Build Your Industrial Legacy in Abu Dhabi's Heartland.
Leverage a world-class, purpose-built industrial ecosystem with specialized clusters, direct rail connectivity, and 100% foreign ownership. Join over 900 manufacturers in Abu Dhabi's industrial powerhouse.
Total Area
40+ sq km
Manufacturing Facilities
900+
Established Since
2004
Contribution to Mfg. GDP
50%
Foreign Ownership
100%
Abu Dhabi's Premier Industrial Hub
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) is a cornerstone of the emirate's economic diversification strategy, managed by ZonesCorp under the AD Ports Group. Spanning over 40 square kilometers, it provides a fully integrated, world-class ecosystem designed to attract significant foreign direct investment in manufacturing, logistics, and heavy industry.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Governing Authority
- ZonesCorp (AD Ports Group)
- VAT Designated Zone
- Yes, for efficient movement of physical goods
- Corporate Tax Status
- Qualifying Free Zone entity status, eligible for 0% rate
- Ownership Structure
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- Key Focus
- Manufacturing, Industrial Processing, and Logistics
- Primary Infrastructure
- Serviced industrial plots, warehouses, specialized clusters
The ICAD Advantage: A Foundation for Industrial Growth
Gain a powerful competitive edge by leveraging an infrastructure and regulatory framework built for industrial success.
100% Foreign Ownership & Control
Maintain complete control over your enterprise with 100% foreign ownership. Secure your investment and repatriate 100% of profits and capital without restriction.
Tax-Efficient Operations
As a VAT Designated Zone, optimize cash flow on goods movement. Qualifying companies can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate, alongside 0% personal income tax.
Specialized Industrial Clusters
Operate within purpose-built zones for metals, chemicals, plastics, and more. This creates powerful operational synergies and an integrated value chain at your doorstep.
Unrivaled GCC Connectivity
Leverage direct connectivity to the Etihad Rail network, linking your facility to major UAE ports and GCC markets for highly efficient, large-scale freight distribution.
Advanced, Purpose-Built Infrastructure
Access fully-serviced industrial land plots, modern utility networks, and specialized facilities tailored for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing activities.
Access to a Stable Workforce
Benefit from proximity to purpose-built residential cities for laborers, ensuring reliable access to a skilled and readily available workforce to support your operations.
Bespoke Pricing for Strategic Industrial Investment
Build Your Industrial Legacy on Abu Dhabi's Most Established Foundation. Our pricing is tailored to your specific project needs.
Bespoke Industrial Project
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Lease of Industrial Land Plot or Warehouse
- Industrial License (based on activity)
- Lease of Industrial Land Plot or Warehouse
- Access to Advanced Utility Networks
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
- Comprehensive Project Consultation
AED Pricing
Bespoke Pricing for Strategic Industrial Investment
Build Your Industrial Legacy on Abu Dhabi's Most Established Foundation. Our pricing is tailored to your specific project needs.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Licenses Engineered for Industry
Choose the legal framework that aligns perfectly with your industrial, commercial, or technological operations.
Industrial / Manufacturing License
Commercial / Trade License
Professional / Services License
Innovation & Technology License
Permitted Business Activities
ICAD supports a comprehensive range of industrial, logistical, and technology-focused business activities.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Industrial Gases Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Pharmaceutical Products Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Meat and Poultry Production | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Fruits and Vegetables Preserving | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Services | Logistics / Freight |
| Warehousing and Storage | Logistics / Freight |
| Freight Forwarding | Logistics / Freight |
| Distribution Hub Operations | Logistics / Freight |
| Information Technology Consultancy | Technology / Innovation |
| Data Classification & Processing Services | Technology / Innovation |
| Investing in technology projects | Technology / Innovation |
| Biotechnology Research and Development | Technology / Innovation |
Your Path to Industrial Operation in ICAD
A structured process designed to facilitate the establishment of significant industrial enterprises.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Project Consultation & Application
Submit your detailed business plan and company documents. Our team will consult with you to understand your exact land, utility, and infrastructure requirements.
Initial Approval & Documentation
Receive initial approval from ZonesCorp. Finalize and attest all required legal documents for your chosen corporate structure.
Lease Agreement & Facility Setup
Sign the land or facility lease agreement. Proceed with any required construction, fit-out, or infrastructure connections for your industrial plant.
License & Visa Issuance
Upon facility readiness and final inspections, your Industrial License is issued. You can then open immigration files and begin processing visas for staff.
Engineered for Industrial Leaders
The Regional Manufacturing Powerhouse
ICAD offers vast, infrastructure-ready land plots and specialized industrial clusters, enabling you to scale production and streamline exports via direct rail and port access.
Primary Benefit
Overcome logistical bottlenecks and scale operations with world-class, integrated infrastructure.
The Global 3PL & Logistics Operator
Establish a large-scale regional distribution hub in a VAT Designated Zone. Benefit from 100% ownership of massive land plots for tax-efficient goods storage and movement.
Primary Benefit
Optimize cash flow and operational control for your regional distribution command center.
The Niche Industrial Specialist
Operate within a purpose-built cluster for chemicals, plastics, or metals. This unique ecosystem co-locates suppliers and partners, creating powerful operational synergies.
Primary Benefit
Drive down costs and improve time-to-market with a built-in industrial value chain.
The Foreign Direct Investor (FDI)
Secure your first manufacturing investment in the Middle East in a stable, government-backed zone with 100% foreign ownership and access to a readily available workforce.
Primary Benefit
Mitigate market-entry risks with a robust legal framework and managed workforce access.
ICAD vs. Other Leading Industrial Zones
Understand the unique advantages of establishing your industrial operations in ICAD.
| Feature Highlight | ICAD | Jafza | KIZAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Established Heavy & Medium Manufacturing | Trading, Logistics & General Industry | Integrated Trade, Logistics & Industrial |
| Key Differentiator | Specialized industrial clusters | World's largest free zone port ecosystem | Direct integration with Khalifa Port |
| Direct Rail Access | Yes (Etihad Rail) | Yes (Etihad Rail) | Yes (Etihad Rail) |
| VAT Designated Zone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ideal For | Companies needing supply chain synergy | Businesses prioritizing sea-air logistics | Businesses needing direct port-side access |
This comparison is for informational purposes and based on publicly available data. We recommend a detailed consultation for a precise evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Your Position in Abu Dhabi's Industrial Future.
Join over 900 industry leaders in an ecosystem that generates half of the capital's manufacturing GDP. Let's discuss how ICAD's strategic advantages can accelerate your growth.
- Full project guidance provided
- Bespoke cost proposals
- Confidential consultation