The metal-storage landscape in Abu Dhabi is undergoing a major transformation as Metal Park unveils the first phase of its Dhs110 million Storage Hub in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). Touted as the world’s first pay-as-you-go storage facility dedicated to the metal industry, the hub marks a significant step forward for KEZAD and its expanding industrial ecosystem. Located within KEZAD Free Zone, this project will be developed in three phases, delivering a combined storage capacity of 350,000 metric tonnes and 54,000 cubic metres of shelved storage exclusively for metals. The launch of phase one sets the stage for a broader, strategically integrated facility designed to streamline metal logistics and catalyze industrial growth in the region.
Overview of the Storage Hub and Phase One
The Storage Hub represents a milestone in the metal sector, combining advanced logistics capabilities with flexible storage solutions for traders, stockists, manufacturers, and other industry players. Phase one, occupying approximately 93,000 square metres, is engineered to handle substantial throughput and complex operations. The facility features 26 overhead cranes with lifting capacities of up to 40 metric tonnes, enabling efficient handling of heavy metal loads and seamless movement of materials within the warehouse environment. Integrated into the site are 55 loading bays for trucks and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which together underpin robust unloading and loading workflows and support high-volume operations.
A core attribute of the hub is its load-offload capacity, designed to accommodate daily flows of metals at up to 48,000 metric tonnes. This capability is complemented by a mix of storage modalities, including vertical storage configurations and a cantilever truck loading system, optimizing space utilization and enhancing access to stored materials. The facility also includes three weighbridges—two measuring 15 metres and one measuring 30 metres—each with a loading capacity of 150 metric tonnes. These weighbridges support precise inventory management, quality control, and compliance with industry logistics standards.
Security and site integrity are prioritized through a gated community concept, accompanied by continuous surveillance available around the clock. This security framework ensures safe storage of valuable metal assets and protects against unauthorized access, theft, or damage, while maintaining a controlled, trackable environment for all operations. The combination of security, automation, and scalable capacity positions the Storage Hub as a modern hub for metal logistics, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic and often volatile market.
Strategically, the hub is designed to integrate with broader regional infrastructure and logistics networks. Its location provides direct access to Khalifa Port via a modular road, enabling rapid maritime connections for importing and exporting metal products. In addition, the facility connects to the Etihad Rail network and is linked to major highways that bridge Abu Dhabi with the Northern Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This triad of access points—port, rail, and road—creates a highly efficient multimodal logistics corridor, reducing transit times, lowering handling costs, and enhancing supply chain resilience for metal traders and manufacturers operating in or through the UAE.
The project embodies a pay-as-you-go storage concept described as the world’s first of its kind for metals. This approach offers flexible, scalable storage capacity that can adapt to changing demand and market conditions, allowing users to pay for storage as they use it rather than committing to long-term, fixed-term leases. The emphasis on flexibility, coupled with high-throughput capabilities, positions the Storage Hub to support rapid inventory rotation, just-in-time production needs, and more agile distribution networks for metal products across regional and global markets.
In parallel with the hard infrastructure, the hub’s design reflects a forward-looking service model intended to optimize logistics workflows. The inclusion of AGVs and a highly navigable layout supports efficient material handling and minimizes the manual labor required for routine movements, contributing to productivity gains and lower operating costs over time. The vertical storage approach, alongside the cantilever loading system, expands the usable footprint of the site, enabling more efficient stacking and retrieval of metal inventories in a controlled, accessible manner.
Overall, phase one establishes a solid foundation for the Storage Hub’s long-term goals. The facility is positioned to evolve over two subsequent phases, culminating in a comprehensive storage ecosystem that aligns with KEZAD’s broader objective to cultivate a thriving, innovation-driven, and diversified industrial landscape in Abu Dhabi. By delivering a substantial initial capacity and a scalable platform for future expansion, the project signals a commitment to supporting metal industry players as they navigate volatility, optimize production capacity, and extend distribution networks within the UAE and across the GCC region.
