Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Business Setup is a strategic solution for entrepreneurs seeking industrial strength, logistical efficiency, and long-term stability in the UAE. Positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai with direct access to Khalifa Port, this zone has become one of the country’s most significant economic hubs for manufacturing, trade, and large-scale operations.
Why Choose Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Business Setup?
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Business Setup offers investors a rare combination of scale, infrastructure, and cost-efficiency. As one of the UAE’s largest free economic zones, KIZAD benefits from direct connectivity to Khalifa Port and major transport routes, significantly reducing logistics expenses and transit times.
The zone attracts international companies thanks to ready-to-use industrial facilities, competitive lease rates, and flexible licensing models. Businesses can operate with 100% foreign ownership and benefit from favorable corporate taxation conditions. Importantly, company registration can be completed remotely, without requiring a personal visit to the UAE.
KIZAD is equally suitable for multinational corporations and SMEs, offering warehouses, office spaces, and structured visa solutions. For entrepreneurs focused on operational efficiency and geographic advantage, this jurisdiction provides a highly practical foundation.
About Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Company Formation
Established in 2010, KIZAD operates under AD Ports Group and was created to support Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. The zone plays a central role in the country’s industrial diversification strategy and is recognized as a key logistics and production hub.
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi company formation grants businesses access to world-class infrastructure designed specifically for manufacturing, trading, and logistics enterprises. Its integration with the deep-water port ensures seamless access to global markets, reinforcing its status as a reliable platform for export-oriented companies.
Government backing and strategic planning further enhance its appeal for long-term industrial investment.
Business Activities Available in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Free Zone Company Setup
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi free zone company setup supports three primary licence categories:
- Industrial Licence – Suitable for production, processing, packaging, and export of goods including metals, chemicals, textiles, electronics, and food products.
- Trading / General Trading Licence – Covers import, export, distribution, and storage of a wide range of goods such as automobiles, construction materials, electronics, jewellery, and agricultural products.
- Service Licence – Designed for logistics, consulting, marketing, freight services, catering, tourism, and related activities.
Specialised activities include shipbuilding and repair, car assembly, pharmaceutical manufacturing, aerospace projects, and renewable technologies. Certain industrial or regulated activities require prior approval from the zone authorities.
Step-by-Step Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Company Formation
The registration procedure in KIZAD is structured to ensure clarity and efficiency. Entrepreneurs must select their intended activity, define the company name, prepare documentation, and submit the official application forms.
Required Documents and Timeline
To complete Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi company formation, applicants typically provide:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of residence (utility bill issued within the last 3 months)
- CV or resume (mainly for service licences)
- UAE entry visa copy (if applicable)
- Completed KIZAD application forms
- For corporate shareholders: incorporation documents, board resolution, Good Standing Certificate, and notarised translations
- Completed registration application form
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (company charter)
- Resolution on the establishment of the company (founder’s decision)
If no additional approvals are required, the registration and licensing process usually takes between 5 and 10 business days. Where regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals or food production are involved, timelines may extend due to preliminary approvals.
The process includes application review, lease agreement preparation (for physical premises), signing of documentation, and licence issuance — all of which can be handled remotely.
Remote Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Business Setup
One of the strong advantages of Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi business setup is the possibility of completing the entire incorporation procedure remotely.
The remote process generally includes:
- Submission of scanned documents via secure channels.
- Remote selection of company name and business activity.
- Mandatory video verification through secure platforms to confirm identity.
- Electronic signing of incorporation documents.
- Issuance of digital licences and corporate documents.
Bank account opening may also be arranged remotely through partner institutions, depending on bank policies. This format significantly reduces travel costs and accelerates market entry for foreign investors.
Costs in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Freezone Business License Cost
The Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi freezone business license cost depends on the type of licence, office or warehouse requirements, visa quota, and additional services.
KIZAD provides scalable packages that allow businesses to expand as operations grow.
Visa Packages Overview
For Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi free zone business setup, visa package costs vary depending on the number of visas and the term (1-year, 2-year, or 3-year) chosen. Importantly, in many KIZAD packages, the business licence fee is waived for the first 1–2 years, meaning founders pay only the package fee without a separate licence charge during that period — a significant advantage for new companies.
- 1 Visa Package: this option includes one visa and a complete free zone business package.
- 1-year package: AED 9,450
- 2-year package: AED 17,800
- 3-year package: AED 22,575
- 2 Visa Package: includes two visas and business setup services.
- 1-year package: AED 11,150
- 2-year package: AED 21,000
- 3-year package: AED 26,625
- 3 Visa Package: provides three visas with full free zone support.
- 1-year package: AED 12,850
- 2-year package: AED 24,200
- 3-year package: AED 28,988
- 4 Visa Package: ideal for medium teams or larger operations.
- 1-year package: AED 14,550
- 2-year package: AED 27,400
- 3-year package: AED 32,813
In all cases above, the fee covers the licence (often free for the first one or two years under government exemption), registration, and workstation access as part of the package.
Who Should Choose Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi Freezone Business Setup in UAE?
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi freezone business setup in UAE is particularly beneficial for:
- Manufacturing companies with export orientation
- Logistics operators requiring warehouse facilities
- Businesses needing maritime connectivity
- Industrial investors seeking government-supported infrastructure
- Consulting and service firms operating with physical office space
However, freelancers without visa requirements, companies prioritising city-centre prestige offices, or IT startups seeking tech-focused ecosystems may find alternative zones more aligned with their objectives.
Conclusion
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Business Setup stands out as a practical and strategically positioned option for industrial and logistics-focused enterprises in the UAE. With direct access to Khalifa Port, strong government backing, competitive lease structures, and remote incorporation possibilities, KIZAD provides a stable environment for sustainable growth.
For manufacturers, exporters, and distribution companies, this jurisdiction represents one of the most logical entry points into the UAE and GCC markets. Structured procedures, scalable visa packages, and transparent requirements ensure that businesses can launch efficiently and expand confidently.
Engaging professional advisors can further streamline the process, helping investors select the optimal licence structure, prepare documentation correctly, and complete Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi company formation without delays.
