KEZAD debuts world’s first $117.1m pay-as-you-grow Metal Park to support downstream metals growth

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) has announced the launch of Metal Park, described as the world’s first pay-as-you-grow metals ecosystem, marking a new approach to industrial development for downstream metals manufacturers in Abu Dhabi.

The 450,000 square metre development has been delivered with an investment of AED430 million ($117.1million) by KEZAD Group and was launched in the presence of Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

The launch was also attended by Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities and Free Zones at AD Ports Group, Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Emirates Steel, and senior representatives from KEZAD Group and government entities.

Abu Dhabi’s new industrial model

Metal Park introduces a new industrial operating model designed to replace traditional capital-intensive and fragmented setups with a fully integrated and scalable ecosystem. The pay-as-you-grow structure enables metals companies to expand operations in line with demand, avoiding large upfront investment while improving capital efficiency, speed to market and operational predictability.

Unlike conventional industrial zones, Metal Park is already live and fully operational across both free zone and mainland areas. Its Production Hub, Storage Hub and Business Centre are active, allowing metal processing to take place on site. The ecosystem currently supports 27 member companies and provides shared specialist capabilities, secure high-throughput storage and integrated commercial and operational services.

Integrated logistics infrastructure, enabled through KEZAD Group and AD Ports Group, provides seamless connectivity from production through to storage and outbound movement. The integrated setup is intended to reduce friction across the value chain and improve throughput, reliability and delivery timelines for manufacturers operating within the park.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Metal Park represents a new chapter in industrial development at KEZAD. By enabling a pay-as-you-grow model, we are lowering barriers to entry, improving capital efficiency, and providing manufacturers with an industry-specific environment where infrastructure, logistics, and services work together from day one.

“This approach strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a competitive destination for advanced industrial investments, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE.”

Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, said: “This is not about building another industrial zone. It is about creating an operating model where metals businesses can scale intelligently, supported by shared infrastructure, integrated logistics, and coordinated services that remove complexity from daily operations.”

Smart, safe and sustainable metals hub

Metal Park has been designed with a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability. Processes aim to reduce manual handling, minimise idle time and optimise energy use, while shared assets reduce duplication and waste. The ecosystem is supported by a digitally orchestrated platform providing real-time visibility, coordinated internal logistics and seamless ordering for member companies.

KEZAD Group said the launch of Metal Park supports the growth of the downstream metals sector, strengthens supply chain resilience and contributes to the UAE’s non-oil economy by offering a scalable and efficient model for industrial development in Abu Dhabi.