Metal Park launches world’s first pay-as-you-go metal storage hub in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi

Metal Park launches world’s first pay-as-you-go metal storage hub in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi

Metal Park has launched the first phase of its Dhs110 million storage hub in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), marking a landmark development in the metal logistics sector. The project introduces what is described as the world’s first pay-as-you-go storage facility dedicated to metals, a strategic move aimed at reshaping how metal traders, manufacturers, and stockists manage inventory in a volatile market. Located within KEZAD Free Zone, the Storage Hub is planned as a three-phase project designed to deliver a total capacity of 350,000 metric tonnes of general storage alongside 54,000 cubic metres of shelved, high-density metal storage. Phase One establishes the foundation for this ambitious venture, providing a robust operational platform and a suite of advanced logistics capabilities tailored to the metal sector. The facility represents Metal Park’s inaugural independent metal storage warehouse, signaling a shift toward more specialized, scalable, and technology-driven storage solutions for metals. By concentrating metal-specific storage under a unified, multi-phase framework, the project aims to deliver enhanced efficiency, cost controls, and reliability for businesses across the value chain.

Overview and Strategic Significance of the Storage Hub

The Storage Hub embodies a strategic vision to integrate cutting-edge logistics with sector-specific storage needs, designed to support traders, stockists, manufacturers, and distributors in the metals market. The first phase is framed as a substantial footprint spanning roughly 93,000 square metres and is equipped with an array of features intended to optimize throughput, safety, and inventory oversight. The pay-as-you-go model stands at the heart of the facility’s value proposition, offering flexible storage terms that align with the fluctuating demands of the metals market, enabling users to scale up or down their space as needed without long-term commitment or burdensome fixed costs. This approach is positioned to help market participants manage costs, particularly in periods of price volatility or shifting demand, by tying storage expenses directly to usage rather than capacity held. In addition to the economic rationale, the project is framed as a key component of Abu Dhabi’s broader industrial ecosystem, contributing to KEZAD’s role as a hub for diversification and manufacturing efficiency within the UAE.

The hub’s facility design emphasizes a modular, scalable architecture intended to accommodate evolving needs across the metals sector. Its three-phase development plan targets a total capacity of 350,000 metric tonnes of metal storage and 54,000 cubic metres of shelved storage, underscoring a dual capability to handle bulk commodities and high-density, palletized metal goods. Phase One, while a substantial installation in its own right, sets the stage for the planned expansions by establishing the core capabilities, safety systems, and operational workflows that will support future growth. The project’s emphasis on an independent metal storage warehouse underscores the intent to deliver specialized services that are not readily available through conventional warehousing platforms. As such, Metal Park positions itself as a dedicated partner for the regional metals supply chain, offering targeted logistics strategies and infrastructure that respond to the unique handling, loading, unloading, and storage requirements of metals.

A pivotal dimension of the Storage Hub is its emphasis on advanced logistics solutions tailored to the metal industry. The facility is designed to deliver end-to-end capabilities that improve overall supply chain performance, including rapid loading and offloading, efficient inventory turnover, and enhanced reliability in a market characterized by price swings and changing demand patterns. The intended impact extends beyond mere storage capacity; it encompasses enhanced process efficiency, better space utilization, tighter control of stock movements, and improved cost management for users in the metals value chain. The combination of pay-as-you-go access, state-of-the-art equipment, and strategic positioning within KEZAD aims to create a compelling value proposition for both regional and international metal traders and manufacturers seeking to optimize their logistics footprint.

The project’s broader significance is reinforced by its location and connectivity. The Storage Hub is sited in KEZAD Free Zone, a strategic corridor within Abu Dhabi that links directly to Khalifa Port and benefits from integrated road and rail connectivity. This positions the facility to act as a critical node in multimodal transport networks that serve not only the UAE but also the GCC region and neighboring markets. The strategic location supports faster transit times, reduced handling times, and improved overall supply chain resilience for metal products that require careful handling and controlled storage conditions. By aligning with KEZAD’s expansive network of zones and the Abu Dhabi government’s broader diversification agenda, the Storage Hub contributes to the creation of a robust industrial ecosystem that synergizes warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution capabilities under one umbrella.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the hub emphasizes security and governance as essential components of its value proposition. The facility is conceived as a gated community featuring round-the-clock surveillance, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding valuable metal inventories in a sector where asset protection and theft risk management are critical considerations. The security framework is designed to complement operational excellence, ensuring that stores, materials, and equipment remain protected while enabling efficient access for authorized users. This combination of security, efficiency, and scale is intended to reinforce confidence among market participants, stimulate investment in the region’s metal sector, and support sustainable growth across KEZAD and Abu Dhabi’s broader industrial landscape.

