The Integrated Trade, Logistics, and Industrial Zones of Abu Dhabi

Five new projects span more than 84,000 sqm and create 500 jobs, extending KEZAD’s strong 2025 growth momentum Abu Dhabi, UAE – 06 April 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today announced that it has attracted five new industrial and logistics projects across KEZAD Al Ain and KEZAD Al Ma’mourah – Abu Dhabi, with investors committing a combined investment of AED 147 million, a total footprint of over 84,000 square metres, and the creation of 500 jobs. The projects include Haber/Elixir, which will establish an oilfield chemicals blending facility; Grand Line Industries, which will set up a car cleaning products manufacturing facility; Precent Enterprises Metals Coating, which will develop a metal forming and coating facility; Unibal Group Investment, which will develop its second industrial and logistics warehousing project in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its first project in KEZAD Al Ain (Unibal Park II). Meanwhile, Al Lul Transport & General Contracting, will develop a major industrial and logistics warehousing project in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah. The projects add to the momentum KEZAD built in 2025, when it reached 73.6 sq km of leased land, recording 3.3 sq km of net new land leases, with 67 per cent of total land leases linked to industrial and manufacturing activity. The AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster, which KEZAD Group is a part of, also reported AED 2.87 billion in revenue in 2025, up 45 per cent year on year. Abdullah Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “These new projects reflect steady demand for industrial and logistics assets that support real economic activity in Abu Dhabi. The combined scale of investment, the diversity of sectors involved, and the 500 jobs these projects are expected to create are the highlights of these projects. This is the kind of growth that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s industrial base in practical terms, adding production capability, warehousing capacity, and long-term value across the wider trade ecosystem.” Four of the projects are in KEZAD Al Ain, where they represent a little more than a combined 37,400 square metres, AED 47 million in investment, and 200 jobs. The fifth project, located in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah in Abu Dhabi, represents more than 46,500 square metres, AED 100 million in investment, and 300 jobs, making it the largest of the five by both value and employment. The latest agreements show that businesses continue to choose KEZAD for infrastructure that is ready, connected, and built for growth. From specialist chemicals and metal processing to warehousing and logistics development, these projects add depth to KEZAD’s industrial offering and support its role in enabling investors to scale with confidence in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The new agreements come at a time when KEZAD continues to expand its industrial and warehousing base. In 2025, the Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster delivered 146,000 square metres of new warehouse capacity, while maintaining 91 per cent warehouse occupancy despite this additional supply. KEZAD also continued to advance specialised hubs including Metal Park, Rahayel Auto and Mobility City, Agtech Park, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub, widening its offer across core industrial sectors. As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its industrial and logistics base, KEZAD Group remains focused on enabling investors with integrated solutions that bring together industrial land, warehousing, utilities, and connectivity within one operating environment.

April 06, 2026

The 150,000 sqm facility will establish operations for storage and distribution of heavy machinery and industrial equipment in KEZAD – Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 26 February 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region and Galadari Brothers’ Heavy Equipment Division have signed a 50-year land lease agreement for the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah). Galadari is investing AED 75 million in the proposed 150,000 sqm facility that will establish operations for storage and distribution of heavy machinery and industrial equipment in the region. The group’s Heavy Equipment Division is a leading dealer and distributor of commercial vehicles and specialised construction machinery from international brands in the UAE. Headquartered in Dubai, Galadari Brothers is a diversified conglomerate with a legacy spanning more than 60 years and a presence across multiple sectors and international markets. Since its inception more than four decades ago, the Heavy Equipment Division of Galadari has grown from being a single-product distributor to steadily build an expansive product portfolio constituting a wide range of construction equipment. The move to KEZAD comes as part of Galadari’s strategic plans to expand its business in the region, and its commitment to delivering excellence in services by joining a thriving economic zone with dedicated industrial clusters and practices. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said: “We welcome Galadari Brothers to KEZAD, and look forward to a fruitful partnership, as we support them in expanding their foothold in the region with our tailored services. By being in KEZAD, Galadari organically becomes an integral part of a cohesive industrial structure, designed for innovation, collaboration and delivery of outstanding services. “As we continue on our growth path, we are hopeful that this association will be mutually beneficial for business – contributing to the growth of Galadari as well as the economic development of Abu Dhabi.” Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers said: “The establishment of this facility marks a significant step in advancing Galadari Brothers’ Heavy Equipment capabilities and scaling our operational infrastructure in the UAE. Located within KEZAD’s integrated industrial ecosystem, the facility enhances our ability to support large-scale projects while strengthening the logistics and supply chain networks that underpin regional growth. This investment reflects our long-term confidence in the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and industrial advancement while reinforcing our commitment to delivering the capacity, reliability, and expertise required to serve a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.”