Additional insights into operations and impact
This first phase emphasizes operational resilience and efficiency in every aspect of metal handling. The cranes’ capacities up to 40 metric tonnes are designed to accommodate a wide range of metal products, including heavy profiles, coils, sheets, and other bulk metal forms frequently used by manufacturers and stockists. The 55 loading bays facilitate quick turnarounds for truck traffic, reducing dwell times and enabling smoother inbound and outbound logistics. The automated guided vehicles (AGVs) contribute to a safer, more predictable workflow by taking on repetitive transport tasks and reducing the risk of manual handling injuries.
The three weighbridges provide critical metrics for inventory control, inbound inspection, and outbound documentation. With two 15-metre weighbridges and one 30-metre weighbridge, the facility can accommodate a variety of vehicle sizes and configurations, supporting accurate measurement and charge calculations for multiple shipments in a single day. The 24/7 surveillance and gated community design underpin not only security but also supplier and customer confidence, which is crucial for a sector where inventory integrity and risk management directly influence profitability.
The strategic accessibility to Khalifa Port connects the Storage Hub to global maritime routes, enabling swift import and export cycles for metal products. The link to Etihad Rail further enhances the potential for efficient inland distribution, linking Abu Dhabi with other emirates and neighboring regions. The network of highways that ties Abu Dhabi to the Northern Emirates and the GCC region ensures that customers can convene near-constant operating schedules, reducing lead times between procurement, processing, and delivery. Taken together, these elements create a logistics backbone capable of supporting large-scale metal trading, warehousing, and fulfillment operations with a level of speed and reliability that is uncommon in the region.
From a market perspective, the world’s first pay-as-you-go model is particularly noteworthy amid ongoing price fluctuations and demand shifts in metal markets. While the exact commercial terms are not disclosed in the initial announcement, the concept implies a flexible storage arrangement that can help traders and manufacturers navigate volatility by aligning storage costs with actual usage. For stockists managing inventory levels in response to market conditions, the ability to scale storage up or down without long-term commitments can translate into meaningful cost savings and improved cash-flow management. For manufacturers, access to ready-to-fulfill storage space adjacent to port and rail connections can free up production facilities, optimize space usage, and expand distribution reach.
In terms of capacity, phase one lays down a substantial footprint that can accommodate significant volumes of metal products and associated inventory. The combined capacity of 350,000 metric tonnes across the three phases, along with 54,000 cubic metres of shelved storage, ensures that the hub can serve a diverse set of customers—from small traders to large industrial users—with varying degrees of storage intensity and turnover rates. The phased approach also signals an intention to scale operations in alignment with market demand and regional growth, enabling incremental investments that respond to evolving needs within KEZAD and Abu Dhabi’s broader industrial agenda.
The Storage Hub also complements KEZAD’s broader mission to foster an innovative, diversified industrial ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. As a symbol of collaboration between Metal Park, KEZAD, and AD Ports Group, the project highlights how integrated zones and specialized infrastructure can act as catalysts for industrial expansion, efficiency improvements, and regional competitiveness. The alignment of storage capabilities with multimodal transport access provides a powerful platform for value creation across supply chains, from raw material sourcing to end-user distribution, ultimately contributing to more robust and resilient metal markets within the UAE and the GCC region.
The initiative is framed as a major milestone for both KEZAD and Metal Park. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones at AD Ports Group, described the launch as a pivotal moment that underscores the growth of KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem and its capacity to foster innovation-driven ecosystems. He emphasized that the project supports ongoing industrial expansion in KEZAD while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy of economic diversification. Saleh Shahrestani, chairman of Metal Park, underscored the hub’s potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs for the metal sector. He noted that, as the region’s first metal fulfillment centre, the facility will help traders and stockists manage costs amid market volatility while enabling manufacturers to optimize production space and expand distribution networks. These statements reflect a shared vision among key players that the Storage Hub is more than a warehouse—it is a strategic platform for regional trade facilitation, cost optimization, and logistical resilience.
KEZAD Group stands as a central figure in this ecosystem. As the largest operator of integrated economic zones in the UAE, KEZAD Group spans 12 economic zones across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, covering 550 square kilometres and hosting more than 2,100 investors across 17 key industrial sectors. This scale underscores the strategic importance of the Storage Hub within a broader framework designed to attract investment, promote diversification, and accelerate industrial activity in one of the UAE’s most dynamic economic corridors. The hub’s development aligns with KEZAD Group’s overarching aim to provide integrated, interconnected, and strategically located facilities that can support modern manufacturing, logistics, and distribution networks, thereby reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for trade, commerce, and industry.
