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%
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.
Gain a powerful competitive edge by leveraging an infrastructure and regulatory framework built for industrial success.
Maintain complete control over your enterprise with 100% foreign ownership. Secure your investment and repatriate 100% of profits and capital without restriction.
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.
Operate within purpose-built zones for metals, chemicals, plastics, and more. This creates powerful operational synergies and an integrated value chain at your doorstep.
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.
Access fully-serviced industrial land plots, modern utility networks, and specialized facilities tailored for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing activities.
Benefit from proximity to purpose-built residential cities for laborers, ensuring reliable access to a skilled and readily available workforce to support your operations.
Build Your Industrial Legacy on Abu Dhabi's Most Established Foundation. Our pricing is tailored to your specific project needs.
Billed annually
AED Pricing
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)
Choose the legal framework that aligns perfectly with your industrial, commercial, or technological operations.
ICAD supports a comprehensive range of industrial, logistical, and technology-focused business activities.
| 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 |
A structured process designed to facilitate the establishment of significant industrial enterprises.
Phase 1 Focus
Submit your detailed business plan and company documents. Our team will consult with you to understand your exact land, utility, and infrastructure requirements.
Receive initial approval from ZonesCorp. Finalize and attest all required legal documents for your chosen corporate structure.
Sign the land or facility lease agreement. Proceed with any required construction, fit-out, or infrastructure connections for your industrial plant.
Upon facility readiness and final inspections, your Industrial License is issued. You can then open immigration files and begin processing visas for staff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