The storage hub’s strategic connectivity underpins its potential to enhance regional trade flows. Direct access to Khalifa Port via a modular road is a cornerstone feature, enabling streamlined import and export operations for metals. The facility’s connectivity to the Etihad Rail network and major highways further expands its reach, facilitating smoother cross-border movements to the Northern Emirates and across the GCC region. These multimodal linkages are designed to reduce lead times, lower logistics costs, and support more predictable delivery schedules for metal goods that require rapid response times or just-in-time inventory strategies. In a market where supply chain reliability is paramount, the Storage Hub’s location is a critical driver of competitive advantage for users who rely on timely, cost-effective metal storage and distribution.

The involvement of KEZAD Group, AD Ports Group, and Metal Park in this initiative signals a coordinated approach to building an integrated industrial ecosystem. KEZAD Group’s footprint, as the UAE’s largest operator of integrated economic zones, provides a framework for collaboration, policy alignment, and shared infrastructure that benefits tenants across multiple sectors. The Storage Hub is positioned to leverage KEZAD’s ongoing development, including interconnected zones, logistics networks, and the region’s regulatory and governance components that facilitate cross-border trade and investment. This synergy is expected to amplify the facility’s impact on the metals market by delivering not only storage capacity but also a reliable, multi-faceted platform for procurement, production, and distribution activities in the region.

As the project advances, the storage hub’s performance will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, policy-makers, and investors who are seeking tangible evidence of how a purpose-built metal logistics facility can reshape regional supply chains. The combination of an innovative pay-as-you-go model, metal-specific storage capabilities, and a location that anchors multimodal connectivity offers a distinctive value proposition in a market where traditional warehousing models may not address the volatility and specificity of metal logistics. The facility’s long-term vision, anchored in a three-phase development plan, points toward a future where Metal Park and KEZAD together deliver a more agile, transparent, and cost-effective metal storage and distribution network for Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the wider Gulf region.

Key features and capabilities in Phase One

  • The Phase One footprint covers approximately 93,000 square metres of mixed-use storage and handling space, designed to optimize flow and throughput for metal products.
  • The hub includes 26 overhead cranes with lifting capacities of up to 40 metric tonnes, enabling efficient handling of diverse metal forms and containerized loads.
  • A total of 55 loading bays for trucks are incorporated to support rapid loading and unloading activities, reducing dwell times and improving turnover rates.
  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are deployed to support intra-facility movement, contributing to safer and more deterministic operations while freeing up human operators for higher-value tasks.
  • The facility is capable of loading and offloading up to 48,000 metric tonnes daily, illustrating a robust throughput profile aligned with the needs of a dynamic metals market.
  • Additional design elements include vertical storage to maximize space utilization, a cantilever truck loading system to support efficient handling of varying load configurations, and three weighbridges to monitor tonnage with precision.
  • The weighbridges are arranged with two at 15 metres and one at 30 metres, each offering a capacity of 150 metric tonnes to accommodate heavy metal cargos.
  • Security is a core design principle, with the facility planned as a gated community featuring 24/7 surveillance and controlled access to ensure the integrity of stored materials.
  • The strategic location supports direct port access and seamless rail connectivity, enabling rapid import and export of metals and facilitating cross-regional supply chain operations.
  • The modular road connectivity to Khalifa Port and integration with Etihad Rail and major highways bolster multi-modal logistics, minimizing handling steps and reducing overall transit times.
  • The layout and operational capabilities are intentionally designed to support both bulk metal handling and high-density shelved storage, offering flexibility for diverse customer needs.
  • The combination of advanced equipment, automation where appropriate, and a scalable development plan positions Phase One as a strong platform for the anticipated growth of the metals logistics market in Abu Dhabi and the wider region.