In summary, the first phase of the Dhs110 million Storage Hub in KEZAD Free Zone represents a bold blend of high-capacity storage, advanced handling capabilities, and multimodal connectivity designed to reshape metal logistics in the region. The project’s emphasis on pay-as-you-go flexibility, combined with direct port and rail access, positions it to deliver tangible value for a wide range of metal industry participants. As the facility progresses through subsequent phases, the hub could become a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s industrial ecosystem, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling more agile, resilient supply chains that can respond effectively to market dynamics in the GCC and beyond.
Strategic Significance for KEZAD, Metal Park, and Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Ecosystem
Metal Park’s Storage Hub is not just a standalone facility; it represents a strategic keystone within KEZAD’s expanding industrial ecosystem and Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification agenda. The launch is described by Abdullah Al Hameli, the CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones at AD Ports Group, as a major milestone that signals the growth of Metal Park and KEZAD’s evolving industrial landscape. He emphasizes the commitment to fostering ecosystems driven by innovation, positioning KEZAD as a catalyst for industrial expansion and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification efforts. The emphasis on innovation, scalability, and ecosystem development reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate storage, logistics, and manufacturing within a single, interconnected framework that can attract additional investment and support long-term growth.
From Metal Park’s perspective, Saleh Shahrestani, the chairman, highlights the hub’s potential to enhance efficiency and reduce costs for participants in the metal sector. He notes that, as the region’s first metal fulfillment centre, the facility will provide a more cost-effective environment for traders and stockists to manage costs in a volatile market. By offering closer proximity to production facilities and end markets, the hub also enables manufacturers to optimize space usage within production environments and to broaden their distribution networks. This perspective underscores a broader industry-wide benefit: a more integrated, responsive supply chain that can adjust to changing demand patterns, price fluctuations, and global trade dynamics.
The Storage Hub is also emblematic of KEZAD Group’s overarching vision. KEZAD Group stands as the UAE’s largest operator of integrated economic zones, with a footprint that encompasses 12 economic zones across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The portfolio spans 550 square kilometres and hosts more than 2,100 investors across 17 key industrial sectors. This scale provides a unique platform to host specialized facilities like the Storage Hub, enabling synergies with other sectors and adjacent activities within KEZAD’s zones. The integration of metal storage with port access, rail connectivity, and regional road networks aligns with the group’s strategy to deliver a holistic, end-to-end logistics and manufacturing ecosystem that can attract global businesses and diversify the regional economy.
AD Ports Group, as the parent organization of KEZAD Group, brings a track record of operating integrated economic zones and logistics infrastructure across the UAE. The Storage Hub’s inclusion within KEZAD Free Zone reflects the group’s broader objective to expand and strengthen the country’s logistics capabilities. The combination of free zone advantages, strategic location, and world-class infrastructure supports a business environment where metal trading, warehousing, and distribution can operate with heightened efficiency and reliability. This approach aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader national priorities to diversify the economy, promote foreign direct investment, and build resilient supply chains capable of with standing global market volatility.
The strategic implications extend beyond immediate operational gains. The Storage Hub complements the UAE’s positioning as a regional hub for international trade, manufacturing, and logistics by creating a specialized, scalable facility focused on metals. The combination of high-throughput capabilities, flexible storage terms, and multimodal connectivity enhances Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness to metal producers, distributors, and traders looking for secure, efficient, and cost-effective ways to store and move metal products. It also reinforces the importance of integrated zones that can host a spectrum of activities—from raw materials storage to final distribution—within a cohesive, governed framework designed to maximize efficiency and minimize friction across supply chains.