February 26, 2026

First Dedicated Industrial-Scale Halal Baby Food Purée Facility in the GCC to be Developed within KEZAD Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 February 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, and Barakat Group, the UAE’s leading fresh food and juice producer, today announced the commencement of construction of a dedicated baby food manufacturing facility through Barakat Group’s joint venture with Pure Baby Food Industries, in KEZAD. The project marks the development of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first industrial-scale facility dedicated exclusively to the production of baby food purées. Representing a total investment of approximately AED 150 million by the company, the facility will strengthen local food manufacturing capacity and support growing regional demand for locally produced infant nutrition. Once fully operational, the 10,000 sqm facility is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 90 million units of baby food products, covering fruit and vegetable purées as well as protein-rich meat and fish baby foods. Products will be manufactured using fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, and supplied in both pouch and glass jar formats. Selected ambient juice products will also be produced as part of the integrated operation. The facility is projected to create approximately 200 direct jobs, spanning manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and operational support roles. Additional indirect employment is expected across local supply chains, logistics, and agricultural sourcing. The facility is being designed as a fully halal-certified baby food manufacturing plant, applying end-to-end halal certification across the full baby food category, including protein-based meat and fish purées. This addresses a clear gap in the GCC market, where locally produced, halal-compliant protein baby foods remain limited. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster – AD Ports Group, said, “This investment reflects the scale and sophistication of food manufacturing projects now choosing KEZAD. The projected production capacity and employment impact underline how specialised manufacturing can deliver both economic value and strategic resilience within the food sector.” Kenneth D Costa – Managing Director, Barakat Group, said, “By expanding our production footprint into premium infant nutrition, this facility reinforces Barakat Group’s mission to nourish the ambitions of the nation. Establishing dedicated capacity within KEZAD allows us to meet regional demand efficiently while creating skilled employment and maintaining the highest standards of quality and halal compliance.” Designed to meet the highest international standards for food safety, quality, and traceability, the facility will prioritise nutrition, freshness, and clean-label production. It is expected to reduce reliance on imported baby food products while contributing to the development of a domestic, halal baby food manufacturing ecosystem. The project supports national objectives related to food security, local manufacturing, and value-added food production, and represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Abu Dhabi’s food processing sector within KEZAD.