Phase One Details and Operational Capabilities

The first stage delivers a substantial, purpose-built environment for metal storage and handling, with a concrete plan to scale as demand evolves. The 93,000 square metres of operational space are configured to accommodate diverse metal forms—from bulk metal ingots and slabs to rolled products, bars, and shape metals—while enabling efficient stacking, retrieval, and inventory control processes. The 26 overhead cranes are tailored to handle heavy loads and enable precise placement of metal stock within the facility, supporting high-throughput throughput without compromising safety or accuracy. The cranes’ capacities, up to 40 metric tonnes, are aligned with standard industry requirements for metal handling, ensuring the ability to manage a wide variety of product dimensions and configurations.

Truck loading and unloading are supported by 55 loading bays, designed to minimize bottlenecks and maximize vehicle utilization. The bays are integrated into a workflow that promotes rapid cycles of inbound and outbound movements, reducing dwell times and improving overall asset utilization. Within the facility, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) contribute to a safer, more predictable movement of goods across aisles and storage zones. The AGVs reduce manual handling exposure to workers while increasing operational precision in stock placement and retrieval. The throughput capability of 48,000 metric tonnes per day indicates a strong capacity to handle peak volumes, aligning with seasonal demand surges or market-driven spikes in metal activity.

In addition to bulk handling capacity, the storage hub also emphasizes vertical storage for space optimization. Vertical storage is structured to increase density and enable efficient use of height, a critical consideration given the dense nature of metal products and the need to maximize floor space for diverse storage configurations. A cantilever truck loading system further complements the facility’s capability to load and unload metal goods with minimized interference or obstruction, enabling smoother operations for vehicles with varying load profiles. The weighbridge configuration—two 15-metre units and one 30-metre unit, each rated at 150 metric tonnes—provides robust, scalable measurement capabilities essential for precise stock control, compliance with regulatory requirements, and accurate invoicing based on weight data.

Security and governance form a central pillar of the Phase One design. The facility’s gated community approach means that access is controlled and monitored around the clock, with surveillance systems integrated into a broader security architecture to deter theft and ensure the safety of personnel and materials. This security framework is intended to complement operational efficiency by enabling reliable access for authorized users while maintaining rigorous safeguards for stored inventories. The design also anticipates the need for traceability and documentation that supports accurate stock-keeping, movement history, and compliance with industry standards for metal storage.

Geographic positioning and multimodal connectivity underpin operational resilience. The Storage Hub’s location provides direct access to Khalifa Port via a modular road, which is expected to streamline import and export cycles and lower the total landed cost for metal products. The connection to Etihad Rail expands the potential for efficient cross-border transport and freight movements along established rail corridors. The road network linking Abu Dhabi to the Northern Emirates and across the GCC further strengthens the project’s ability to serve regional trade flows, supporting both importation of raw material and distribution of finished metal products to key markets.

Security, efficiency, and connectivity combine to form a comprehensive value proposition for Phase One users. The gated, surveilled environment ensures asset protection while the automated and semi-automated equipment supports faster handling times and improved accuracy in stock management. The modular infrastructure and scalable design are intended to permit subsequent expansion, enabling the facility to absorb additional capacity or diversify its service offerings as market demand evolves. The combination of space, equipment, and connectivity demonstrates a commitment to creating a metal-focused logistics platform that can adapt to changing market dynamics and customer requirements over time.

Leadership Perspectives and Strategic Implications

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones at AD Ports Group, described the launch as a major milestone for Metal Park and KEZAD’s expanding industrial ecosystem. His perspective emphasizes the strategic importance of this initiative in advancing ecosystems driven by innovation and catalyzing industrial growth within KEZAD. Al Hameli underscored the role of the project in supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader objectives of economic diversification, highlighting how innovative logistics and storage solutions can reinforce the region’s competitiveness in the global metals market. The emphasis on ecosystem development signals a broader vision where infrastructure, policy, and private-sector investment converge to accelerate industrial activity and support a resilient, diversified economy.

Saleh Shahrestani, chairman of Metal Park, highlighted the hub’s potential to improve efficiency and lower costs for actors within the metals sector. He pointed out that as the region’s first metal fulfillment centre, the Storage Hub can help traders and stockists manage costs in a volatile market while allowing manufacturers to optimize production space and expand distribution networks. Shahrestani’s comments reflect a belief that specialized, scalable storage and logistics facilities can provide tangible financial and operational benefits, including reduced inventory carrying costs, improved liquidity, and more agile supply chains. His remarks also emphasize the hub’s capacity to empower manufacturers to make more efficient use of their production lines, freeing up space for other uses or more flexible manufacturing arrangements as demand patterns fluctuate.

