About Industrial City, Abu Dhabi
Spanning 40 square kilometres in the Musaffah industrial district, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is a key driver of economic diversification and industrial growth in the UAE capital. As a free zone dedicated to supporting industrial development, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi provides companies with world-class infrastructure and business-friendly regulations tailored to the unique needs of the manufacturing and heavy industry sectors.
Comprising three phases of development known as Industrial City of Abu Dhabi I, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi II, and Industrial City of Abu Dhabi III, the city features specialised clusters targeting priority areas like metal, oil and gas, food production, and construction materials. Companies located within the different clusters benefit from shared access to the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi Port and Terminal, allowing seamless import of raw materials and export of finished industrial goods.
With its unrivalled infrastructure and strategic position near regional and global shipping routes, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is positioned to play an integral role in achieving Abu Dhabi's vision to develop a dynamic, competitive economy powered by private sector innovation and expertise from around the world. Anchored by heavy industry giants, this purpose-built industrial ecosystem provides businesses of all sizes and specialities with a launching point to not only access regional GCC markets but also drive sustainable industrial development in the future.
Key Highlights of Industrial City, Abu Dhabi
-
Excellent infrastructure like deep water ports, quality roads, reliable utility services, and dedicated industrial zones.
-
Attractive incentives for companies include 0% import/re-export duties, 100% foreign ownership, fast licensing, and access to regional and global shipping routes.
-
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi Ports and Terminals allow seamless export and import of goods.
-
Support facilities like employee accommodation, hypermarkets, clinics etc. make the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi an integrated industrial ecosystem.
-
There is scope for further innovation promotion and support for SMEs through dedicated facilities and programs.
-
Adoption of renewable energy and sustainability practices can be increased across the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi for long-term environmental footprint reduction.
-
Public transportation infrastructure is currently lacking.
Real Estate Overview in Industrial City, Abu Dhabi
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi offers a range of commercial properties focused on supporting industrial and manufacturing companies within its free zone area. Given its nature as a heavy industry zone, the vast majority of available properties are warehouses that can be rented rather than purchased freehold.
Warehouse sizes start from modest small units of 3,000 square feet, going up to extremely large complexes spreading across 150,000 square feet or more. This allows both small startups and major global enterprises to find suitable industrial space as per their operational needs. Beyond warehouses, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi also offers some commercial office and retail spaces for rent to complement its industrial ecosystem.
While purchase prices and rental rates understandably vary based on factors like unit sizes, specifications, and lease terms, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi presents flexible and scalable options for industrial players and manufacturing companies looking to capitalise on its attractive free zone incentives and purpose-built infrastructure. With its focus firmly on enabling industrial activities, sourcing an ideal property in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is straightforward for both local and international ventures across production, warehousing, equipment storage and related domains.
Public Transport
As an industrial area housing manufacturing plants, warehouses and production facilities, the transportation needs revolve heavily around cargo and freight logistics. Extensive road networks connect various zones and clusters to sea and land ports for seamless import and export of raw materials and finished goods.
However, when it comes to mass transit systems for passenger commutation, options are scarce at present. There is an absence of metro connectivity, local buses, and shuttle services that provide last-mile connectivity for the working population. Private transport arrangements dominate, especially taxi services for personnel movement.
| Bus Line Number | Destination |
| 101 | Dalma Mall Main Entrance to St 17 / St 18 |
| 210 | Emirates Driving School to St 17 / St 18 |
| 115 | Khalifa St to St 17 / St 18 |
Amenities
Nurseries/ Educational Institutes
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi has vast potential to develop a robust skills development and training ecosystem relevant to industrial sectors, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking competent talent. The area does have some schools in the neighboring communities:
- Sunrise English Private School
- Maple Wood International School
- Emirates Future International Academy
Supermarkets
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi offers convenient access to groceries and everyday essentials for companies operating within it as well as onsite staff residents. Hypermarkets and local supermarkets located within the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi residential blocks, industrial clusters, and adjoining localities provide efficient procurement channels for regular necessities. The proximity of these grocery supplies brings practical benefits in simplifying daily errands for the working population residing within the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi.