Moreover, the project’s three-phase development trajectory signals a long-term investment in the region’s metal logistics capacity. By committing to a phased expansion, the initiative allows for gradual scale-up aligned with market demand and regional growth. This approach supports risk management, capital planning, and strategic alignment with KEZAD’s broader objectives of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable industrial expansion. The Storage Hub thus serves not only as a critical asset for the metal sector but also as a tangible demonstration of KEZAD and AD Ports Group’s capacity to coordinate large-scale infrastructure projects that unlock value across multiple stakeholders, including manufacturers, traders, logisticians, and regional economies.
In essence, the Storage Hub embodies a strategic convergence of capability, location, and ecosystem development. It stands as a catalyst for higher efficiency, lower costs, and more resilient supply chains within the metal sector, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier hub for regional trade and industry. The collaboration among Metal Park, KEZAD, and AD Ports Group creates an infrastructural and organizational platform capable of supporting sustained industrial growth, attracting investment, and fostering a diversified economy that leverages the region’s strategic geographic position, access to major markets, and modern logistical infrastructure. As the project progresses through its phased rollout, the Storage Hub is poised to become a central node in the UAE’s metal logistics network and a model for how integrated zones can accelerate sectoral development in the GCC.
The KEZAD and AD Ports Group framework
The Storage Hub’s integration within KEZAD Free Zone aligns with KEZAD Group’s broader portfolio, which is anchored by a strategic vision to deliver comprehensive, supported industrial environments. KEZAD’s footprint across 12 economic zones covers a substantial area and encompasses a wide range of industries, underscoring the organization’s role in shaping the UAE’s industrial policy and practical infrastructure. The model emphasizes not only physical facilities but also the governance, regulatory assurance, and amenities necessary to enable businesses to operate efficiently. By situating the Storage Hub within this ecosystem, the project benefits from KEZAD’s established processes, connectivity, and support services, which can help reduce friction for tenants and accelerate time-to-occupancy and time-to-value.
AD Ports Group’s involvement further strengthens the project’s logistical backbone. The group’s experience in operating integrated logistics and port-related assets provides a solid foundation for ensuring that the Storage Hub’s operations are aligned with best practices in terms of security, compliance, and efficiency. The combination of port access and free zone operations creates a compelling value proposition for metal industry participants who require reliable, multimodal logistics. The collaboration also signals a broader strategic commitment to building the UAE’s capacity to handle complex supply chains that cross borders and rely on synchronized networks of warehouses, ports, and rail systems.
In summary, the Storage Hub’s strategic significance lies in its potential to act as a multiplier for industrial activity within KEZAD and the wider Abu Dhabi region. By offering a scalable, multimodal, and cost-conscious solution specifically tailored to metal storage and fulfillment, the project aligns with regional aspirations to diversify the economy, attract investment, and boost regional competitiveness. The collaboration among Metal Park, KEZAD, and AD Ports Group positions the project to influence metal logistics in the GCC for years to come, driving efficiency, resilience, and growth across the sector.
Operational Excellence: Multimodal Connectivity and Infrastructure
From an operations perspective, the Storage Hub integrates high-capacity, multipurpose infrastructure with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and scalability. The 93,000 square metre Phase One footprint serves as a fully functional pilot of the broader three-phase plan, incorporating the essential elements needed to manage large metal inventories and support complex distribution networks. The 26 overhead cranes, each capable of lifting up to 40 metric tonnes, enable rapid material handling and facilitate the movement of heavy metal goods across the yard, into the warehouse, and onto outbound transport. This level of crane capacity is critical for upstream manufacturing processes and downstream fulfillment, where time-to-market and inventory management translate into competitive advantage.
The 55 loading bays for trucks are designed to accommodate peak throughput periods, reducing bottlenecks and enabling smoother coordination between suppliers, carriers, and customers. The inclusion of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) further enhances efficiency by providing autonomous, precise movement of materials within the facility. AGVs contribute to safer operations by limiting manual handling tasks, while also improving reliability and predictability in daily workflows. Together, these features create an optimized operational environment capable of sustaining the high volumes typical of metal storage and fulfillment.
Vertical storage options and a cantilever truck loading system expand the storage and retrieval capabilities within the hub. Vertical storage optimizes the use of vertical space, increasing capacity without expanding the footprint. The cantilever loading system facilitates efficient unloading of long or bulky metal products, reducing handling time and minimizing potential damage to goods during loading or unloading. The three weighbridges—two 15-metre and one 30-metre—each rated for 150 metric tonnes, support precise weight measurement essential for inventory control, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. This granular measurement capability ensures accurate stock accounting and helps users manage their material flows more effectively.
