Fourth edition of regional data centre conference moves to the UAE, ‎bringing digital industry leaders together in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE – 08 July 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, ‎one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the ‎region, will host Touchdown Middle East 2026 in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the ‎region-wide data centre conference will take place in the UAE.‎ Organised by the Gulf Data Centre Association (GDCA), the fourth edition of Touchdown ‎Middle East 2026 will take place on 18–19 November 2026 at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad ‎Towers. Following three consecutive years in Bahrain, the conference’s move to Abu ‎Dhabi reflects its growing regional footprint and positions the UAE’s capital as its first ‎new host venue. ‎ The conference will attract data centre operators, investors, technology providers, ‎government stakeholders, real estate leaders, energy specialists and digital ‎infrastructure decision-makers from across the Middle East and international markets. ‎The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 visitors, over 400 companies, 70 ‎speakers and participants from more than 30 countries.‎ Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster — AD Ports ‎Group, said: “Hosting Touchdown Middle East 2026 in Abu Dhabi reflects the Emirate’s ‎growing role in the digital infrastructure economy. Data centres are now central to ‎industrial growth, AI adoption, cloud services, advanced manufacturing and secure digital ‎trade. At KEZAD Group, we see this conference as a practical platform to connect ‎investors, operators and infrastructure partners with Abu Dhabi’s industrial base, logistics ‎strength and long-term growth environment.”‎ The two-day conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, networking ‎meetings and industry-led conversations on the key issues shaping the sector, including ‎power availability, connectivity, site readiness, regulation, investment, AI demand, cloud ‎growth and sustainable data centre development.‎ Henry Sutton, Director of the Gulf Data Centre Association and Touchdown ‎Middle East, said: “Touchdown Middle East was created to bring the region’s data ‎centre industry together, with a clear focus on knowledge, partnerships and market ‎growth. After three successful years in Bahrain, bringing the fourth edition to Abu Dhabi ‎is an important step for the event and for the wider regional industry. We are delighted to ‎have KEZAD Group as our main sponsor and we look forward to welcoming leaders from ‎across the data centre value chain to discuss the next phase of digital infrastructure ‎growth in the Middle East.”‎ Abu Dhabi is placing digital infrastructure at the centre of its next phase of economic ‎growth, with a clear focus on AI demand, sovereign cloud, hyperscale compute, power ‎planning and industrial land readiness. The Emirate’s Digital Strategy 2025 to 2027 ‎commits AED 13 billion to digital transformation and targets full sovereign cloud adoption ‎for government operations, full automation of government processes and more than 200 ‎AI-led solutions across public services. Abu Dhabi has also moved into large-scale AI ‎compute through Stargate UAE, a planned 1GW compute cluster within the wider 5GW ‎UAE and US AI Campus, with the first 200MW expected to go live in 2026. Together, ‎these steps make Abu Dhabi a strong host for a regional data centre conference focused ‎on the next wave of AI, cloud and digital infrastructure investment.‎ The conference comes at a time when demand for digital infrastructure is rising across ‎the region, driven by AI, cloud computing, data sovereignty, smart industry, enterprise ‎digital services and the growth of high-capacity connectivity. As main sponsor, KEZAD ‎Group will leverage the platform to foster dialogue on how industrial zones, logistics ‎platforms, energy infrastructure and real estate can work together to support the next ‎wave of data centre investment.‎

