Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) Free Zone

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) or the Khalifa Port is one of the largest projects in the UAE. In order to contribute to the prosperity of Abu Dhabi by increasing trade and inbound investment, the Khalifa Port was established in 2012. Abu Dhabi Port is the regulatory body which controls all the trade and master development of the Khalifa Port. The main motive of ADPC is to create sustainable growth that boosts and diversifies the economy of Abu Dhabi by developing its infrastructure, real estate and business service in accordance with the private sector. The primary objective of the Abu Dhabi Port is to develop the Khalifa Port and all other ports (Except the Oil & Gas and Military ports) and related infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Khalifa Port is strategically built between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in Taweelah, which covers 2.7 sq. kilometers of the area, and is the first semi-automated port in the UAE. Companies in the Khalifa Port are benefited from its best-integrated information and communication technology (ICT) and automated marine services. Its wide and well-built connectivity provides access to 52 international maritime ports and to around 4.5 billion people within 4 different time zones. Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi has over 20 shipping lines to support and develop trading at present.


Abu Dhabi Free Zones

Why Set Up a Business in Abu Dhabi Port?

By serving its primary purpose of developing transformational industrial zones and managing the Khalifa Ports and marine lines, Abu Dhabi Port or ADPC is also focused on the future economic development of the emirate of Abu Dhabi through:

  • Provision of world-class integrated ports and industrial zone services

  • Its role in the realization of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030

  • Developed and maintenance of long-term relationships with leading local and international customers

  • Achievement of sustainable development along with supporting community needs and preservations of local values

  • Choice of foreign hiring

  • The port’s safety and security, which does not compromise on the risk-free running of operations

  • Integrity and fair ethical standards

  • Sustainable development

  • Commitment to community needs

  • Less environmental impact

  • Long-term economic viability


    • Types of Licenses in Abu Dhabi Port

    Trade License

    Companies that are legally incorporated outside the UAE and involved in import-export activities can opt for a trade license. A company does not require any special authorization from the Department of Economic Development (DED) for this.

    Industrial License

    A free zone incorporated company that has its activities in the industrial production of goods is granted an industrial license. An industrial license allows the company to import raw materials and other products for manufacturing purpose and import the finished & packed goods outside the country.

    Service License

    Companies that provide services like banking, management consultancy or other professional services can go for a service license in the UAE. These companies do not require a separate license from the DED.

    National Industrial License

    Companies that are granted a National Industrial License have the same status as that of a local or a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) company in the UAE. Any company looking to carry out its operations in the manufacturing sector can opt for a National Industrial License.