Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
KEZAD Group emerges as key gateway for Korean businesses expanding globally
KEZAD Group headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / Courtesy of KEZAD Group
By Kim Hyun-bin
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, or KEZAD Group, is fast becoming a key hub for Korean businesses seeking to expand into the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. As the United Arab Emirates’ largest operator of integrated economic zones, KEZAD offers a fully developed, investor-ready platform tailored for companies navigating today’s shifting global trade landscape.
The deepening economic relationship between Korea and the UAE underpins this growing partnership. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two nations reached nearly $21 billion, making the UAE Korea’s second-largest trading partner in the Arab world. With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) now in effect and a UAE sovereign pledge to invest $30 billion in Korea’s strategic sectors, ties between the two countries are entering a new phase of cooperation.
KEZAD plays a central role in this development. Spanning 550 square kilometers across 12 economic zones, KEZAD accounts for more than half of the UAE’s industrial land. Its strategic location near Khalifa Port — one of the region’s most advanced deepwater ports — along with direct links to Etihad Rail and major highways, offers Korean companies efficient access to regional and global markets.
The group provides ready-to-occupy warehouses and build-to-suit facilities designed to meet individual business needs. These offerings are supported by comprehensive logistics services through Noatum, KEZAD’s global logistics partner, which facilitates freight forwarding, customs clearance and end-to-end supply chain operations. More than 2,100 businesses already operate within KEZAD, supported by advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce of over 450,000 residents.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, KEZAD also hosts Abu Dhabi’s dedicated hub for small- and medium-sized companies, providing incubation support, flexible leasing options and access to innovation ecosystems. This is particularly attractive to Korean startups and tech firms aiming to expand internationally while maintaining agility and efficiency.
KEZAD warehouses in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / Courtesy of KEZAD Group
KEZAD’s collaboration with the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority in southeastern Korea further enhances its appeal. A memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024 established new avenues for cooperation in investment promotion, smart logistics and sustainable development. By linking Busan Port and Khalifa Port — two of the most advanced ports in Northeast Asia and the Middle East — the partnership seeks to expand global logistics capacity, spur innovation and attract cross-regional investment.
KEZAD’s growth is reinforced by Abu Dhabi’s broader industrial strategy, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s manufacturing sector and increase non-oil exports. Pro-business reforms, including 100 percent foreign ownership, long-term residency and streamlined regulations, further support this vision.
As Korean companies look to diversify supply chains and tap new markets, KEZAD offers more than physical infrastructure. It provides a strategic location at the crossroads of global trade, a stable business environment and a shared commitment to innovation-led growth.
In a global climate of trade realignment and protectionism, KEZAD stands out as a reliable partner for Korean enterprises — large and small — seeking resilience, expansion and long-term success in one of the Gulf’s most advanced industrial ecosystems.