UAE to develop a defence industrial free zone in Abu Dhabi

Al Selmiyyah, a suburb in Abu Dhabi, will turn into a zone that will be dedicated to advancing defence manufacturing in the UAE. 

It follows the announcement of a strategic partnership between Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and AD Ports Group on Wednesday to develop Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone.

Designed to attract leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the zone will enable the localisation of production, support the expansion of industrial operations, and strengthen the country’s long-term defence capabilities.

The project will be developed as an integrated defence industrial ecosystem, bringing together specialised infrastructure, advanced regulatory frameworks, and robust industrial security and compliance standards.

It will also feature direct integration with logistics networks and global supply chains to support export activities and meet the requirements of sovereign and strategic industries.

Under the partnership, Tawazun will be responsible for developing the regulatory and licensing frameworks, aligning the project with national defence capability priorities, and overseeing the industrial compliance ecosystem.

Meanwhile, AD Ports Group will serve as a strategic partner and advisor for the zone, leading the master planning process, shaping land use and infrastructure planning, and providing industrial zone development expertise to support phased delivery, ecosystem integration, and connectivity to regional and global trade networks in line with international best practices.

The initiative marks a significant step in advancing the UAE’s efforts to build a sustainable defence base that strengthens national security and enhances long-term defence readiness.

"The development of Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone is an unprecedented initiative in the region aimed at attracting leading global manufacturers and establishing advanced industrial partnerships that support technology transfer and accelerate the growth of the UAE’s defence industrial base,” said Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement. 

"We look forward to leveraging our operational expertise and global logistics network to advance this strategic project, supporting the growth and expansion of our business, while contributing towards the UAE’s efforts in building an advanced and sustainable defence industrial platform," added Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.