Some of the most popular supermarkets in and around Industrial City of Abu Dhabi include:
- Easy Pick Hypermarket
- Oasis Supermarket
- Happy Miracle Baqala
Healthcare Facilities
Given its positioning as a heavy industry zone, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi hosts limited but essential healthcare services to cover basic occupational and general medical needs. Healthcare facilities in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Mediclinic
- NMC Specialty Hospital – Industrial City of Abu Dhabi
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Occupational Health Center
- Burjeel Specialty Hospital
- LLH Hospital
- Amana Healthcare Medical and Dental Center
- Health Point Clinic – Tamouh Healthcare
- Lifecare Hospital Musaffah
Places of Worship
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi meets the prayer needs of its predominantly Muslim industrial workforce through mosques within the industrial community. Nearby churches also serve Christian residents employed in the industrial area.
Mosquеs Nеarby:
With prayer being an integral part of life for Muslim residents and workers, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi hosts a few conveniently located mosques:
- Abu Al Dardaa Mosque
- Masjid Abu Tameem
Churchеs Nеarby:
Christian residents working within the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi industrial zone can visit churches in the adjoining Mussafah locality, just a short drive away:
- The American Church of Abu Dhabi
- St. Paul’s Church
- All Saints Anglican Church
Gurudwara Nеarby:
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi does not have a Gurudwara, but Sikh residents can access places of worship in the broader Abu Dhabi region.
Hindu Tеmplеs Nеarby:
Dedicated Hindu places of worship are not present in the vicinity, given the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi’s industrial orientation. However, temples and gurudwaras in the broader Abu Dhabi region are accessible to visit.
The Best Hotels in Sweden Island
As an industrial and manufacturing-focused free trade zone, the developments in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi predominantly comprise commercial facilities like warehouses, factories, production units, and office spaces rather than hospitality properties.
The employee accommodation blocks serve short-term stay needs for workers associated with companies in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. However, hotels and tourist accommodations are unlikely to be found within the heavy industrial zones.
Here are some recommended hotels near Industrial City of Abu Dhabi:
- Aloft Abu Dhabi
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Ramada Downtown Abu Dhabi
- Centro Yas Island by Rotana
- Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Aloft Abu Dhabi - Stylish hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and trendy dining options.
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport - Budget hotel chain promising comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
Ramada Downtown Abu Dhabi - 4-star hotel featuring an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and 5 dining outlets.
Centro Yas Island by Rotana - Sleek hotel conveniently located on Yas Island, close to theme parks.
Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Yas Island - Casual hotel on Yas Island with an outdoor pool, gym, and Italian restaurant.
Lifestyle
Shopping Centers/ Malls
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabimeets residents’ basic shopping and recreation needs through some retail cluster options between industrial operations. These include:
- Dalma Mall
- Happy Miracle Baqala
- Oasis Supermarket
- Easy Pick Hypermarket
Restaurants/ Dining
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi offers residents and workers access to affordable multi-cuisine dining options in the adjoining localities that suffice for relaxed meals. While fine-dining venues are unavailable within the industrial area itself, the neighborhood eateries provide convenient, family-friendly choices after daily factory shifts.
Options like cafeterias, fast food counters, and casual dining restaurants are located within short driving distance from the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi clusters. Some popular picks include:
- Molten Chocolate Cafe
- Gazebo Restaurant
- Yamasaki Sushi Bar
- Chili’s
- Madura Tamil Restaurant
- BBQ Night
- Arab Cook Restaurant
- Green Darbar.
Beaches Nearby
While the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi is distantly located from leisure destinations like beaches, workers occasionally make weekend trips to the region’s scenic coastal spots as a respite from intensive industrial work.
- Hameem Beach: Located around a 20-minute drive from the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, this beach allows opportunities for fishing and camping getaways during employees’ time off from industrial work. However, regular beach access is less feasible with its distance from the free zone area.
Leisure Activities Nearby
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi offers limited leisure and recreation zones within its focused industrial environment. Yet, amenities created for employees provide some opportunities to unwind after intensive factory work.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: This iconic mosque is one of the world’s largest and an architectural marvel located just a 15-minute drive away. Visitors can see its ornate interiors and appreciate its craftsmanship.
- Al Forsan International Sports Resort: Catering to adventure seekers, this comprehensive hub 20 minutes from the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi offers activities like paintball, go-karting, horse riding, and shooting ranges. The variety covers action for both kids and adults.
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City Public Park: Industrial City of Abu Dhabi workers frequently visit this nearby public park in the evenings or on weekends to unwind amid lush greenery. Jogging tracks, play areas for kids, and ample open spaces provide relaxation.