February 25, 2026

New integrated industrial operating model enables scalable growth for downstream metals manufacturers without heavy upfront capital investment Abu Dhabi, UAE – 22 January 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group today announced the  launch of Metal Park, the world’s first pay-as-you-grow metals ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group. The launch was also attended by Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Emirates Steel, and senior KEZAD Group and government officials. The 450,000 sqm Metal Park, set up by the company with an investment of AED 430 million, introduces a new industrial operating model designed to transform how downstream metals businesses access infrastructure, logistics, and specialist services which replace the traditional capital-heavy and fragmented industrial setup with a fully integrated, scalable ecosystem. The model allows metals companies to grow in line with demand while avoiding large upfront investment, improving capital efficiency, speed-to-market, and operational predictability. Unlike conventional industrial parks, Metal Park, which operates both in the Free Zone and the Mainland, is now live, fully operational. Its Production Hub, Storage Hub, and Business Centre are already active, enabling metal to be processed on site by its 27 members. The ecosystem provides shared specialist capabilities, secure high-throughput storage, and integrated commercial and operational support, forming a functioning industrial system. Integrated logistics infrastructure, enabled through KEZAD Group and AD Ports Group, ensures seamless connectivity from production to storage and outbound movement. This integrated setup reduces friction across the value chain and improves throughput, reliability, and speed-to-market for manufacturers operating within the ecosystem. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Metal Park represents a new chapter in industrial development at KEZAD. By enabling a pay-as-you-grow model, we are lowering barriers to entry, improving capital efficiency, and providing manufacturers with an industry-specific environment where infrastructure, logistics, and services work together from day one. This approach strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a competitive destination for advanced industrial investments, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE.” Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, said: “This is not about building another industrial zone. It is about creating an operating model where metals businesses can scale intelligently, supported by shared infrastructure, integrated logistics, and coordinated services that remove complexity from daily operations.” Metal Park has been engineered around operational excellence, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, predictability, and sustainability. Processes are designed to reduce manual handling, minimise idle time, and optimise energy use, while shared assets reduce duplication and waste, aligning operational performance with environmental responsibility. Technology underpins the entire ecosystem, with Metal Park operating as a digitally orchestrated platform that provides real-time visibility, seamless ordering, and coordinated internal logistics for its members. By enabling advanced manufacturing, strengthening supply chain resilience, and attracting industrial investment through a scalable and efficient model, Metal Park directly supports the continued growth of the downstream metals sector and the broader non-oil economy. With its pay-as-you-grow model now live, Metal Park sends a clear signal to global metals businesses that industrial growth no longer needs to be capital-intensive, fragmented, or slow, and that the future of metals manufacturing is being built in KEZAD Abu Dhabi.

January 22, 2026

Transaction reflects the Group’s strategy to actively manage its expanding asset portfolio, recycle capital, and optimise balance sheet structure Abu Dhabi, UAE – January 21, 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, has today announced the sale of KEZAD Logistics Park – KLP Free Zone 3 (FZ3) in Abu Dhabi, a free zone industrial and logistics group of warehouse assets to Mair Group. Located within KEZAD Al Ma’mourah, KLP Free Zone 3 benefits from proximity to Khalifa Port and direct access to major transport corridors, providing efficient connectivity to regional and international markets. The transaction comprises the sale of the warehouses together with a land lease under a 50-year Musataha arrangement, for a total value of AED 295 million, payable over a two-year period, including an AED 74 million upfront payment. The proceeds of the transaction will be used to de-lever the Group’s balance sheet. KLP Free Zone 3 spans a total land area of 128,451 square metres, with 59,822 square metres of gross leasable area across four purpose-built blocks designed to support a range of industrial and logistics activities. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group , said: “The sale of KEZAD Logistics Park – KLP Free Zone 3 to Mair Group, reflects AD Ports Group’s disciplined capital recycling strategy and focus on unlocking value from mature assets, while maintaining long-term control of strategically important land through Musataha structures. The sale strengthens our balance sheet and enables the redeployment of capital into new infrastructure and growth opportunities across our Economic Cities and Free Zones portfolio.” As part of the transaction, AD Ports Group will provide interim operational and maintenance support to Mair Group for a period of up to three months under a Transition Services Agreement, ensuring a smooth handover.