These leadership perspectives collectively frame the Storage Hub as a strategic instrument for Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and industrial modernization. The project aligns with the broader objectives of KEZAD Group and AD Ports Group to develop a robust, interconnected network of economic zones and logistics capabilities that can attract investment, accelerate industrial activity, and support sustainable growth in key sectors. By positioning the hub within a growing ecosystem, the leadership signals confidence in the region’s ability to attract international and regional metal industry players who are seeking reliable, scalable, and cost-effective storage and distribution solutions.

KEZAD Group’s Role and the UAE’s Integrated Economic Zones Strategy

KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, stands as the UAE’s largest operator of integrated economic zones. The group operates across 12 separate economic zones within Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, covering a combined area of about 550 square kilometres and hosting more than 2,100 investors across 17 key industrial sectors. The breadth of KEZAD’s footprint and the scale of its portfolio reflect a strategic commitment to creating a holistic, interconnected ecosystem that supports manufacturing, logistics, trade, and investment within the United Arab Emirates. The Storage Hub aligns with KEZAD’s broader objectives of facilitating industrial expansion, improving logistics efficiency, and enabling favorable conditions for investors to establish, grow, and diversify their operations in one of the GCC’s most dynamic markets.

The integration of the Storage Hub into KEZAD’s Free Zone framework offers several potential advantages for tenants and the broader market. KEZAD’s governance model and its positioning within the AD Ports Group ecosystem can enhance regulatory alignment, streamline customs and cross-border processes, and provide access to port and rail infrastructure that underpin efficient supply chains. The company’s multi-zone approach enables cross-leveraging of assets, shared services, and integrated planning across sectors, which can unlock synergies for metal-related industries and reduce operational frictions for participants in the supply chain. By leveraging KEZAD’s extensive network, the Storage Hub can maximize its reach to regional and international markets, while also benefiting from policy support and investment incentives associated with the UAE’s strategic development agenda.

The KEZAD Group’s portfolio is characterized by a focus on industrial diversification and economic resilience. The presence of a dedicated metal storage and fulfillment capability within KEZAD’s ecosystem is consistent with a broader strategy to provide specialized infrastructure that serves high-value, complex industries. The combination of a free zone environment, advanced logistics, and proximity to port and rail connectivity creates a compelling proposition for metal traders seeking efficient, predictable, and scalable storage solutions. Moreover, KEZAD’s network can facilitate the integration of metal storage with related activities such as refining, processing, machining, and value-added services, enabling a smoother transition from raw material handling to finished or semi-finished metal products.

The UAE’s integrated economic zones strategy underpins a national emphasis on logistics excellence, export-oriented manufacturing, and diversification away from oil dependence. The Storage Hub’s development within KEZAD is emblematic of this approach, leveraging a multi-faceted infrastructure stack to support cross-border trade and regional supply chain integration. The initiative contributes to Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a logistics and industrial hub within the GCC, reinforcing the region’s capability to attract global metal players seeking reliable, scalable, and technologically advanced facilities. As the UAE continues to invest in port infrastructure, rail networks, road connectivity, and digitalized customs processes, the Storage Hub stands to benefit from ongoing improvements in efficiency and reliability across the wider logistics ecosystem.

Economic Impact, Market Implications, and Customer Value

The introduction of a pay-as-you-go storage facility dedicated to metals represents a notable shift in how the region’s metal industry approaches warehousing and inventory management. The pricing model offers flexibility that can be particularly advantageous for traders navigating price volatility, seasonal demand shifts, or project-based inventory holdings. By enabling customers to pay only for the storage they actually use, the hub can help minimize unnecessary fixed costs and improve cash flow management. This flexibility is expected to appeal to a broad range of market participants, from small traders to large manufacturers seeking scalable storage solutions without committing to long-term lease arrangements.

In addition to cost discipline, the hub’s architecture and capabilities promise improvements in operational efficiency. The combination of 26 overhead cranes, 55 loading bays, AGVs, and a high-throughput daily handling capacity provides a robust infrastructure that can support faster material movement, reduced handling times, and more predictable stock turnover. The ability to move 48,000 metric tonnes daily is a strong throughput signal, suggesting that users can handle large shipments or multiple shipments within a single day without creating congestion or delays. For manufacturers, the ability to optimize production space by freeing up on-site storage and leveraging centralized metal stock in a dedicated facility can contribute to lean manufacturing practices, improved production scheduling, and more flexible distribution networks.

