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The United Arab Emirates has established itself as a global business hub, attracting entrepreneurs and corporations from all over the world. Among its many free zones and industrial areas, KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) stands out as a premier destination for business expansion. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and attractive tax incentives, KEZAD offers an unparalleled opportunity for businesses looking to establish or grow their presence in the UAE. Additionally, the support of Nafis, the UAE government’s Emiratisation program, ensures that businesses in KEZAD can access a highly skilled and capable workforce.
If you’re considering expanding your business in the UAE, here’s why KEZAD should be your top choice.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
One of the biggest advantages of setting up a business in KEZAD is its prime location. Situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, KEZAD provides easy access to major international markets. It is connected to Khalifa Port, one of the region’s most advanced deep-water ports, which allows for seamless import and export operations.
Additionally, businesses in KEZAD benefit from proximity to major highways, airports, and future rail networks, ensuring smooth logistics for companies involved in manufacturing, trade, and logistics. The ability to move goods efficiently is a key factor for businesses that rely on global supply chains, making KEZAD an ideal location for expansion.
Tax Incentives and Business-Friendly Policies
Expanding into KEZAD comes with significant financial advantages, particularly in terms of tax benefits. Businesses operating in the zone enjoy:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Zero import and re-export duties
- No corporate tax for 50 years, renewable
- No restrictions on capital repatriation
- Customs exemptions on raw materials and machinery
These benefits make KEZAD an attractive proposition for businesses looking to maximise their profits while maintaining full control over their operations. Additionally, the simplified licensing process ensures that businesses can set up with minimal bureaucracy, making expansion faster and more efficient.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Facilities
To support various industries, KEZAD offers world-class infrastructure, including industrial plots, warehouses, and office spaces tailored to business needs. The zone is designed to accommodate companies from multiple sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and automotive industries.
With access to cutting-edge technology and utilities, businesses in KEZAD can scale their operations efficiently. Whether it’s a small startup or a multinational corporation, the zone’s flexible space solutions and robust infrastructure provide the ideal environment for growth.
Workforce Solutions through Nafis
One of the challenges businesses face when expanding is securing a skilled and reliable workforce. This is where Nafis, the UAE’s Emiratisation program, plays a crucial role. Nafis is dedicated to increasing the participation of Emirati nationals in the private sector by providing:
- Job placement services
- Upskilling and training programs
- Financial support for Emirati employees
- Guidance for businesses on Emiratisation requirements
By partnering with Nafis, businesses in KEZAD can access a pool of qualified Emirati professionals who have been trained to meet industry demands. The program not only helps companies meet Emiratisation goals but also ensures that they have a workforce that is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive business success.
Ease of Doing Business and Regulatory Support
Expanding into a new market can be a complex process, but KEZAD simplifies this by offering a business-friendly regulatory environment. The zone provides businesses with dedicated support services, ensuring that setting up operations is a seamless process. Companies benefit from:
- One-stop-shop services for licensing and permits
- Efficient customs procedures
- Digital platforms for government transactions
- Legal and business advisory support
The streamlined procedures in KEZAD allow businesses to focus on their core operations without the administrative burdens typically associated with expansion.
Sustainability and Innovation
As the UAE continues to push for sustainable and innovative business practices, KEZAD has implemented several initiatives to support eco-friendly operations. The zone promotes the use of renewable energy, waste management solutions, and green building standards to encourage sustainable industrial growth.
Moreover, businesses looking to invest in research and development can benefit from innovation-driven initiatives that KEZAD has introduced to enhance competitiveness in emerging sectors such as clean energy, AI, and automation.
Opportunities for Different Industries
KEZAD caters to a wide range of industries, including:
- Manufacturing – Industrial plots and warehousing solutions make KEZAD a hub for production facilities.
- Logistics and Trade – With its proximity to Khalifa Port and major highways, the zone is ideal for logistics and distribution businesses.
- Food Processing – Specialised zones with cold storage and food-grade facilities support the food and beverage industry.
- Automotive and Aerospace – The infrastructure in KEZAD is designed to accommodate companies in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
With workforce support from Nafis, businesses across these industries can ensure they have the right talent to sustain their growth and expansion.
Conclusion
For businesses looking to expand in the UAE, KEZAD offers an unbeatable combination of strategic location, tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. The integration of Nafis ensures that companies can access a skilled workforce while fulfilling Emiratisation requirements.
With simplified regulatory processes, world-class facilities, and a commitment to sustainability, KEZAD provides the perfect ecosystem for businesses aiming for long-term success in the UAE. Whether you are a startup or an established multinational, expanding into KEZAD could be the key to unlocking new growth opportunities in one of the most dynamic business environments in the world.