January 21, 2026

1 million sqm land sale marks second major transaction within the 16 km2 KEZAD Town Centre area  Transaction accelerates KEZAD land monetisation strategy in Abu Dhabi, generating significant cashflow that will be used to continue to deleverage the Balance Sheet   Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16 January 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, has signed a land sale agreement with Danube Properties for the development of a major residential and mixed-use project within KEZAD Town Centre, a strategically located district forming part of KEZAD Abu Dhabi. The transaction covers approximately one million square metres of freehold land and is valued at around AED 840 million. It represents the second land sale completed within the KEZAD Town Centre masterplan, following the earlier landmark transaction conducted with Mira Developments last October. The agreement supports AD Ports Group’s land monetisation strategy and the phased acceleration of the Town Centre development, which spans a total area of approximately 16 square kilometres. The project is designed to establish a vibrant, well-connected residential and lifestyle destination within close proximity to KEZAD’s industrial and business clusters, supporting long-term growth and workforce sustainability. The proceeds from the transaction will be collected over a period of four years, with a 10% downpayment, and will support the Group’s efforts to continue to deleverage its Balance Sheet, enhancing its liquidity position and financial flexibility. The agreement further demonstrates the sustained value appreciation of KEZAD Town Centre land, underpinned by strong market demand. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “Our land sale agreement with Danube Properties marks another significant milestone in the development of KEZAD Town Centre and underscores the strength of our long-term master planning approach. Achieving a higher land value in this second transaction reflects growing market confidence in the Town Centre vision and its role in creating integrated, liveable communities that support Abu Dhabi’s economic growth, in line with the wise vision of our leadership.” He added: “By accelerating land monetisation and attracting established developers with strong delivery track records, we are unlocking hidden value from our landbank in Abu Dhabi, while ensuring that development remains fully aligned with infrastructure readiness, planning standards, and the evolving needs of our communities.” Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group, said: “We are proud to partner with AD Ports Group on this important development within KEZAD Town Centre. The location, scale, and long-term vision of the project align strongly with our commitment to delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use communities. This agreement provides a solid foundation for a development that will meet market demand and contribute meaningfully to the growth of this emerging destination.” Danube Properties, a subsidiary of the Danube Group, is one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers and the pioneer of the region’s groundbreaking 1% payment plan. Established by Rizwan Sajan in 1993, the company has launched 40 projects to date, with 20 successfully delivered and the remainder in advanced stages of construction. Known for offering fully furnished apartments complemented by more than 40 lifestyle amenities, Danube Properties has earned a strong reputation for delivering projects ahead of schedule, backed by exceptional build quality and customer trust. With innovation, accessibility, and reliability at its core, the company continues to redefine modern urban living across the region. The KEZAD Town Centre development is planned as a multi-phase district combining residential, commercial, and lifestyle components, supported by primary infrastructure, utilities, and connectivity delivered in line with approved masterplans. The project is expected to play a central role in shaping a new urban destination adjacent to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest economic and industrial hubs.

January 16, 2026

The 83,177 sqm facility will engage in manufacturing, sale and distribution of paints and coating products in the region Abu Dhabi, UAE – 15 January 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, and Jotun Abu Dhabi have signed a 50-year land lease agreement for the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in ICAD – KEZAD Musaffah. Jotun Abu Dhabi, part of Jotun, one of the world’s leading paints and coatings manufacturers, will invest AED 450 million in the 83,177 square metre state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. With this investment, Jotun Abu Dhabi is embarking on a major expansion, relocating from their existing 22,000 square metre facility. The investment is set to create approximately 200 jobs in KEZAD. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said: “We are pleased to see Jotun Abu Dhabi expand its presence within KEZAD’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape.  KEZAD Group continues to enhance world-class infrastructure that supports the advancement of the regional construction industry. Guided by the vision of our wise leadership and our role as a global manufacturing hub, we remain dedicated to supporting  the UAE’s construction sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.” Svein Johan Stub, General Manager of Jotun Abu Dhabi, said: “The expansion marks a major milestone in the manufacturing journey of Jotun Paints in Abu Dhabi and reinforces our commitment to strengthening our presence in the emirate. We remain confident that by being part of KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem will enable us to deliver tailored solutions that meet market demands, and support the growth of the region’s construction, real estate and energy industries.” The region’s paints and coatings industry is undergoing rapid development, driven by strong construction momentum in the UAE, and is poised to attract further investment expanding the scope for its future growth and contribution to the nation’s non-oil economy. Jotun Abu Dhabi’s expansion in KEZAD is a significant step forward in this direction, further accelerating the growth of the sector in this region.

