The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) stands as one of the United Arab Emirates’ most ambitious and vital economic zones. Strategically located near Abu Dhabi city and the Khalifa Port, ICAD has grown into a powerhouse of industrial development, attracting local and international investors, manufacturers, and logistics companies. As the UAE continues to diversify its economy beyond oil, ICAD plays a central role in building a robust industrial and manufacturing ecosystem.
This article explores the key features of ICAD, its industrial sectors, infrastructure, investment opportunities, and why it is a magnet for businesses seeking to establish a footprint in the Middle East.
What is the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) is a specialized economic and manufacturing zone located approximately 30 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city. Operated by ZonesCorp, a part of AD Ports Group, ICAD covers more than 40 square kilometers and is divided into several sub-zones tailored to specific industries.
ICAD is designed to support the UAE’s long-term vision of creating a competitive industrial sector, enhancing non-oil GDP, and promoting job creation for Emiratis.
ICAD Zones: Organized by Sector
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is divided into three main zones, each designed to cater to specific industrial needs:
🔹 ICAD I:
- Heavy industries such as steel, aluminum, and construction materials
- Large manufacturing facilities
- Close proximity to logistics and shipping hubs
🔹 ICAD II:
- Medium to light industries including food processing, plastics, and electrical goods
- Emphasis on innovation and technology adoption
- Well-suited for SMEs and mid-sized companies
🔹 ICAD III:
- High-tech and clean industries
- Pharmaceuticals, advanced machinery, aerospace, and electronics
- Sustainable design and green energy usage
These zones are fully serviced with roads, power, water, sewerage, and telecommunications, ensuring operational efficiency for tenants.
Key Industries in ICAD
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi hosts a diverse range of industries, supporting both upstream and downstream activities. Some of the primary sectors include:
🏗 Heavy Manufacturing:
- Steel rolling mills
- Cement production
- Metal casting and forging
- Fabrication workshops
🧴 Light and Medium Manufacturing:
- Food and beverage processing
- Plastic packaging
- Electrical and home appliances
- Paper products
💊 Advanced and Clean Industries:
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Renewable energy technology
- Aerospace parts and systems
- Robotics and industrial automation
🛠 Supporting Services:
- Warehousing and logistics
- Industrial maintenance services
- Labor camps and staff accommodation
- Testing and calibration labs
This industrial diversity makes ICAD a central pillar of the UAE’s strategy for a sustainable, non-oil economy.
Advantages of Setting Up in ICAD
Investors and manufacturers looking to operate in the UAE often choose ICAD due to several strategic advantages:
✅ Strategic Location:
- Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport, seaports, and highways
- Easy access to the UAE and GCC markets
✅ Infrastructure and Utilities:
- High-capacity power and water connections
- Road networks designed for heavy transport
- Advanced telecom and broadband services
✅ Customizable Land and Facilities:
- Land plots for lease tailored to business size
- Build-to-suit industrial facilities
- Worker accommodation and office space nearby
✅ Business-Friendly Environment:
- 100% foreign ownership (in designated zones)
- No import/export duties within the GCC
- Streamlined licensing and approvals via ZonesCorp
- Investor support services including legal, labor, and insurance assistance
Government Support and Investment Incentives
The UAE government and Abu Dhabi authorities offer strong support for businesses setting up in ICAD, including:
- Exemption from corporate tax (limited sectors)
- No personal income tax
- Access to skilled local and expatriate workforce
- Incentives for R&D and green energy adoption
- Support for Emiratization and job creation programs
ICAD also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s “Operation 300bn” industrial strategy, which aims to increase the sector’s GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031.
ICAD and Abu Dhabi Ports: A Logistics Powerhouse
With its proximity to Khalifa Port—one of the Middle East’s most advanced seaports—ICAD is a strategic hub for manufacturing and export operations. Businesses located in ICAD benefit from:
- Direct connectivity to port facilities
- Integrated customs and logistics services
- Advanced warehousing and cargo handling systems
- Quick access to global shipping routes
This connectivity reduces time-to-market and enhances supply chain efficiency for companies operating across the GCC, Africa, and Asia.
Notable Companies in ICAD
Many global and regional industry leaders have chosen ICAD as their base of operations due to its infrastructure, workforce availability, and strategic advantages. Some prominent names include:
- Emirates Steel Industries
- Abu Dhabi Ship Building
- Ducab (cables and wires)
- National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC)
- Al Masaood Group
- Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar)
These success stories further underscore ICAD’s reputation as a trusted destination for industrial growth.
Future Outlook: Sustainability and Innovation
ICAD continues to evolve with a growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The zone is integrating:
- Solar energy solutions for powering factories
- Waste management and recycling systems
- Smart factory concepts and automation
- AI and IoT applications for energy efficiency
These trends align with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals and Abu Dhabi’s plans to become a global innovation hub.
How to Set Up a Business in ICAD
The process of establishing a business in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is straightforward, especially with the help of ZonesCorp and government support platforms.
Steps Include:
- Submit project proposal to ZonesCorp
- Select land plot or facility based on sector and space needs
- Apply for business license (industrial or commercial)
- Obtain approvals from relevant government departments
- Begin construction or fit-out of facility
- Recruit workforce and begin operations
ZonesCorp offers dedicated relationship managers to guide investors through every step.
Conclusion: Industrial City of Abu Dhabi Is the Future of Manufacturing
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is not just an industrial zone—it’s the beating heart of the UAE’s industrial transformation. With world-class infrastructure, a diverse range of industries, proximity to ports, and investor-friendly policies, ICAD offers unmatched potential for manufacturers and industrial players.
Whether you’re a global manufacturer, a tech innovator, or an SME looking to scale, ICAD provides the perfect foundation for growth in the Middle East. As Abu Dhabi pushes toward a diversified, sustainable economy, ICAD stands ready to lead the charge.
