Abu Dhabi is the backbone of the UAE economy

Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE’s seven emirates, has the world’s highest per capita GDP, owns over 90 percent of the UAE’s oil reserves, and is home to the world’s richest city. As Nasser Ahmed Al Sowaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Planning and Economy and Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Bank, Securities Exchange and Abu Dhabi Ports Company, explains, “Abu Dhabi is the backbone of the UAE economy.”

USD 100 billion in infrastructure investment

Nasser Ahmed Al Sowaidi Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Planning and Economy

Along with the other emirates, Abu Dhabi is actively pursuing an economic diversification strategy to ensure sustainable development over the long term. Abu Dhabi will spend over USD 100 billion in infrastructure over the next five years alone to support its diversification strategy, and has already carved out a niche for itself as a leading international investment target and hub for tourism, industry, culture, business and logistics.

A key driver of Abu Dhabi’s economic development is Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), established in 2006 as the master developer, regulator and landlord of the emirate’s ports and all related infrastructure, with the exception of oil/gas and military ports. ADPC’s mandate is to develop world-class infrastructure, real estate and business services in conjunction with the private sector.

KPIZ: leading global logistics hub

ADPC’s multi-billion-dollar flagship project, Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ), is a multi-purpose maritime facility that will include a world-class container and industrial port as well as industrial, logistics, commercial, educational and residential special economic and free zones.

Strategically located in Taweelah between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, KPIZ is ideally suited to become a world-class industrial and logistics hub. It offers easy access to two major ports and two major airports, including rapidly growing Abu Dhabi International, and will be served by the new Emirates rail line and by state-of-the art highways as well as advanced ICT infrastructure.

ADPC is building KPIZ offshore in an innovative strategy to create the world’s most advanced port services while also preserving local ecology, in line with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainable development. Its efforts were honored in March 2008 when ADPC received the prestigious “Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence” from the American Council of Engineering Companies.

Wide range of industries

In keeping with the UAE’s ambition to create investment opportunities as part of its diversification strategy, KPIZ will cater to a wide range of industries, including base metal, heavy machinery, transport-vehicle assembly, chemicals, shipyards, building materials, light manufacturing, trade and logistics, and alternative energy, among many others.

With a number of major industrial players already committed to establishing operations at KPIZ, the Taweelah area is set to become one of the world’s top industrial and logistics hubs. An anchor tenant is Emirates Aluminum (EMAL), which will operate the world’s largest single-site aluminum smelter in KPIZ.

First “green” industrial zone

Reflecting Abu Dhabi’s goal to become a global leader in new energies and in environmental protection, KPIZ will be the world’s first “green” industrial zone thanks to its integrated carbon-capture facilities to reduce carbon emissions, in line with the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism.

KPIZ, a key element in Abu Dhabi’s 2030 development plan, reflects the emirate’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable economic development through diversification and innovation.