A vital industrial zone in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s dynamic industrial sector has been aptly supported through various infrastructure projects and government-initiated measures under the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. To encourage more investments into this region, one of the major projects implemented was the establishment of the Khalifa Industrial Zone (Kizad). Kizad is located in Al Taweela area between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

According to Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the total value of investments in the first phase of Kizad and Khalifa Port, which was completed in December 2012, reached AED 26.5 billion ($ 7.2 billion). ADPC estimates that by 2030 Kizad will account for more than 15% of the non-oil GDP of Abu Dhabi, and 70% of the Emirate’s total export of manufactured goods. It is also anticipated that around 80% of products manufactured in Kizad will be exported to boost Abu Dhabi Emirate’s image as global market player.

Launched by HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Court of the Crown Prince (CPC) on 13 November 2010, Kizad is set to become the largest industrial city in the region. The zone occupies nearly 417 sq.km. of prime industrial land, and is a perfect example of a global industrial and logistical hub due to its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West. It boasts of world- class infrastructure including sea, air, roads and rail network for easy transport of products to and from the industrial zone. Kizad’s proximity to two major airports, Abu Dhabi International Airport (35 kilometres) and Al Maktoum International Airport (52 kilometres) in Jebel Ali, Dubai, and between the new Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port, makes it a strategic location for trade and industry.

Kizad is also situated within Khalifa Port, one of the world's most advanced deepwater seaports inaugurated in December 2012. As the main commercial port of Abu Dhabi, the port is being developed to handle a capacity of more than 15 million TEUs and 35 million tonnes of cargo per annum.

Kizad facilitates easy access for local and international investors to local, regional and international markets with more than 2 billion consumers. The first and second phases of Kizad are targeted to house various types of light, medium and heavy industries. The targeted business sectors include petrochemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, chemicals, biotechnology, metals, food and beverages, logistics and transportation.

Locators to the zone are entitled to a host of benefits including business efficiency, easy access to various markets, low-cost operational environment and other essential support to achieve long-term competitive advantage. Kizad also offers renewable leasehold for a period of 50 years with great flexibility for industries and companies that play a major role in the economy of Abu Dhabi. In addition, 100 percent foreign ownership will be allowed in certain strategic economic sectors.

A One Stop Shop service has been launched in the zone and aims to help companies locating into the area to speed up the process of obtaining the necessary permits, licences, approvals and clearances from the government bodies and licensing authorities. Investor’s requirements and all necessary information and services related to establishing businesses within the zone are provided by a single point of contact. In addition, the Business Development and Customer Relationship Teams of Kizad assist investors in finding the right plot for their businesses.