- Industrial City of Abu Dhabi Fitness Club: An onsite club coming up within employees’ residential complex, this will provide exercise equipment, indoor sports facilities, and instructors – promoting health and wellness.
Distance and Commute
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi offers convenient access to essential physical and social infrastructures, with easy commuting options to major regional areas.
- The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 30 minutes (44.1 km)
- Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Yas Island is approximately 37 minutes (45.2 km)
- The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi is about 35 minutes (45.9 km)
- The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Mall is about 37 minutes (48.0 km)
- Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Marina Mall is about 1 hour 9 minutes (125.3 km)
- Industrial City of Abu Dhabi to Burj Khalifa is around 1 hour 22 minutes (140.9 km)
Rating and Reviews
The Industrial City provides good infrastructure and facilities for companies doing business here. My employer leased a large warehouse, which helps consolidate operations. I reside in affordable staff housing, so the commute is easy. Having more grocery shops and restaurants would make life easier.
As a factory owner in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi II, I find the streamlined processes, port access, and free zone incentives very useful. My unit’s operations are going smoothly. The worker accommodation could be improved with more amenities. But overall a well-planned industrial ecosystem.
I work in a food processing company here. The warehouses and production workflows are systematically planned for. It would help if medical facilities and transport access could match the pace as more workers join. The location away from the main city hinders social life but provides wholesome residence.
My company has a packaging material factory in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi 1. Our operations scaled fast due to pro-business policies, ready infrastructure and export facilitation. My employees find resident blocks convenient, albeit basic. For our manufacturing needs, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi has the best Dubai-like environment.
As an administrator with an oil and gas firm, relocating to the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi helped consolidate regional operations with warehousing and distribution efficiency. However, transportation remains a challenge during employee commutes. Some buses connecting Abu Dhabi or a future metro line would greatly plug the gap.
Top Articles on Real Estate in Abu Dhabi
Dive Deep into Long-Term Property Ownership With A 99-Year Lease in Abu Dhabi
A 99-year lease in Abu Dhabi permits ex-pats to own property (excluding land) for up to 99 years. Under this…...
Step-By-Step Process To Change Property Ownership In Abu Dhabi
Estidama: Abu Dhabi’s Big Step in Real Estate
Real Estate Goes Digital With DARI Abu Dhabi
An Inclusive Guide to Cancelling Tawtheeq Agreement
Invest and Own : Acquiring a Title Deed in Abu Dhabi
A Simplified Guide to Musataha Agreement in Abu Dhabi
10 Leading Construction Companies in Abu Dhabi
9 Elite Residential Areas For Families in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Real Estate – Buying vs Renting Property Guide in Abu Dhabi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I establish my company in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi has streamlined company registration and licensing processes for industrial sectors. You need to identify the right zone and facilities, submit documents, register details digitally/premise and fulfil other regulatory steps guided by officials.
Does the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi have banking access for companies?
Major UAE banks have set up branches or ATMs across various clusters in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. So, financial services like bank accounts, trade financing facilities, and remittance channels are available within the integrated ecosystem.
Is a skilled workforce available in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
Yes, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi allows employers access to skilled expat/local workforce focused on industrial competencies. However, specialized training institutes onsite can expand talent pools further.
How do I import/export goods in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
Seamless import of raw materials and export of finished goods is possible with the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi’s ports and dedicated terminals, providing hassle-free connectivity to global shipping routes.
Does the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi have incubators for SMEs?
Currently, tailored accelerators for industrial SMEs/innovation are lacking in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, though the ecosystem helps smaller firms flourish with shared access to facilities.
What sectors dominate the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi's industry?
Core sectors include oil and gas, engineering, chemicals, food processing, packaging, construction materials, warehousing, metal works and related manufacturing.
How environmentally friendly is the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
More sustainable practices and renewable energy adoption need promotion across the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi for ecological footprint reduction over time.
What safety policies govern the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
Stringent health, safety and environmental protocols customised to each industrial sector guide daily operations as per global compliance standards.
Does the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi have commercial real estate?
Yes, options beyond warehouses like office spaces, shops and land are available on lease, but industrial real estate dominates as per zoning regulations.
How kid/family-friendly is the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi?
Being an industrial zone, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi caters more for company needs rather than family amenities, though some accessible public spaces provide recreation for workers.