Security and surveillance are vital components of the hub’s design. The gated community concept, complemented by 24/7 surveillance, provides a secure environment for sensitive metal inventories. Continuous monitoring helps deter theft and tampering while ensuring that all activities are auditable and traceable. The 24/7 security infrastructure is essential for customers who require assurance that their materials are safeguarded against loss, damage, or unauthorized access, particularly given the high value and critical nature of metal goods.
Connectivity is another cornerstone of the Storage Hub’s operational strategy. The facility’s direct access to Khalifa Port through a modular road enables fast, efficient cargo movements between maritime cargo handling and warehouse operations. Connections to the Etihad Rail network mean goods can be transported inland with reduced transit times and lower overall logistics costs. The road network linking Abu Dhabi to the Northern Emirates and the GCC region further enhances the facility’s ability to serve customers across a broad geographic area, making it a practical hub for regional distribution and cross-border trade. The multimodal connectivity framework is designed to reduce lead times, improve supply chain reliability, and support a growing customer base with diverse storage and fulfillment needs.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the Storage Hub’s strategic benefits extend to cost optimization and risk management. The pay-as-you-go model provides flexibility and scalability, enabling customers to adjust storage capacity in response to market fluctuations, seasonal demand, or project-specific requirements. This flexibility can help traders and manufacturers optimize working capital by aligning storage costs with actual usage, while also enabling more dynamic inventory strategies. By providing a centralized, secure, and well-connected platform, the hub reduces the need for customers to maintain multiple, disparate storage solutions, thereby lowering overhead and simplifying logistics management.
The phase-one design also reflects attention to future-proofing. While the first stage focuses on delivering robust storage capacity and high-throughput operations, the architecture anticipates expansion in line with demand and market conditions. The three-phase plan mirrors best practices in large-scale industrial development, offering a clear pathway for incremental investment and capability enhancement. The modular road access to Khalifa Port suggests potential for continued integration with port operations, enabling smoother import-export cycles and enabling customers to capitalize on global trade opportunities as the project scales.
In terms of market positioning, the Storage Hub’s combination of high-capacity storage, advanced handling equipment, and seamless multimodal connectivity positions it as a competitive option for metal industry participants seeking a specialized, efficient, and scalable distribution and fulfillment solution. The world’s first pay-as-you-go model adds a distinctive value proposition, pairing flexibility with a physical infrastructure that is purpose-built to support metal products. The hub’s design emphasizes reliability, efficiency, and security, with an emphasis on facilitating faster, more cost-effective movements of metals through the supply chain. This holistic approach—to combine physical infrastructure, multimodal access, flexible storage terms, and a strong governance framework—reflects a mature understanding of the needs of metal traders, manufacturers, and logistics providers operating in a complex regional market.
Key milestones and future outlook
The launch of phase one represents an important milestone for KEZAD and Metal Park, signaling progress in the overall development plan and validating the strategic rationale for investing in a dedicated metal storage and fulfillment center. As the project progresses to phases two and three, the Storage Hub is expected to expand its capacity and capabilities, further enhancing its role in facilitating metal trade, inventory management, and distribution. The phased approach provides a structured path toward scale, enabling stakeholders to monitor performance, refine processes, and adjust plans in response to evolving market conditions and customer needs.
The strategic significance of the Storage Hub extends beyond its immediate capacity and logistics features. It reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional leader in industrial development and infrastructure investment, particularly in sectors that require sophisticated supply chain capabilities, such as metals. By co-locating storage with port and rail access, the project supports a broader objective to diversify the economy, attract investment, and create high-value jobs in advanced logistics and manufacturing. As anticipation around the hub’s impact grows, stakeholders will be watching how the facility contributes to regional resilience, cost competitiveness, and market efficiency across the GCC.
