Metal Park launches in Abu Dhabi as world’s first pay-as-you-grow metals ecosystem
Dh430m project spans 450,000 sqm across Free Zone and Mainland
ABU DHABI – Metal Park, described as the world’s first pay-as-you-grow metals ecosystem, has been officially launched at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi by KEZAD Group, marking a significant shift in how downstream metals businesses operate and expand.
The Dh430 million development was unveiled in the presence of Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group. Senior government officials and industry leaders from KEZAD Group, Emirates Steel and AD Ports Group also attended the launch.
Spanning 450,000 square metres, Metal Park introduces a new industrial operating model aimed at replacing traditional capital-intensive setups with a fully integrated and scalable ecosystem. The project has been designed to allow metals companies to grow in line with market demand while avoiding large upfront infrastructure investments, improving capital efficiency and speed-to-market.
Ecosystem model
Developed by KEZAD Group, Metal Park operates across both Free Zone and Mainland jurisdictions and is already fully live. Its Production Hub, Storage Hub and Business Centre are operational, supporting on-site metal processing for 27 member companies. These facilities provide shared specialist services, secure high-throughput storage and integrated commercial support within a single industrial system.
The ecosystem enables manufacturers to access infrastructure, logistics and operational services as required, rather than committing capital from the outset. This model is designed to offer greater predictability in costs and operations, particularly for downstream metals businesses navigating fluctuating demand and complex supply chains.
Integrated logistics
A key feature of Metal Park is its integrated logistics infrastructure, delivered through collaboration between KEZAD Group and AD Ports Group. This setup ensures seamless connectivity from production to storage and outbound logistics, reducing friction across the value chain.
By consolidating logistics and operational support within the park, manufacturers benefit from improved throughput, reliability and delivery timelines. The integration also supports more efficient coordination between production activities and distribution channels, strengthening supply chain resilience.
Operational focus
Metal Park has been engineered with a strong emphasis on operational excellence, safety and sustainability. Processes within the ecosystem are designed to reduce manual handling, minimise idle time and optimise energy use. Shared assets and infrastructure help reduce duplication and waste, aligning operational performance with environmental objectives.
Technology underpins the entire ecosystem, with Metal Park functioning as a digitally orchestrated platform. Members are provided with real-time visibility across operations, seamless service ordering and coordinated internal logistics, supporting more efficient decision-making and daily operations.
Industry impact
The launch of Metal Park supports Abu Dhabi’s wider industrial strategy by enabling advanced manufacturing, strengthening the downstream metals sector and attracting industrial investment through a scalable and efficient model. By lowering barriers to entry and simplifying operational complexity, the ecosystem is positioned to contribute to the growth of the non-oil economy.