From a logistical perspective, the hub’s direct access to Khalifa Port and connections to Etihad Rail and major highways create a multi-modal backbone that enhances regional trade capabilities. The proximity to Khalifa Port reduces the distance between port side handling and warehouse storage, potentially shortening the overall lead time for import and export cycles. Rail connectivity can enable faster inland movement for heavier or bulk metal shipments, while high-quality highway links support efficient last-mile delivery to distribution centers, processing facilities, or end customers across the region. This integrated transport accessibility is a critical advantage in a market where time-to-market, reliability, and cost competitiveness are essential for staying ahead of global competitors.

The hub’s location within KEZAD and the UAE’s broader industrial framework also positions it to benefit from policy support, investor confidence, and ecosystem synergies. The integration with KEZAD’s zones, coupled with AD Ports Group’s port and logistics capabilities, can streamline regulatory processes, tax efficiency, and access to investment incentives that may lower the overall cost of doing business for participants in metals’ supply chains. The anticipated ecosystem effects include greater cross-connection among metal producers, processing facilities, logistics providers, and traders, enabling more efficient stock routing, quicker response to demand changes, and the potential for co-located services such as packaging, testing, or value-added processing in the future. The cumulative impact may be felt in improved supply chain resilience, reduced stockouts, and enhanced competitiveness for regional metals players on both regional and international stages.

In terms of market positioning, the Storage Hub’s claim as the world’s first pay-as-you-go metal fulfillment centre highlights a distinctive differentiator in a field that has long relied on traditional warehousing arrangements. If successfully deployed at scale, this model could influence industry expectations, spur similar offerings elsewhere, and drive further innovation in metal logistics solutions. The hub’s performance will be closely watched by market participants, policymakers, and investors who seek evidence of how purpose-built storage facilities can transform the economics of metal handling, inventory management, and distribution networks in the GCC and beyond. While the first phase demonstrates the potential, the full three-phase plan signals a long-term commitment to growth, continuous improvement, and ongoing investment in the region’s metals logistics infrastructure.

Phase Two and Phase Three: Growth Trajectory and Future Capabilities

Although the current release focuses on Phase One, the three-phase development plan foresees substantial expansion in capacity, capability, and service breadth. Phase Two and Phase Three are anticipated to build on the foundation established in Phase One by increasing the combined storage capacity beyond 350,000 metric tonnes, expanding shelved storage to accommodate more metal types and configurations, and introducing additional automated systems, loading facilities, and handling optimizations. The phased approach is designed to ensure that the facility can adapt to evolving market needs, including shifting volumes, new metal categories, and evolving customer requirements for value-added services.

The expansion timeline is likely to emphasize scalability and modularity, allowing the Storage Hub to add new storage blocks, additional cranes, more loading bays, and expanded vertical storage capacity as demand grows. This could also entail the introduction of more advanced automation technologies, enhanced inventory management systems, and further integration with digital platforms that provide real-time stock visibility, automated order processing, and improved analytics for customers. The long-term strategic objective is to transform the Storage Hub into a comprehensive metals logistics platform capable of supporting end-to-end supply chain activities—from inbound material receipt and quality checks to storage, stock monitoring, value-added processing, and outbound distribution.

Future phases may also broaden service offerings beyond pure storage and loading. Potential additions could include value-added services such as material testing, surface treatment, packaging, customization, and consolidation services to support more complex customer requirements. The expansion could also extend to improving sustainability and energy efficiency through property design enhancements, waste management improvements, and the potential integration of energy-efficient systems or renewable energy solutions as part of KEZAD’s broader environmental initiatives. The phased expansion is designed to deliver a more competitive cost structure, greater capacity, and an expanded menu of value-added services that align with the needs of metal producers, processors, and traders across the GCC region and beyond.

