation of profits and capital, very appealing to foreign investors wanting transparent business operation models along with zero personal and corporation income taxes.
Accessible and Scalable Industrial Infrastructure
KIZAD supports business scalability available through numerous infrastructure types. Entrepreneurs are able to choose pre-built LIUs (light industrial units), customizable warehouses, standard office space, or rental office space. Whether a starting point with a single unit or a goal with multiple units or a, large facility, KIZAD has tailored to your industry, whether food processing, logistics, packaging, heavy manufacturing, ect.
Fast Licensing and Government Support Services
Company set up in KIZAD free zone is fast and efficient. Most commercial and industrial licenses are issued in 5-10 working days in KIZAD. With the provision of dedicated support services for registration of companies, issuance of visas and clearance of documents with compliance whilst maintaining a streamlined regulatory process to simultaneous portal with a single-window clearing set up to reduce bureaucracy through the entire process.
A Strategic Ecosystem for Industrial Growth in Abu Dhabi
KIZAD is a crucial factor in Abu Dhabi’s vision for industry and economy development. KIZAD is home to diverse sectors, from advanced manufacturing to renewable energy, oil and gas services, and e-commerce logistics. KIZAD is part of the overarching Abu Dhabi Ports strategy, and creates a connected industrial ecosystem to support the relocation, collaboration, and growth of industrial businesses sustainability.
Benefits of Setting up a Company in KIZAD
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), is one of the top free zones across the UAE, offering both a strategic location & infrastructure anywhere in the developed world with optimal Free Zone company policies. The KIZAD's restrictive model of cost-effective, large scale and scalable model is best positioned to accommodate large industrial, logistics, manufacturing type of businesses.
- 100% Foreign Ownership & Full Profit Repatriation
- No Personal and Corporate Income Tax
- Flexible Leasing Options
- Direct Connectivity to Khalifa Port
KIZAD provides more than just space; it provides infrastructure, support and access that businesses need to develop sustainably and gain competitive advantages globally.
KIZAD Location, Maps & Accessibility
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) is favorably located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and provides convenient access to the other major cities of the UAE. KIZAD is located directly south of Khalifa City and can be accessed via direct connected highways, and has a customs clearance process on-site. To get the exact location of KIZAD, view the KIZAD Abu Dhabi location map, or look up the Khalifa Industrial Zone address from the authority.KIZAD has a distinct logistical advantage over other zones with Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail close by, and Abu Dhabi International Airport extremely close by.
Industries That are Sucessful in KIZAD
KIZAD's unique industrial infrastructure and location near Khalifa Port make it a prime location for firms in a range of heavy and light sectors. KIZAD can support large established businesses as well as high-growth start-ups with scalable accommodation, streamlined licensing, and multimodal access to logistics. KIZAD is well suited for:
- Oil & gas engineering
- Renewable energy and recycling
- Packaging and logistics
- Digital trade and e-commerce hubs
- Heavy manufacturing and fabrication
- Food processing and cold storage
- Automotive assembly and distribution
- Industrial chemicals and lubricants
KIZAD has capacity to grow, and this is strategic and intentional, as KIZAD intends to develop in phases (i.e. KIZAD Phase 1, etc.).
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) is a significant industrial free zone situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and you can connect through Khalifa Port as well. It has superior infrastructure, efficient logistics, and a flexible licensing regime making it the perfect destination for manufacturing, logistics, trade and industrial companies who are looking for strategic opportunities in the UAE and global market.
KIZAD provides many advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, no personal income tax, and excellent infrastructure. In addition, businesses enjoy customizable facility options, fast licensing, and direct access to seaports, highways, and airports, meaning it is positioned one of the most cost-effective and conveniently located free zones within the UAE.
KIZAD caters to many industries, including manufacturing, logistics, food processing, e-commerce, automotive, oil and gas, industrial chemicals, packaging, and renewable energy. It is designed for any light and heavy industries and is developed for large-scale industrial projects..
KIZAD permits two business setup legal structures:
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) for new business with one or more shareholder
- Branch Office as part of an existing UAE or international company.
- Depending on your business size and vision for growth, these structures offer a flexible approach.
At KIZAD, a business has flexible infrastructure including:
- Land plots for major industrial buildings,
- Pre-built Light Industrial Units (LIUs),
- Warehousing and logistics space, and
- Flexible serviced offices.
This makes it perfect for businesses of all sizes that wish to access industrial space in a scalable way.
KIZAD generally requires the following documents to register a business:
- Passport copies of shareholders/directors
- Completed application form
- Business plan
- Tenancy or lease agreement
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if necessary
The registration process with KIZAD is efficient and all documentation can be finalized in a few working days.
KIZAD issues three different license types based on your business activities:
- Commercial License – for trade and distribution activities
- Industrial License – for manufacturing and production activities
- Service License – for consulting, support and service-based activities
Your license will depend on your approved business activities.
Usually, KIZAD processes most licenses within 5 to 10 business days after all required documents and requested information have been submitted. The gestation per license may vary slightly based on business activity and complexity of operations.
You're able to apply for investor visas and employee visas after you register your company in KIZAD. You'll also be able to open a corporate bank account to start running your business in a legal and efficient manner with any bank in the UAE.
KIZAD is a unique opportunity due to its strategic location, direct port access, custom-designed facility options, and strong government support; it is particularly attractive for companies in the Industrial, logistics, and large manufacturers. Additionally, set-up costs are lower, infrastructure is integrated, and development is future proof, KIZAD is the most desirable business location in the UAE.
Why You Should Choose KIZAD for Your Business Setup
KIZAD stands out as a future-forward industrial zone in the UAE, offering unmatched infrastructure, world-class port access, and investment flexibility. Whether you’re launching a manufacturing unit, setting up logistics operations, or entering the food processing industry, KIZAD provides the licensing, space, and support to scale globally.
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