Forklift demand in KEZAD is climbing fast. Abu Dhabi’s industrial zone is emerging as a major regional driver of economic growth. Manufacturing is expanding rapidly across the zone. This growth is driving greater demand for reliable material-handling equipment. Forklifts are a specialized import from Japan. They are steadily increasing in demand as more warehouses, factories, and logistics facilities open in KEZAD Abu Dhabi. This article explores KEZAD’s expansion plans. In addition, it looks at why equipment demand is rising rapidly and what this means for local businesses.
KEZAD’s Rapid Industrial Growth in 2025-2026
One such example is KEZAD, which has tremendous year-on-year growth across all metrics. In 2025, the zone had 73.6 square kilometers of land on lease by year-end. Additionally, it added 3.3 square kilometers (sq. km) of new leases during the year. Some 67% of these leases are linked to industrial and manufacturing activity. Financially, the results are just as encouraging. The Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster, which includes KEZAD, reported AED 2.87 billion in revenue in Q1 2025. In fact, that’s up from AED 1.98 billion the year before—a 45% increase.
Moreover, warehouse capacity has expanded rapidly. Since the cluster began operations, it has added 146,000 square meters of new warehouse space in 2025 alone. Meanwhile, occupancy has stayed high at 91 percent. Dramatic swings like these show that demand is keeping pace with new construction.
What’s Driving Forklift Demand in KEZAD
Consequently, as the number of warehouses and industrial facilities increases, so does the need for material handling. Over the past year, businesses set up seven new facilities in the zone. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development announced investment deals worth 147 million dirhams for this expansion. Together, these deals cover more than 84,000 square meters. That’s around 2.5 times the size of Sharjah’s BEEAH headquarters. As a result, the growth is creating further new jobs.. The projects cover a range of sectors, from oilfield chemicals blending to new industrial warehousing.
In addition, KEZAD is also investing in SMEs. The KEZAD SME Hub is expected to open around the end of 2026. It will provide a viable business platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hub supports their growth from startup to scaled production and distribution. It spans 25,260 square meters. As these businesses grow, their need for equipment, including forklifts, increases.
Key Industrial Clusters Fueling Equipment Needs
KEZAD is expanding across several industry-specific hubs. Metal Park exports primary and secondary non-ferrous metals. Similarly, Rahayel Auto and Mobility City serves the automotive, aerospace, life sciences, and logistics sectors. Agtech Park includes the Abu Dhabi Food Hub. Furthermore, recent developments include a 150,000-square-foot facility for storing and distributing heavy machinery and industrial equipment. New projects in food production and metals manufacturing are also underway. Overall, these sectors all require efficient material handling processes to ensure that operations run seamlessly
Forklift Demand in KEZAD by Zone
Within the KEZAD ecosystem, various sectors are developing uniquely:
THE EMIRATES: This well-established master development spans 410 square kilometers. It features the new KEZAD Business District at the entrance to E11, connecting Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates.
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Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD): KIZAD sits on the main trade route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, right next to Khalifa Port. It has sea, road, air and future rail access.
THE TRADEZONE KEZAD Business District—A recently revealed mixed-use center that extends the industrial footprint of the zone.
The requirements for on-site material handling equipment will only increase as these areas mature.
Why Businesses in KEZAD Prefer Renting Over Buying
In this fast-moving KEZAD environment, renting a forklift often makes more sense than buying:
Project timelines — Since equipment is essential for new facilities and SMEs, purchasing creates unwanted delays.
Renting frees up capital — Instead, enterprises use the money to grow their company rather than owning equipment.
Flexibility — Rental fleets can be changed up as project phases change.
What This Means for Contractors & Logistics Companies
As KEZAD’s industrial base grows, demand for trusted equipment will likely rise. Therefore, when companies have contracted with reliable forklift rental partners from early on, they improve their chances of maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Big Star Transport’s Role in KEZAD’s Growth
At Big Star Transport, we are committed to supporting businesses across KEZAD and its surrounding areas with flexible forklift rental plans and prompt local support. As the zone continues to grow, we aim to help companies meet their material handling needs.
With forklift demand in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi, on the rise, don’t wait for equipment shortages—reach out to Big Star Transport today for a free quote.