Bisconni to set up $30m factory in Kezad
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group), the largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones, and Bisconni Middle East Manufacturing have signed a 50-year land lease agreement for the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kezad A (Kezad Al Ma'mourah).
Bisconni is part of Ismail Industries, Pakistan's largest confectionery, biscuits and snack food manufacturer. In recent years, Bisconni has been steadfast in its focus on innovation and expansion. Driven by plans to expand its international footprint, Bisconni is investing AED110 million ($30 million) to set up its 37,000-sq-m facility in Kezad that will manufacture biscuits and confectionery products.
Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Kezad Group, said: 'We are pleased to welcome Bisconni to Kezad, reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and strategic opportunities for leading manufacturers. This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a regional hub for the food and confectionery industry. With Bisconni's expansion into Kezad, we look forward to supporting their growth and innovation while contributing to the diversification of the UAE's economy.'
Maqsood Ismail, Managing Director of Bisconni Middle East Manufacturing, said: 'We are thankful to Kezad, Abu Dhabi and the UAE authorities for their cooperation, expeditious approval of our projects, and proactive support in setting up our business in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to an exciting chapter in our international expansion and growth.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
5 days ago
- Trade Arabia
New Kezad Business District to come up in Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - Kezad Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has announced the development of Kezad Business District (KBD), Abu Dhabi's newest business destination. Strategically located with frontage at the gateway of the E11 arterial corridor between the UAE capital and northern emirates, Kezad Business District is part of the wider 410 sq km-Kezad Al Ma'mourah master development. Initially planned over approximately 3 sq km, the area will be developed in phases with infrastructure works currently underway. New developments include a 21,000 sq m office tower, sporting facilities and food and beverage (F&B) retail facilities adjacent to the Kezad Group HQ building, Kezad One. Kezad Business District is located along the E11 inter-emirate highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and provides exceptional connectivity to all major logistics, industrial and business areas within short driving distance. Kezad Business District is planned as an integrated mixed use commercial hub that will enable close collaboration between academia, businesses and industry while having a thriving social pulse. The district is also advantageously located next to three landmark projects: the 70,000 sq m twofour54 media production campus; the 3.3 sq km Abu Dhabi Food Hub, and the 3.3 sq km Global Auto Hub – the latter two being developed by Kezad Group as part of a pioneering public-private investment. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities and Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: 'The ambition and inventiveness that we have applied to developing and operating one of the world's most integrated, thriving and largest industrial ecosystems is the same one that we will employ to deliver a next-generation business district that will further elevate Abu Dhabi's proposition to global investors. The development of Kezad Business District continues Kezad Group's investment in Abu Dhabi's polycentric urban expansion, with Kezad Al Ma'mourah seen as a critical economic centre in the nation's future-forward growth strategies.' 'Aside from re-emphasising our commitment to provide our investors with end-to-end solutions to grow their businesses, Kezad Business District will offer development opportunities and catalyse new investments in the wider Kezad Al Ma'mourah masterplan. We are very proud and excited to attract new, frontier businesses and commercial activities that will propel our nation's economy into the future.' Kezad Business District is extraordinarily located at the confluence of major transport links with Khalifa Port being only 15 minutes away, Zayed International Airport being a 25-minute drive away, and linked to rest of UAE by the high-speed Etihad Rail and two major highways. With unparalleled proximity to Dubai, Kezad Business District is less than a 30-minute drive away from Jebel Ali Port and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport. When completed, Kezad Business District will serve as an attractive site for investors to set up their regional headquarters, research and innovation centres, training facilities and other operations, and a compelling option complementing service providers, educational institutes, etc. Serving as a secondary business district comprising a commercial hub with a vibrant mix of office, retail, residential, lodging, education, professional training and leisure components, Kezad Business District aims to establish itself as a major commercial centre, and the heart of Kezad's advanced manufacturing and economic ecosystem.
Trade Arabia
22-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Broaden Energy to establish $124m facility in Kezad
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group) and Broaden Energy have announced the signing of a 50-year land lease agreement to establish a key manufacturing facility in Kezad Area A (KEZAD Al Ma'mourah). The agreement was signed at the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first phase of Broaden Energy's new manufacturing complex, publicly announced in partnership with Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) last year. It represents a major expansion of the company's capabilities in local hydrogen generation, refueling, and storage systems in the UAE, and will be the first facility of its type in the region. UAE-based Broaden Energy has invested AED455 million to set up its 80,000 square metre facility that will deliver sustainable solutions utilising renewable sources of energy such as hydrogen, solar and wind power. Operations at the company's new facility in KEZAD are set to create around 1,000 direct permanent new jobs. Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities and Free Zones, said: "Renewable energy is crucial to Abu Dhabi's mission to diversify the energy solution mix for economic development. In alignment with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 for net zero emissions, we are highly focused on expanding the scope for renewable energy sector growth in KEZAD." "The partnership with Broaden Energy reinforces our commitment to facilitate manufacturing innovation for the sector," he stated. Adnan Sokolija, CEO, Broaden Energy, said: "The agreement with KEZAD marks a critical step in Broaden Energy's expansion plans. We are committed to developing advanced solutions that not only align with the nation's local manufacturing initiatives for long-term industrial growth but also contribute to Abu Dhabi's clean energy development."