July 08, 2026

The 25,260 square metre hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs to establish and ‎expand operations in the Emirate Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 June 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, ‎one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the ‎region, has announced the development of the KEZAD SME Hub, a purpose-built ‎business platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The SME Hub marks the ‎Group’s first-of-its-kind development designed to support SMEs in establishing and ‎scaling their operations in the emirate. ‎ Scheduled for handover before the end of this year, and located in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al ‎Ma’mourah), the 25,260 square metre KEZAD SME Hub is designed as a practical ‎bridge between early-stage SME incubators and full-fledged industrial market facilities. ‎The aim of the SME Hub is to ease the transition from startup to scaled production and ‎distribution within an integrated economic zone. ‎ The hub benefits from direct connectivity to Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail networks, and ‎offers businesses access to more than 75 percent of the UAE’s urban areas within a 90-‎minute drive.‎ As a pioneering development, the AED 112 million hub combines Micro Industrial Units ‎and office suites in a single model, enabling SMEs to streamline day-to-day activity, ‎logistics and costs. Co-located within a like-minded SME community and complementary ‎industrial activities, businesses can unlock partnership opportunities through shared ‎services and supplier networks. ‎ The hub comprises 175 flexible business-ready Micro Industrial Units starting from 100 ‎square metres, supported by a dedicated business centre and access to KEZAD’s on-‎site infrastructure and business support services.‎ SMEs represent 94 percent of all businesses in the UAE, and contribute to 64 percent of ‎the nation’s non-oil GDP. In Abu Dhabi, SMEs constitute around 98 percent of the ‎emirate’s businesses, employ 46 percent of the workforce, and contribute to around 43 ‎percent to its non-oil GDP. With the SME sector expected to grow to one million ‎enterprises by 2030, SME development remains central to the diversification of Abu ‎Dhabi’s economy.‎ Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: ‎‎“SME sector growth is a top priority for Abu Dhabi. In alignment with the leadership’s ‎vision, we aim to establish KEZAD as a thriving ecosystem for small and medium ‎enterprise development in the region. The KEZAD SME Hub will serve as a launchpad ‎for SMEs, nurturing and developing the industry with vital resources and support required ‎to grow in a competitive market.‎ Joining the hub will also enable SME investors to leverage the advantages and business ‎support provided by KEZAD’s integrated business ecosystems.”‎ Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – ‎KEZAD Group said: “With the SME Hub initiative, we are strengthening KEZAD’s ‎vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to small and medium industries. The Hub ‎will play a crucial role by providing early-stage support for SME startups while also ‎enabling established SMEs to scale their operations at competitive costs within an ‎integrated industrial environment, bridging the gap between SME incubators and the ‎industrial market facilities needed to compete and grow.”‎ Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s economy, fuelling industrial ‎advancement and job creation. Backed by the leadership’s vision, KEZAD continues to ‎empower SMEs to set up, thrive, and grow into globally competitive businesses, ‎reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading destination for industry and commerce.‎ In this connection, KEZAD Group has signed an MoU with Emirates Growth Fund to ‎support the development of UAE-based SMEs, combining KEZAD’s integrated industrial ‎and logistics ecosystem with EGF’s growth capital and strategic support. The ‎collaboration aims to help high-potential SMEs access the resources, infrastructure and ‎guidance needed to scale their operations and compete in wider regional and global ‎markets.‎

June 11, 2026

AED 300 million facility to support industrial growth in Abu Dhabi ecosystem Abu Dhabi, UAE – 08 May 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, part of AD Ports Group, announced that it has signed a long-term land lease agreement with Abu Dhabi Refreshment Company to establish a state-of-the-art beverage production and distribution facility in KEZAD. The facility, spanning approximately 32,500 square metres within KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem, will support the expansion of Abu Dhabi Refreshment Company’s production and distribution capabilities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional manufacturing hub for fast-moving consumer goods. Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Refreshment Company will invest approximately AED 300 million in the development of the facility. The project is expected to create job opportunities and strengthen local beverage production capacity, while enabling more resilient downstream supply chains across the UAE and wider region. Abdullah Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “Our agreement with Abu Dhabi Refreshment Company reflects KEZAD’s ability to attract globally recognised brands seeking scale, efficiency, and proximity to high-growth markets. Investments such as this reinforce our role in enabling industrial growth and building resilient, future-ready supply chains aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification agenda.” Fadi Jaber, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Refreshment Company, said: “This investment marks a strategic expansion of our operations in the UAE, a market we have been proud to serve for decades. KEZAD offers an integrated ecosystem with world-class infrastructure and connectivity, enabling us to optimise production, enhance distribution efficiency, and respond more effectively to evolving consumer demand.” Located within KEZAD, the facility will benefit from direct access to Khalifa Port and multimodal logistics networks, enabling efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products. The investment comes amid strong industrial growth momentum in Abu Dhabi. Since the launch of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, industrial GDP has increased significantly, reflecting the emirate’s accelerating diversification and manufacturing expansion. At a broader level, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED 3.8 trillion in 2025, highlighting the scale of economic transformation and the growing importance of localised production and supply chains. For global consumer brands, the logic is shifting. Producing closer to demand enhances Abu Dhabi’s resilience, shorter supply chains reduce risk, improve speed to market, and create competitive advantage. KEZAD is positioning itself at the centre of this shift where manufacturing, logistics, and consumption converge into a single, integrated ecosystem.