In terms of market impact, the phased growth approach is expected to enable incremental demand generation as Phase Two and Phase Three come online, creating opportunities for new tenants and expanding the facility’s geographic reach. The expansion could attract additional metal sector participants who require large-scale, multi-modal storage and distribution capabilities with flexible pricing models. As the hub scales, it could also support more sophisticated supply chain strategies, such as regional stock optimization, cross-docking, and collaborative planning with suppliers and customers. The result could be a more resilient and efficient metals logistics network in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, contributing to the region’s standing as a strategic hub for metal trading, processing, and distribution in the GCC.

Sustainability, Governance, and Operational Excellence

Sustainability considerations are becoming increasingly central to industrial infrastructure projects, and the Storage Hub’s design reflects a commitment to safe, efficient, and forward-looking operations. The facility’s gated, 24/7 surveillance framework is complemented by a focus on structured workflow, operational discipline, and risk management practices designed to minimize incidents and optimize throughput. In addition to safety, there is potential for future sustainability enhancements, such as optimizing energy use through efficient lighting, power management for cranes and AGVs, and potential integration of renewable energy sources as part of KEZAD’s broader environmental initiatives. The holistic governance and operations approach is expected to support compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements while delivering reliable, scalable performance for tenants.

Operational excellence is also embedded in the facility’s planning and design. The combination of high-capacity cranes, multiple weighbridges, extensive loading bays, AGV-based intra-facility movement, and vertical storage reflects a thoughtful balance between automation, manual oversight, and human expertise. The result is a facility that can adapt to changing conditions, whether due to market cycles, product mix shifts, or evolving customer needs. The emphasis on reliability, safety, efficiency, and scalability aligns with best practices for industrial logistics hubs and demonstrates a mature approach to managing a high-value, sensitive commodity like metals.

From a market perspective, the Storage Hub’s introduction adds a new dimension to the UAE’s metal logistics landscape. The pay-as-you-go model disrupts conventional storage arrangements and offers a flexible, performance-driven approach to inventory management that is likely to attract interest from a wide range of market participants. The hub’s multi-modal connectivity, strategic location, and scalable design collectively position it as a compelling platform for metal trading, distribution, and processing activities across Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the GCC region. As the project progresses through subsequent phases, stakeholders will be watching for evidence of how the facility’s capabilities translate into measurable improvements in cost efficiency, supply chain resilience, and market agility for metals participants in the region.

Conclusion

The first phase of Metal Park’s Dhs110 million Storage Hub in KEZAD Free Zone represents a landmark step in reimagining metals logistics in Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf region. By delivering a purpose-built, pay-as-you-go storage facility with a total planned capacity of 350,000 metric tonnes and 54,000 cubic metres of shelved storage across three phases, the project aims to set a new standard for metal storage and distribution. Phase One, spanning approximately 93,000 square metres, incorporates a suite of advanced handling capabilities, including 26 overhead cranes up to 40 metric tonnes, 55 loading bays, automated guided vehicles, and a daily load/offload capacity of 48,000 metric tonnes. The facility’s design emphasizes vertical storage, a cantilever loading system, and three weighbridges, reinforcing a strong focus on efficiency, accuracy, and scale. Security remains a core priority, with a gated access framework and around-the-clock surveillance designed to protect valuable inventories and support reliable operations.

Strategically positioned to leverage direct Khalifa Port access, Etihad Rail connectivity, and major highways linking Abu Dhabi to the Northern Emirates and the GCC, the Storage Hub stands to enhance regional trade, reduce lead times, and lower logistics costs for metals market participants. The project’s leadership, including Abdullah Al Hameli of AD Ports Group and Saleh Shahrestani of Metal Park, frames the initiative as a catalyst for ecosystem growth, industrial diversification, and enhanced competitiveness for the UAE’s metals sector. KEZAD Group’s broader mandate as the UAE’s largest operator of integrated economic zones reinforces the Storage Hub’s potential to benefit from a coordinated, multi-zone approach to industrial development, investor activity, and cross-sector collaboration across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

As the project unfolds, the Storage Hub is positioned to influence not only storage capacity but also the efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness of the metals supply chain in the region. The envisaged three-phase expansion promises further capacity, enhanced automation, broader service offerings, and an even more integrated ecosystem with KEZAD’s zones and AD Ports Group’s infrastructure. In sum, the Storage Hub represents a bold, forward-looking investment that aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities: reinforcing its role as a regional logistics and manufacturing hub, driving industrial diversification, and delivering tangible benefits to metals traders, manufacturers, and wider economic activity across the UAE and beyond.

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