Impact on the Metal Industry and Market Dynamics
The introduction of the Storage Hub in KEZAD Free Zone is poised to influence metal markets in several meaningful ways. Its status as the world’s first pay-as-you-go storage facility dedicated to metals signals a shift in how businesses manage inventory, space, and costs in a sector known for price volatility and fluctuating demand. For traders and stockists, immediate access to a flexible, scalable storage solution can reduce the need for expensive long-term leases or blue-sky space commitments, enabling more responsive inventory strategies and potentially better risk management during periods of market turbulence.
Manufacturers stand to benefit from the hub’s capacity to optimize production space and expand distribution networks. With direct port and rail connections, as well as a robust set of handling capabilities, producers can move raw materials and finished products with greater efficiency and reliability. The ability to scale storage with demand—without being constrained by fixed-term facilities—allows manufacturers to align their warehousing footprint with production schedules, seasonal demand, and market opportunities. The result is a more agile value chain, where inventory buffers can be adjusted to support just-in-time production or strategic stock reserves as market conditions dictate.
For traders and logistics service providers, the hub offers a centralized platform that consolidates warehousing, cross-docking, and fulfillment activities. The combination of 26 overhead cranes, 55 truck loading bays, AGVs, and multiple weighbridges provides the capacity to manage large volumes of metal products with precision and speed. The gated community environment and 24/7 surveillance further support secure, auditable operations—an essential factor for customers who handle high-value materials. The facility’s multimodal connectivity—port, rail, and road—also enables more efficient cross-border and regional distribution, reducing transit times and enabling faster delivery to end users across the GCC region and beyond.
The hub’s three-phase development plan suggests a long-term impact on the metal sector and the regional supply chain. Phase one builds a strong foundation for a larger, more integrated facility that will eventually support greater throughput and storage capacity. The progression to phases two and three will likely bring additional expansions to vertical storage capacity, more advanced automation, and further enhancements to the facility’s loading, unloading, and inventory management capabilities. Investors and industry stakeholders will be watching how subsequent phases unlock new levels of efficiency, reduce operating costs for tenants, and improve overall market liquidity by providing reliable, scalable storage options.
Beyond operational benefits, the Storage Hub contributes to a broader economic narrative in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By attracting metal-focused activity into a dedicated, strategically located zone, the project supports KEZAD Group’s mission to create a diversified, innovation-driven industrial economy. The hub’s multimodal access aligns with national goals to strengthen logistics infrastructure, improve trade competitiveness, and expand the UAE’s role as a regional hub for manufacturing and distribution. As more tenants occupy the space and leverage its capabilities, the hub could become a key node in regional supply chains, shaping pricing dynamics, inventory strategies, and capital allocation across metal-related sectors.
From a market perspective, the emphasis on efficiency and cost reduction resonates with a sector that is sensitive to price swings and operational costs. The ability to manage inventory more effectively, maintain closer proximity to production facilities, and exploit multimodal transport options can yield tangible savings. As users optimize their warehousing and logistics models around the hub’s offerings, the market may see shifts in stock levels, turnover rates, and distribution patterns that reflect a more responsive, data-informed approach to metal trading and manufacturing.
In summary, the Storage Hub’s introduction into the KEZAD Free Zone ecosystem represents a strategic evolution in how metals are stored, moved, and managed within the region. The project’s emphasis on pay-as-you-go flexibility, combined with its advanced infrastructure and multimodal connectivity, positions it to influence market dynamics, break traditional cost barriers, and support more resilient supply chains for metal industry participants across the GCC and beyond. As subsequent phases unfold, the facility’s impact on pricing, inventory management, and regional trade is likely to become increasingly pronounced, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s stance as a leading center for metal logistics and industrial activity.
KEZAD Group, AD Ports Group, and the UAE Industrial Landscape
KEZAD Group, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, stands at the core of the UAE’s strategy to build a robust, interconnected network of economic zones capable of supporting diversified, high-value industry clusters. The Group operates the largest integrated economic zones portfolio in the United Arab Emirates, spanning 12 economic zones across multiple locales, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Covering 550 square kilometres, KEZAD hosts more than 2,100 investors operating across 17 key industrial sectors. This scale underpins a comprehensive, strategically aligned approach to economic development, enabling targeted infrastructure, streamlined regulatory processes, and a supportive ecosystem designed to attract investment and foster long-term growth.