May 08, 2026

The 10,000 sqm facility will begin operations in H2 2026, targeting an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles by 2030 and contributing up to 10% to the UAE’s Operation 300Bn initiative Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 07 May 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, announced that it has signed a strategic lease agreement with ROX to establish one of the Middle East’s first advanced AI manufacturing centres in KEZAD Logistics Park (KLP 1), KEZAD Musaffah. The 10,000 square metre facility within KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem will support the development of ROX’s operations, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a competitive destination for vehicle manufacturing and industrial production in the region. The advanced AI manufacturing centre is set to begin operations in the second half of 2026, with a target annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles by 2030, with the potential to contribute up to 10% to the UAE’s Operation 300Bn initiative. Once operational, it will support vehicle production and export across the Middle East and global markets through scalable, intelligent manufacturing capabilities, supporting ROX’s global expansion while advancing KEZAD’s role in next-generation mobility industries. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “Our agreement with ROX reflects KEZAD’s continued role in enabling industrial growth by attracting high-quality investments into Abu Dhabi. As global supply chains evolve, KEZAD provides businesses with the infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory environment required to scale efficiently and compete internationally.” Jarvis, Founder and CEO of ROX said: “Through our agreement with KEZAD Group, we are bringing advanced manufacturing capabilities to Abu Dhabi and helping position the UAE as a globally connected manufacturing and export hub, supporting a broader supply chain around our manufacturing footprint, regional expansion, and the UAE’s long-term industrial ecosystem.” Mohammad Al Kamali, Chief Trade & Industry Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “Abu Dhabi is building one of the world’s most competitive and future-ready industrial ecosystems, where strategic investments are rapidly translated into scaled manufacturing capability and global market access. The establishment of ROX’s facility in KEZAD, facilitated by ADIO, deepens the foundations of this growing ecosystem. More specifically, it reinforces the emirate’s role as a destination of choice for advanced industry, underpinned by world class infrastructure and market connectivity. As Abu Dhabi accelerates industrial growth, it is not only strengthening supply chain resilience and local production, but positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global manufacturing and trade transformation.” Located within KEZAD Musaffah’s KLP project, the facility will benefit from KEZAD’s multimodal logistics connectivity, and access to competitive utilities, supporting efficient operations and enabling access to regional and global markets. As a global AI technology company, ROX integrates advanced new energy technologies with the UAE’s distinctive approach to luxury and outdoor lifestyles. The brand has emerged as a strong contender in the luxury all-terrain SUV segment across the UAE and wider MENA region. To further deepen its presence in core markets and accelerate global expansion, ROX aims to leverage KEZAD’s world-class industrial infrastructure, multimodal logistics network, and established industrial ecosystem to develop a benchmark project for high-end intelligent automotive manufacturing in the Middle East. The agreement aligns with broader industrial growth trends in Abu Dhabi, where strong foreign direct investment inflows and rising non-oil trade continue to drive demand for industrial land, manufacturing capacity and infrastructure. The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED 3.8 trillion in 2025, underscoring the scale and momentum of economic diversification efforts . As industrial ecosystems become more integrated and globally connected, agreements of this nature highlight KEZAD’s role not only as a facilitator of business activity, but as a platform shaping the future of manufacturing, trade, and logistics in the region.

May 07, 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 23 April 2026: AD Ports Group (ADPORTS:ADX), a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced the sale of three warehouses in KEZAD Logistics Park (KLP) in Abu Dhabi to Aldar for AED 650 million (USD 177 million) as part of its strategy to selectively monetise real estate assets to reinvest in the Group and enhance shareholder value. The transaction, comprising three warehouses with a total leasable area of 161,000m2, represents the second warehouse asset sale between the two companies, following Aldar’s acquisition of two built-to-suit warehouses from AD Ports Group in November 2025 for a total consideration of AED 570 million. It also marks the second transaction this year under the Group’s asset optimisation programme, following the January 2026 sale of KEZAD Logistics Park – KLP Free Zone 3, a free zone industrial and logistics group of warehouse assets, to Mair Group for AED 295 million (USD 80.4 million). The transaction underscores the continued strong investor interest in logistics and industrial assets located in Abu Dhabi, with seven local, regional, and international bidders part of the sale process. The proceeds of the transaction, which represents 65% of the minimum AED 1 billion target value from additional asset monetisation transactions set for 2026, will be used to continue to de-leverage the Group’s balance sheet and fund part of this year’s growth projects. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster – AD Ports Group, said: “The successful sale of the three KEZAD Logistics Park warehouses to Aldar reinforces the strength of our asset monetisation model, which enables us to unlock capital at scale and redeploy it with discipline into high-return growth opportunities, including the expansion of our warehouse infrastructure, while continuing to de-leverage the Group’s balance sheet. As our second transaction with Aldar in less than a year, this milestone reflects sustained investor confidence in KEZAD’s world-class industrial ecosystem, and the strength and resilience of Abu Dhabi’s industrial and logistics real estate market.” AD Ports Group’s asset optimisation programme, launched in 2025 is designed to recycle capital into higher returning projects that strengthen the Group’s integrated core businesses across trade, transport, logistics and industrial development. In 2025, the Group generated AED 4.6 billion (USD 1.3 billion) from asset monetisation, including the sale of KEZAD land and warehouses, as well as its 9.77% stake in NMDC Group. KEZAD Group, part of AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster (EC&FZ), is one of the fastest-growing facets of the Group’s integrated trade-related business ecosystem. In 2025, the EC&FZ Cluster revenue rose 45% year-on-year and EBITDA increased 31%. KEZAD’s 550 km² land bank comprises 55% of the UAE’s industrial area, and provides long-dated, recurring revenue streams for the Group, underpinned by 25 to 50-year land leases.

April 23, 2026

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