Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) Free Zone Business Setup
Pricing For – (KIZAD) Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi
About Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is a comprehensive trade, logistics, and industrial centre located in the core of Abu Dhabi.
The free zone presents an extensive array of business solutions, catering to various business activities, including manufacturing, logistics, trade, and distribution.
KIZAD is directly connected to Khalifa Port, which offers connections to over 50 destinations worldwide.
Prices starting from AED 11,000
Average business setup time: 1 week

Benefits of setting up a company in - (KIZAD) Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi
100% Business Ownership And Capital Repatriation
- As an expatriate, you can own 100% of the company and remit all profits to your home country.
Strategic Location
- KIZAD is within easy reach of four major highways and four international airports.
Cargo Hub
- KIZAD offers several commercial advantages, including exceptional supply chain efficiencies.
Wide Range Of Activities
- KIZAD is home to a wide range of sectors including aluminum, automotive, engineered metals, and others.
Leasing Options
- KIZAD offers pre-built warehouses and offices along with light industrial units and land for development.
World-class Infrastructure
- KIZAD provides world-class infrastructure at competitive rates.
KIZAD Business Activities
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) welcomes a variety of financial and professional business activities, including the following:

Consultancy

Stocking and Warehousing
Cargo and Freight Forwarding

Distribution

Logistics

Assembly

Travel Agencies

Catering Services

Restaurants, Retail Food Outlets

Manufacturing

Import/Export

Journalism
Physical Presence Requirement
You do not have to be physically present to complete the setup process of your company.
Kizad Company Formation: A Complete Guide
Are you interested in establishing a company in KIZAD?
This impressive free zone has successfully lured over 200 domestic and international investors. KIZAD is considered one of the top free zones in the world, providing numerous benefits to businesses looking to expand quickly.
Our guide will take you through the step-by-step process of forming a company in KIZAD and showcase all the advantages of doing so.
What Is a Free Zone?
A free zone is a designated area where goods can be imported, processed, and exported without any obligation to pay duty. In addition, companies operating within these zones are usually exempt from corporate and income taxes on their employees.
There are various free zones located across the globe, and KIZAD is one of them. This particular free zone provides businesses with the opportunity to establish themselves in a tax-free environment, making it an appealing option for those looking for tax efficiency and ample space.
Is KIZAD a Free Zone?
The Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is the first integrated trade, logistics, industrial, and free zone in the region. It is one of the largest free zones in the world and provides businesses with excellent market access and lower operating costs. Companies can enjoy a range of benefits, such as:
- 100% foreign ownership
- No corporate or personal income taxes
- Duty-free imports and exports
The free zone works in close collaboration with the expansion of Abu Dhabi Port, providing a variety of logistics services. It is also located near Khalifa Port, which offers great market access. Both ports have direct access to shipping lines that operate in the area.
Other Dubai/UAE Free Zones Include
Apart from KIZAD, there are several other interesting free zones in Dubai and UAE. If you are still deciding which one is right for you, you may want to consider the following options:
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
- Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)
- Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)
It’s important to note that each of these free zones has its own benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, it’s essential to research them thoroughly before making a decision.
Differences Between KIZAD and Other Free Zones
Many of our clients often ask what sets KIZAD apart from other free zones before deciding to choose it. They want to know how it differs from other free zones and what benefits it offers.
The main differences between KIZAD and other free zones are:
- This free zone is much larger, and with an area of over 26 square kilometers, it's one of the largest free zones in the world.
- It offers a wide range of services, making it easy to set up your business here.
- It's located at the heart of the shipping area, which means it is near many primary markets like Europe and Asia.
- It has been designed with various industries in mind, so the infrastructure and facilities are geared for industrial development and logistics.
In conclusion, KIZAD is a free zone that focuses on industry and logistics with a wide range of services, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for a world-class free zone to start their operations.
The KIZAD Guide to Benefits For Business Owners
Many businesses choose to establish themselves in the KIZAD Free Zone due to its proximity to a shipping port.
Expanding businesses can benefit from forming a company in KIZAD in various ways. Some of the key advantages of setting up a business in KIZAD are:
- It's close to airports. Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Al Ain International Airport are all reachable.
- It's connected to Khalifa Port, which is considered the maritime gateway of Abu Dhabi, so it's ideal for shipping.
- It's connected to all the major highways for UAE road logistics.
- It will be connected to the Etihad Rail network when it's complete.
- There are no restrictions on hiring foreign employees in KIZAD, which can be a big relief for many business owners.
Therefore, it makes sense for logistics, shipping, and manufacturing companies to establish themselves in the KIZAD Free Zone. This is without even considering the tax-free import and export opportunities.
Free Zone Warehousing and Industrial Solutions
KIZAD offers a unique hybrid model of free and non-free zone solutions that cater to a wide range of business needs. These solutions include pre-built warehouses, free zone offices, land leasing, light industrial pre-constructed buildings, and business district centres.
KIZAD is the perfect location for manufacturing, storing, shipping, and distributing goods. It provides a wide range of ready-built facilities to meet various business requirements, along with land plots for future development.
To save money on construction costs, businesses can set up logistics operations at KIZAD’s Logistics Park (KLP).
KIZAD also offers state-of-the-art, ready-to-move-in executive offices and dedicated workstations. These facilities help businesses establish themselves quickly and efficiently at competitive operating costs.
Additionally, KIZAD’s pre-built light industrial units (LIU) offer high-quality, flexible, and self-operational spaces that are ideal for light manufacturing companies.
Land Leasing Options
One of the great things about KIZAD is the abundance of space. Land leasing options enable businesses to take advantage of that space.
Need to lease land for your business? Gulf Gateway CSP can help. The Plot Allocation Committee assigns units/plots based on business qualifications. This committee is made up of community stakeholders.
