Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi: real costs, licences and review
Abu Dhabi's industrial engine, wrapped around Khalifa Port.
FromAED 20,000
Typical, 1 visaAED 48,000
Timeline10–30 days
Our rating8/10
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 makes sense for genuine industrial projects. It makes no sense for a consultant seeking a cheap licence.
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
Honestly
What works
- Lower land cost than Dubai
- Khalifa Port integration
- Strong manufacturing incentives
- Large available plots
What doesn't
- Industrial focus — not 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
Let's talk about your actual case
A twenty-minute call. We will also tell you if the UAE is the wrong answer for you — it often is.