Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP) has signed a musataha agreement with Khalidia International Shipping, a subsidiary of Emirates Business Group (EBG), to set up a third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse with a total investment of Dh80 million ($21.7 million) in Kizad, the Khalifa Industrial Zone’s trade and logistics cluster.

The agreement was signed by Mohamed Abdul Jaleel Al Blooki, chairman of the EBG, and Mana Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla, Kizad CEO.

Located in Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ), a dedicated new project that will serve as a platform for businesses looking to expand in the trade, logistics, and manufacturing sectors in the region, the warehouse will be developed on a  47,081.4-sq-m plot of land with a total capacity of 33,318 pallet positions. It is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2018.

"Kizad’s integrated clusters offer tenants a number of benefits and enhance the efficiency of supply chains within our free zone. The development of Khalidia International Shipping’s new 3PL warehouse in KPFTZ provides existing and future customers with facilities that save transportation costs and streamline storage and distribution processes," Al Mulla said.

 He called on regional and international companies "to take advantage of our prominent logistical location at KPFTZ alongside the unique services and comprehensive offerings available to foreign investors. As a leading international gateway for trade and investments, KPFTZ allows foreign companies to expand their trade operations and reach regional and international markets, which in turn significantly boosts the competitiveness of the free zone’s industries and products”.

"We are delighted to sign this agreement with Khalidia International Shipping and welcome them to our free zone as we look forward to the completion of this dynamic project," Al Mulla concluded.

The warehouse, which will handle international imports for Abu Dhabi and Dubai markets, boasts a large capacity and contains a cold store with temperatures as low as – 24 degrees C and a temperature controlled dry store at 24 to 26 C.

Al Blooki added, "We are delighted to announce this agreement and are proud to be opening our 3PL warehouse in the Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone at Kizad. Adding to the logistics solutions that we already provide, the warehouse will offer a new set of highly demanded services. By supplying cold and dry warehousing services, we will contribute to filling a gap in the market."

Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone is home to a wide portfolio of investments, specifically catering for aluminium, packaging, engineered metals, port logistics, food processing, pharmaceuticals and polymer industries, spanning a gross area of 100 sq km in total across Area A and Area B.

Khalidia International Shipping was established in 1980 in Abu Dhabi. Since then, the company has provided specialised air/sea freight, transport, delivery services, and logistical and warehouse support to clients across different continents. – TradeArabia News Service