Thriving at the Heart of Industry: Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

Dec 19, 2025

Located just 30 km from the city center, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi has transformed from a quiet industrial district into one of the UAE’s most advanced hubs for manufacturing, logistics, and innovation.

Whether it’s steel production, food processing, or tech manufacturing, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is where global companies come to build, produce, and grow. Let’s explore why this industrial zone, is fast becoming a magnet for investors and how it shapes the UAE’s vision for diversification.

Inside the Industrial Powerhouse: What Makes Industrial City of Abu Dhabi Unique

The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi isn’t a single industrial park, it’s an entire ecosystem designed for growth. Spread over 40 square kilometers and divided into specialized clusters, this city gives companies the space, infrastructure, and logistics they need to thrive.

The Strategic Location of Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

Situated in Mussafah, this Industrial City is about 30 minutes from central Abu Dhabi
It is Connected to Sheikh Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and E11 Highway
Offers easy access to Dubai, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, making it ideal for local and export-oriented industries

World-Class Infrastructure in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

Heavy-duty roads, power grids, and water networks built for manufacturing
Warehousing, office spaces, and labor accommodations nearby
Ready-to-use industrial plots designed for quick setup and scalability

Industries & Companies Fueling Growth in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is more than an industrial park, it’s a crossroads for innovation, production, and global trade. Over the years, the Industrial City has attracted multinational corporations, local manufacturing giants, and small-scale innovators alike.

Major Sectors Operating in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

Metals & Heavy Manufacturing:
Home to Emirates Steel, one of the largest integrated steel producers in the Middle East. The city’s infrastructure supports massive foundries and engineering workshops.
Plastics & Polymers:
The polymer and packaging plants cater to regional and international FMCG brands, helping boost the UAE’s non-oil exports.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing:
From packaging to processing, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi hosts a number of food producers serving local supermarkets and export markets.
High-Tech & Innovation:
Light engineering, electronics, and chemical firms leverage this city's modern facilities and proximity to Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.
Automotive & Assembly:
Newer sections of the Industrial city house automotive component manufacturing, vehicle assembly, and support industries.

Popular Companies in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

Emirates Steel – Regional steel leader powering infrastructure projects
Adyard Abu Dhabi – Engineering and fabrication services for oil & gas
Gulf Extrusions – Aluminum products and materials manufacturing
KIZAD-affiliated firms – Warehousing and logistics operations connected to ports

Why Companies Choose Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

Cost Efficiency: Competitive leasing and operational costs are more efficient in Industrial City compared to Dubai
Cluster Synergy: Businesses operate close to suppliers and distributors
Skilled Workforce: Access to a large labor pool through Mussafah and nearby housing zones next to ICAD
Business-Friendly Environment: Simplified licensing and industrial support from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development is readily available there

Location, Lifestyle & Logistics: Why Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is the Ideal Industrial Base

One of Industrial City of Abu Dhabi’s biggest strengths is its proximity to Abu Dhabi, making it both an industrial and lifestyle advantage.

Prime Connectivity

This city is:

30 km from central Abu Dhabi, ensuring quick city access
20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, ideal for logistics and exports
1 hour from Dubai, connecting two major UAE markets
Close to ports like Khalifa Port and Mussafah Port, ensuring efficient export-import operations

This positioning allows manufacturers to reach regional markets across the GCC, Africa, and Asia with ease.

Surrounding Cities & Amenities in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

The nearby Mussafah district and Shahama area provide a mix of worker accommodations, warehouses, and commercial facilities. For executives and management teams, central Abu Dhabi offers modern housing, schools, and healthcare, all within commuting distance.

Industrial Advantages of Industrial City of Abu Dhabi at a Glance

Ready plots and pre-built factories
24/7 utilities and logistics support
Modern telecommunication networks
Cluster-based efficiency for shared supply chains
Export-driven setup with customs and clearance facilities nearby

Living close to the ICAD means being connected to Abu Dhabi’s thriving urban life while enjoying quieter neighborhoods.

This city also offers a blend of:

Residential communities for all income levels
Shopping centers and local markets
Educational institutions and training centers
Health clinics and service facilities

Conclusion:

The ICAD isn’t just a zone; it’s a symbol of the UAE’s ambition to become a global manufacturing and logistics hub.
This City's combination of heavy industry, modern infrastructure, business incentives, and prime location makes it a one-stop destination for industrial growth in the Middle East.

Choosing between the Industrial city and other areas depends on factors like the scale of operations, product type, target markets, and the required infrastructure. However, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi’s combination of cost-effectiveness, location, and governmental support continues to make it a preferred destination for both local and international companies.

Whether you’re a global manufacturer seeking to expand into the Gulf or a regional entrepreneur ready to scale operations, the city offers the foundation, ecosystem, and opportunity to build something that lasts.

FAQs

Where is the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi located?

The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) is located about 30 kilometers from downtown Abu Dhabi, in the Mussafah area. It lies along the E30 highway, providing direct access to major transport routes that connect to Dubai, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Its strategic location also places it near key shipping hubs like Khalifa Port and Mussafah Port, making it ideal for manufacturing and logistics companies that rely on efficient trade and distribution.

What industries are based in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?

ICAD hosts a diverse mix of industries that form the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing and industrial growth. Key sectors include: Metals and Steel Production – Steel fabrication, heavy equipment, and structural materials. Oil, Gas, and Energy Services – Equipment manufacturing and support industries for energy production. Construction and Building Materials – Cement, precast concrete, and aluminum manufacturing. Automotive and Engineering – Vehicle assembly, machinery repair, and industrial engineering workshops. Food and Beverage Manufacturing – Food processing, packaging, and distribution facilities. Plastics and Chemicals – Polymer products, chemical storage, and industrial materials production. This variety makes ICAD a vibrant hub for both heavy industries and high-tech production facilities.

What types of properties are available in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?

The Industrial City offers a wide range of properties tailored to industrial and commercial needs, including: Factories and Manufacturing Units – Ready-built spaces for production and assembly lines. Warehouses and Logistics Facilities – Ideal for storage, packaging, and distribution. Commercial Plots and Land – For custom-built facilities or large-scale industrial operations. Office Spaces and Administrative Buildings – Designed to support business operations within the industrial zone. Each property type benefits from ICAD’s strong infrastructure, including road networks, utilities, and proximity to labor accommodation areas.

Who are the key companies operating in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?

Several leading national and international companies operate within ICAD, helping drive the UAE’s industrial expansion. Notable examples include: Emirates Steel, one of the largest integrated steel producers in the Middle East. National Cement Factory, a major supplier of building materials across the region. Ducab, a top manufacturer of cables and electrical products. Al Masaood Group and other engineering firms involved in automotive and heavy equipment sectors. Numerous ZonesCorp-licensed businesses specializing in logistics, energy, and manufacturing. These companies not only strengthen Abu Dhabi’s economy but also create thousands of job opportunities within the industrial and logistics sectors.

What is the proximity of the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi city center?

The ICAD is approximately 25–30 kilometers southwest of the Abu Dhabi city center, depending on the route. By car, it typically takes 25 to 30 minutes to reach the industrial area via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) or Mussafah Road (E30). ICAD’s location makes it both accessible and efficient, close enough to the city for daily commuting, yet positioned far enough to allow large-scale industrial activity without disrupting residential areas. Its proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport (less than 25 minutes away) and Khalifa Port enhances its appeal as a logistics and manufacturing hub with regional and global reach.

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