Trade Arabia
06-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Jafza hailed as vital pillar of Dubai's economy
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has been hailed a vital pillar in Dubai's development journey and a pioneering model that had reinforced the emirate's position as a global hub for trade and logistics over four decades. 'We take pride in what DP World has achieved through Jafza – not only in supporting economic diversification and expanding the investment base, but also in its active contribution to building a resilient economic system that keeps pace with global challenges and fosters the growth of supply chains and trade by enabling global partnerships. We look forward to an even greater role for Jafza in driving Dubai's comprehensive economic growth and supporting global trade through a unique ecosystem that combines innovation, integrated services, and multimodal connectivity – by land, sea, and air,' His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The statement came as Jafza, the flagship free zone of DP World, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year – marking four decades of partnership in promoting trade, supporting global business expansion, and reinforcing economic diversification in Dubai. Over the years, Jafza has come to be recognised as a global benchmark in the development of free zones and for good reason. Today, Jafza's model is being replicated globally as DP World helps countries secure resilient trade infrastructure in an increasingly volatile environment. On May 6, 1980, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum issued the first law to establish a free zone in Jebel Ali, giving shape to a vision that would see the development of one of the most ambitious economic projects in the region. By 1985, Jafza was officially established by royal decree under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, becoming the Middle East's first specially designated free zone. Commemorating the milestone, Jafza has unveiled a special logo and is organising community activities, industry events and initiatives to engage customers and business partners throughout the year. Partner to the UAE economy Over the last two decades, Jafza has attracted over AED110 billion ($29.95 billion) in total investment and today contributes 36% of Dubai's GDP in combination with the integrated Jebel Ali ecosystem. It plays a central role in national strategies including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Operation 300bn, and Make it in the Emirates. From just 19 founding companies in 1985, Jafza has grown to support over 11,000 businesses from 157 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. In 2024, it facilitated AED713 billion in non-oil trade, representing a 15% year-on-year increase from 2023. The free zone also accounted for 74% of the emirate's FDI in the manufacturing, trade, and transport sectors in 2023. Jafza's developed land bank today spans more than 539 million sq ft, offering multimodal connectivity across sea, air, and land. Combined with Jebel Ali Port, which recorded its second highest performance in a decade last year, the ecosystem forms one of the most advanced logistics hubs globally. A hub for jobs, talent, and Emiratisation Jafza supports the employment of over 160,000 people within the free zone, across a wide range of industries, from logistics and automotive to food and advanced manufacturing, making it one of the largest employment hubs in the country. In 2023, Jafza and Jebel Ali Port created over one million direct and indirect jobs, representing 27% of Dubai's total employment, including nearly 40,000 jobs for UAE nationals. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: 'Jafza's 40th anniversary is a celebration of our customers and the visionary leadership which has made Dubai a beacon for international trade. Through four decades of infrastructure investment and innovation, Jafza has become a crucial engine of growth that now sits at the heart of Dubai's economy. We look forward with confidence to the next phase of growth, as Jafza continues to expand and provide the blueprint for success for other DP World economic hubs around the world.' Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC, added: 'Our success over the past 40 years has always been rooted in our commitment to our customers. In the past year alone, we have seen a 17% increase in new companies operating out of Jafza, and Jebel Ali Port ranks among the top 10 ports worldwide. Businesses today face complex challenges in international trade, and our diversified industrial base, multimodal connectivity, and global network and expertise provides them with a competitive edge. As we mark this milestone, we thank our customers and growing community for choosing Jebel Ali.' A blueprint for global trade Jafza's status as a global leader in free zone development was reaffirmed in 2024 when it was named the top global free zone by Financial Times' fDi Intelligence, as well as the top zone in the industrial and sustainability categories. Jafza's pioneering model has been replicated by DP World across 11 economic zones globally, including the Dominicana Economic Zone in the Dominican Republic, Berbera Economic Zone in Somaliland, London Gateway in the UK, and the Chennai Free Trade Zone in India. Globally, DP World has more than 8,900 hectares of operational free zones, with another 670 currently under development that are driving foreign investment, job creation, and industrial development across Asia, Middle East and Africa. Powering a more sustainable future Jafza aims to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy. Through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECS) sourced from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the free zone is now fully powered by renewable energy. It is also home to the largest distributed solar rooftop project in the Middle East, which has seen 158,000 panels installed across Jafza on the rooftops of warehouses, car park canopies and other buildings. The free zone has also received the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) verification – the gold standard for sustainability target setting. Additionally, by 2026, Jafza aims to divert over 80% of waste from landfills to promote the UAE's transition to a circular economy.
