New masterplan set to redefine industrial, logistics, and commercial development in the capital’s thriving economic cluster
The KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has announced a transformative project: the development of a “next-generation business district” in Abu Dhabi. This landmark initiative marks a major step forward in the emirate’s long-term vision to cultivate a cluster-based, innovation-driven economy by enhancing infrastructure and offering investors modern, integrated ecosystems to operate and grow.
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A Bold Vision for the Future of Business in Abu Dhabi
The new KEZAD business district is envisioned as a smart, sustainable, and fully serviced commercial destination, capable of attracting regional headquarters, financial institutions, tech firms, and industrial powerhouses. The plan includes flexible office spaces, built-to-suit towers, data centers, hospitality zones, and advanced logistics connectivity.
According to Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group, this future-ready district will be designed to support hybrid working models, sustainability benchmarks, and AI-integrated urban infrastructure—a first-of-its-kind proposition in the UAE.
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Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Cluster-Based Development Strategy
This initiative directly aligns with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) and the broader goal of building “clusters of excellence” that integrate logistics, trade, finance, technology, and manufacturing across specialized zones. Abu Dhabi’s cluster model includes economic hubs such as:
- Masdar City for clean tech and R&D
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) for aerospace and aviation
- ADGM for finance and fintech
- KEZAD for manufacturing, logistics, and integrated industrial development
Together, these hubs create a synergistic network of free zones, each with its own sectoral focus and regulatory incentives, yet connected by unified planning, shared infrastructure, and common licensing options.
Gateway to the Region for Global Businesses
KEZAD’s upcoming business district is part of its broader mandate to accelerate FDI and regional headquarters attraction, in line with the UAE’s competitive 0% corporate tax regime for free zone entities and its fast-track investor visa offerings.
With over 550 square kilometers under its management, KEZAD is already home to 1,800+ companies from more than 20 sectors. This expansion signals a new era for the zone—transforming it from an industrial base to a fully-fledged urban-commercial innovation zone.
A Business District Built on ESG and Smart Tech
The announcement also underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and its National AI Strategy. KEZAD Group confirmed that the new district would incorporate low-carbon building standards, smart mobility, IoT-enabled services, and data-based utility management, making it one of the region’s most modern business precincts.
In the words of Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of KEZAD Group, “We are redefining what it means to do business in the UAE. This new business district will not only attract top companies—it will also reshape how businesses function.”
What This Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
For global and regional firms seeking a UAE base of operations, the upcoming KEZAD business district offers a rare blend of regulatory ease, digital infrastructure, sectoral support, and government-backed incentives.
The business district will also complement ongoing initiatives such as:
- The Make It in the Emirates campaign
- The UAE’s NextGenFDI programme targeting 300 digital-first companies
- The Industrial Development Bureau’s sector-specific incentives
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Abu Dhabi’s Growth
The KEZAD Group’s new business district is not just another free zone—it is the embodiment of Abu Dhabi’s next-phase growth story, built around clusters, sustainability, and digital enablement. It serves as a vital node in the emirate’s strategy to create a diversified, globally competitive economy underpinned by infrastructure excellence and smart regulation.
For businesses looking to incorporate in Abu Dhabi, this new development opens up exciting new possibilities in a city that is shaping the future of enterprise in the Middle East.
Looking Ahead
As KEZAD’s new business district takes shape, it is expected to unlock thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and significant non-oil GDP contributions, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s standing as a world-class hub for trade, industry, and innovation.
Stay tuned as we continue our feature series on Abu Dhabi’s Economic Clusters — an initiative that’s transforming how global companies think about the UAE.
For updates on free zone opportunities or to explore incorporating your company in KEZAD or other Abu Dhabi clusters, read Why Abu Dhabi is a Business Powerhouse, Economic Haven and Global Gateway
George Mathew is a Corporate Lawyer at ATB Corporate in Abu Dhabi, specializing in corporate structuring, foreign investments, and regulatory compliance. With extensive experience across the UK, Oman, India, and the UAE, he brings a deep understanding of cross-border business regulations and international investment frameworks. George works closely with businesses, investors, and multinational corporations, helping them navigate the legal landscape in Abu Dhabi’s thriving business ecosystem.
Aparna is a seasoned tax consultant with a keen eye for compliance and financial strategy. She specializes in individual and corporate tax planning, helping clients navigate complex regulations with confidence and clarity.