New integrated industrial operating model enables scalable growth for downstream metals manufacturers
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi–KEZAD Group recently announced the launch of Metal Park, the world’s first pay-as-you-grow metals ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.
The launch was also attended by Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group; Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO, Emirates Steel, and senior KEZAD Group and government officials.
The 450,000sqm Metal Park, set up by the company with an investment of AED 430mn, introduces a new industrial operating model designed to transform how downstream metals businesses access infrastructure, logistics, and specialist services which replace the traditional capital-heavy and fragmented industrial setup with a fully integrated, scalable ecosystem.
Capital efficiency
The model allows metals companies to grow in line with demand while avoiding large upfront investment, improving capital efficiency, speed-to-market, and operational predictability.
Unlike conventional industrial parks, Metal Park, which operates both in the Free Zone and the Mainland, is now live, fully operational. Its Production Hub, Storage Hub, and Business Centre are already active, enabling metal to be processed on site by its 27 members. The ecosystem provides shared specialist capabilities, secure high-throughput storage, and integrated commercial and operational support, forming a functioning industrial system.
Integrated logistics infrastructure, enabled through KEZAD Group and AD Ports Group, ensures seamless connectivity from production to storage and outbound movement.
Lowering barriers
“By enabling a pay-as-you-grow model, we are lowering barriers to entry, improving capital efficiency, and providing manufacturers with an industry-specific environment where infrastructure, logistics, and services work together from day one,” remarked Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.
“This is not about building another industrial zone. It is about creating an operating model where metals businesses can scale intelligently, supported by shared infrastructure, integrated logistics, and coordinated services that remove complexity from daily operations,” commented Vahid Fouladkar, CEO, Metal Park.