Before finalizing the business lease agreement, negotiations will be conducted by us, the Plot Allocation Committee, and the free zone administration.
KIZAD Company Formation Success Stories
A KIZAD formation structure is utilized by numerous businesses to establish their presence in the region and take advantage of complete 100% foreign ownership. Notable KIZAD company formation success stories include:
- DHL Express set up a regional hub in the area to better serve their customers in the Middle East
- P&G, who manufacture diapers and other baby products in the free zone
- Johnson Controls, who manufacture automotive batteries and other components
- Volvo Trucks, who have a truck manufacturing plant in the zone
Flexible Formations
KIZAD company formation is an ideal solution for businesses seeking to expand into the rapidly growing region. Located strategically, with access to infrastructure and 100% foreign ownership, it provides an excellent platform to conduct business.
Depending on your preferences and requirements, KIZAD company formation can be done within the free zone or remotely, making it unique from other free zones that mandate face-to-face formation and an office presence.
KIZAD is preferred by most companies for its access to Khalifa Port, making it a popular choice for logistics, warehousing, and trade-based businesses. Offices are less common in KIZAD than in these industries.
License Types For Company Formation in KIZAD Free Zone
There are several types of licenses available.
Industrial License for KIZAD Free Zone
The Industrial License permits the import of raw materials, manufacturing, processing, assembly, packaging, and exportation of intermediate and/or finished products. It also includes other industrial operations as specified in the free zone’s Industrial License (Category List).
Trading License OR General Trading License
A trading license is a legal document that allows the holder to conduct specific trading operations, such as importing, exporting, distributing, storing and warehousing items and commodities. This applies according to the paperwork of the free zone’s category.
Service License
The service license allows companies to sell a range of services, including management and economic consulting, marketing, and transportation logistics such as cargo and freight forwarding, restaurants, retail food stores, catering services, and travel agencies.
Benefits of Company Formation in KIZAD
The KIZAD Free Zone offers many benefits for business owners who are looking to set up their companies. Here are some important benefits that you should be aware of:
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed, which means that you can establish your own business here without requiring any local partners or sponsors.
- There are no restrictions on the type of business or activity that you can carry out, although industrial, logistics, and manufacturing businesses tend to thrive in KIZAD.
- No corporate taxes, income tax, capital gains tax, or value-added tax (VAT) are charged in this free zone.
- Your company can repatriate its profits and funds without any limitations.
- You can employ as many staff members as you need, and the minimum capital requirements are low.
- The free zone has advanced infrastructure, including a seaport and airport.
- KIZAD company formation provides your business with access to a market of more than two billion people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Company formation in this free zone gives you the chance to expand your business in a fast-growing market. KIZAD is part of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2030, which aims to make Abu Dhabi the global centre for manufacturing and logistics.
How To Get a Company in KIZAD Set Up
As a business owner planning to establish a company in this area, it’s recommended that you use an agent. At Gulf Gateway CSP, we can provide assistance with the company formation process. Here’s how it works:
- Firstly, get in touch with us at Gulf Gateway CSP, and we'll guide you through the process.
- We'll assist you in selecting the appropriate license and company formation package that suits your requirements.
- You'll need to provide us with some essential documents, such as copies of your passport and Emirates ID, your company's memorandum and articles of association, and evidence of funds.
- KIZAD will register your company once all the necessary paperwork is in order.
- Once KIZAD approves the company formation, you can proceed to open a bank account and obtain work visas for yourself and your employees.
How Long Does KIZAD Company Formation Take?
This zone usually takes between 2-3 weeks for company formation, although the processing time may vary based on the license and package you select.
Living in KIZAD UAE Free Zone
A lot of founders who establish their offices and businesses in this zone often wonder about the lifestyle in KIZAD. Here is some information to help you understand what living in KIZAD is like.
Dining
The area offers a diverse range of dining options, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Lebanese cuisines. Some of the area’s restaurants, such as The Boundary at Zayed Cricket Stadium, are located in close proximity to excellent event spaces. Others, situated in the Marina, provide breathtaking views of the waterfront.
Shopping
KIZAD has some shops in Yas Mall, but it’s not a shopping destination. Business owners there often go to Abu Dhabi Mall or Dubai to shop.
Leisure Activities
This region doesn’t offer many leisure activities but is home to several excellent golf courses. For instance, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is just a short distance away.
Schools
There aren’t any well-known schools in KIZAD, but Al Basma British School is located in Abu Dhabi. However, there are numerous English-speaking schools in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For example, in Dubai:
- Jumeirah College Dubai
- Repton School Dubai
- Dubai British School Emirates Hills
- Dubai College School
- GEMS Royal Dubai School
- GEMS Wellington International School
- Kings' School Dubai
- Dubai English Speaking School and College
Business owners may want to base their business in KIZAD but their family home in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
That will enable them to make the most of the logistical benefits of this free zone and the amenities of world-class cities.
Gulf Gateway CSP Can Assist With Formation in KIZAD
Here at Gulf Gateway CSP, we have extensive experience in KIZAD company formation. Whether you’re looking for the right package and license for your business needs or require guidance at every step of the way, we’re here to help.
If you’re still not sure, that’s okay too. There are a lot of great free zones in the UAE, which is perfect for growing businesses that are interested in shipping, exporting, manufacturing, and warehousing. We can help you select the one that’s perfect for you.
If you have any questions about company formation or would like to get started, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Gulf Gateway CSP.
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Call +971 56 866 3666 or fill out the form to schedule a consultation with one of our Business Setup Advisors.
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Office 908, 9th floor; Tamani Arts Office Building, Business Bay – Dubai
United Arab Emirates
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