AD Ports Group has unveiled KEZAD Group as part of its ambition towards strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the region’s leading industrial and manufacturing destination.
The move follows the integration of Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) into the newly formed KEZAD Group (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group), which comprises 12 economic zones with a total area of 550 square kilometres, including 100 square kilometres designated as Free Zones.
“Under the guidance of our wise leadership, AD Ports Group is committed to strengthening the foundations of the UAE’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, recognising the significant economic and national benefits that such development will bring,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO, AD Ports Group.
“The launch of KEZAD Group, which brings together our Economic Cities & Free Zones assets, supports the expansion of dedicated ecosystems for strategic industries, boosting access to international markets, integrating advanced technologies, and accelerating the transition to a circular economy.”
“From a business perspective, Economic Cities & Free Zones provides AD Ports Group with revenue generated by long-term contracts, and stimulates further growth across our other operations, as clients deploy our logistics, ports and digital services.”
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KEZAD Group is structured to offer greater opportunities for investors looking to streamline every segment of their supply chain, according to owner AD Ports.
As reported by AD Ports, KEZAD Group will be solely responsible for managing the process of planning, developing, operating, regulating, and promoting combined assets (KIZAD, ZonesCorp and KIZAD Communities) under the AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones portfolio – that makes up 55 per cent of the UAE’s industrial area.
In addition, the company said KEZAD Group will look to invest in infrastructure for key industrial sectors to enhance the ecosystem and creating multiple new revenue streams, such as enhanced gas networks for metal and other heavy industries, and wholesale marketplaces for food and automotives.
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“KEZAD Group is now responsible for the largest integrated trade, logistics and industrial hub in the region and is the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones and workers residential cities in the United Arab Emirates,” said Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmad, CEO, KEZAD GROUP.
“We will deploy this enhanced scale to fully support strategic industries and enable sustainable diversification and growth. By providing a suite of favourable business solutions and economic zone benefits, KEZAD Group will provide an unmatched platform across strategic locations that drives growth across the region and beyond.”
The total purchase consideration (Enterprise Value) amounts to AED514 million ($140 million).