Within this framework, the Storage Hub adds a new layer of specialization—metal storage and fulfillment—complementing KEZAD’s existing offerings and reinforcing the value proposition for businesses seeking integrated logistics and manufacturing capabilities. The hub’s location within KEZAD Free Zone is particularly meaningful: it situates metal storage within an environment optimized for efficiency, governance, and collaboration, with access to a broad network of services and amenities designed to support business operations. The project thereby extends KEZAD’s role as a comprehensive growth platform for existing tenants and as an attractor for new participants seeking a well-connected, regulation-friendly, and investment-friendly setting.
AD Ports Group, as a parent organization, brings substantial experience in port operations, logistics networks, and strategic infrastructure development. The Storage Hub’s alignment with AD Ports Group’s broader strategic objectives reinforces the value of a well-coordinated approach to industrial development—one that links storage facilities with port access, rail connectivity, and regional road networks. This integrated approach is especially relevant for metal products, which often require multimodal transport solutions to optimize delivery timelines, minimize handling, and reduce total landed costs. The collaboration between KEZAD Group and AD Ports Group demonstrates how public and quasi-public institutions can work together to create infrastructure that supports industrial competition at both regional and international levels.
The UAE’s broader industrial landscape benefits from the Storage Hub’s presence, particularly in the context of diversification and resilience. Abu Dhabi’s emphasis on building diversified, knowledge-driven economies is reinforced by the establishment of specialized facilities that support advanced logistics and manufacturing sectors. A metal-focused fulfillment hub that integrates storage with multimodal transport options serves as a model for sector-specific infrastructure that can attract global manufacturers, traders, and service providers seeking reliable access to regional markets. The Storage Hub thus contributes to a more resilient, dynamic industrial ecosystem that can absorb shocks, adapt to changing market conditions, and sustain growth across multiple cycles.
In conclusion, the Storage Hub embodies a strategic collaboration between Metal Park, KEZAD Group, and AD Ports Group, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s industrial competitiveness and diversification. The project leverages KEZAD’s ecosystem, AD Ports Group’s logistics expertise, and a targeted sector focus to create a facility that addresses real market needs for metal storage, fulfillment, and distribution. As the three-phase project progresses, it is expected to deliver a growing platform that not only supports metal industry players but also strengthens the region’s status as a premier hub for manufacturing, trade, and logistics in the GCC and beyond.
Conclusion
The first phase of the Dhs110 million Storage Hub in KEZAD Free Zone marks a transformative moment for Metal Park, KEZAD, and Abu Dhabi’s metal logistics landscape. By delivering a high-capacity, multimodal storage and fulfillment solution tailored to metals, the facility embodies an innovative approach to inventory management, cost efficiency, and supply chain resilience. The hub’s pay-as-you-go model, combined with direct port and rail access, enables traders, stockists, and manufacturers to operate with greater agility and lower overhead, even in a market characterized by volatility. The project’s phased development—spanning three phases—offers a clear path toward expanded capacity, enhanced automation, and deeper integration with regional logistics networks, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading regional hub for metal trade and distribution.
The Storage Hub’s strategic placement within KEZAD, its alignment with AD Ports Group, and its role in reinforcing the UAE’s broader industrial diversification goals underscore its significance beyond mere warehousing. The initiative strengthens the ecosystem for metal industry players by providing a centralized, secure, and efficient platform that supports streamlined operations, faster turnaround times, and more predictable supply chains. As the project progresses into subsequent phases, stakeholders anticipate additional gains in efficiency, capacity, and market reach, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s competitive position in regional and global metal markets.
In sum, this development represents a forward-looking fusion of infrastructure, policy, and industry expertise that is well aligned with KEZAD Group’s broader mission to foster innovation and industrial growth. The Storage Hub is poised to become a critical node in the UAE’s metal logistics network, providing tangible benefits to traders, manufacturers, and logistics providers while contributing to a more diversified and resilient national economy. The collaboration among Metal Park, KEZAD, and AD Ports Group signals a sustained commitment to building a robust ecosystem where storage, transport, and manufacturing intersect seamlessly to drive long-term value for the region.