January 15, 2026

The Joint Venture will provide specialised waste collection, treatment, recycling, and street cleaning services for businesses in KEZAD’s industrial and logistics zones, while developing a waste processing facility to further drive circularity efforts Abu Dhabi, UAE – 13 January 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, part of AD Ports Group; and BEEAH, the region’s sustainability and innovation pioneer, today announced the formation of a joint venture, 51% owned by KEZAD, to deliver integrated, eco-friendly waste management services to customers across KEZAD Group’s economic cities and free zones. The partnership will provide a comprehensive range of services, from waste collection and street cleaning to waste treatment and recycling, supporting customers with reliable, compliant and sustainable solutions that contribute to circularity. The Joint Venture will serve businesses operating across KEZAD’s industrial and logistics zones, through an integrated waste management platform. It will also support the development of a Circular Environmental Facility at KEZAD Al Ma’mourah, designed to process solid and liquid waste, and recover materials for reuse across industrial value chains. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “This joint venture strengthens our integrated services offering and responds directly to customers demand for efficient and sustainable waste management solutions. Partnering with BEEAH enhances the value of KEZAD as a destination for responsible industrial growth and supports our customers in meeting their environmental commitments.” Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, said: “This collaboration brings together complementary strengths to deliver practical circular economy solutions at scale. Through this joint venture, we will support businesses across KEZAD with proven waste management expertise that reduces landfill reliance and improves overall environmental impact.” The joint venture will roll out its services in phases. Starting with waste collection, tracking, sorting and street cleaning. It will then introduce recycling, composting and industrial waste recovery solutions. In the future, the Joint Venture will also explore more advanced waste management services, enabling zero-waste to landfill and support the wider circular economy. The partnership supports Abu Dhabi’s broader sustainability objectives and reinforces KEZAD’s role as an enabler of responsible industrial development, while creating stable, utility-linked services that enhance customer retention and long-term value. It also leverages BEEAH’s legacy as the region’s leading sustainable waste management provider that is helping shape zero-waste to landfill industries and cities.

January 13, 2026

Second land lease from Azizi Developments, which plans to invest an additional AED 2 billion in its new manufacturing facilities in KEZAD Abu Dhabi, UAE – 12 December 2025: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS) subsidiary Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, today announced that it has signed another 50-year lease agreement with Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, representing an investment value of AED 2 billion by Azizi Developments that will facilitate the growth of its manufacturing and logistics capabilities. The newly leased plots located in KEZAD, spanning nearly 440,000 square meters, will accommodate twelve factories, designed to boost production capacity, strengthen supply chain resilience, and advance Azizi’s growing project pipeline, including its landmark master-planned communities and iconic developments. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “Azizi’s decision to expand its manufacturing base in KEZAD reflects the strong confidence that leading developers place in our integrated industrial ecosystem. We provide the land, infrastructure, and connected logistics platform that allow major companies to grow, operate at scale, and deliver with certainty. This agreement supports Abu Dhabi’s industrial expansion and strengthens the long-term partnership between KEZAD and Azizi as they continue to invest in advanced production and supply chain capabilities.” In October 2024, both parties signed their first 50-year land lease agreement  in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah) to meet the growing demand of the housing industry in the region. The initial AED 1 billion investment by Azizi Developments included the establishment of a reinforcement steel cut and bend facility, timber joinery and duct fabrication workshops, a modular factory, an aluminium and glass fabrication unit, as well as an aluminium extrusion factory, and spans approximately 220,000 square meters.

December 12, 2025