MEP design and build in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) 

MEP design and build in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi): local context

KEZAD, formerly known as KIZAD, is the industrial free zone near Khalifa Port between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, hosting manufacturing plants, logistics warehouses and cold stores on large plots. It has expanded since the early 2010s. Manolia completed HVAC works for a packaging manufacturing facility here. Facilities are often built quickly to meet production start dates.

• Construction approvals typically run through the KEZAD zone authority's own channel, with fire safety review; requirements are confirmed per plot and use.
• Manufacturing plants need process cooling, ventilation for heat-generating machinery and controlled environments where product quality depends on temperature and humidity.
• The location sits between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so manpower and material logistics from Dubai are practical with planning.

Building types we serve in KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi)

For factories and industrial plants, the work concentrates on process cooling and ventilation, heavy LV distribution, hazard-appropriate fire protection and plant that tolerates dust and high ambient temperatures.

Scope of work

• Concept review of the architectural design to locate plant rooms, risers, shafts and roof space early, before floor plates and ceiling heights are frozen.
• Cooling and heating load calculations, ventilation rates, electrical load schedules, water demand and drainage fixture-unit calculations for authority and utility submission.
• Procurement of equipment against the design intent, with submittals that keep selections inside the calculated duties rather than swapping in undersized alternatives.
• Installation, testing, commissioning and handover by the same organisation, closing the loop between design assumptions and measured performance.

Systems we install

• Ventilation, kitchen and car park extract, smoke management and stair pressurisation systems.
• LV electrical distribution from main panel to final circuits, lighting, small power and emergency supplies.

UAE site and climate challenges

• UAE design ambient temperatures around 46°C dry bulb with high coastal humidity drive both sensible and latent loads. We design fresh-air systems to dehumidify outdoor air properly, because under-dehumidified ventilation is the main cause of mould and sweating ducts in UAE buildings.
• Solar gain through glazing on west and south facades dominates perimeter loads. Our load models use the actual facade specification and orientation, and perimeter zones are separated so a sunlit side does not overcool the shaded interior.
• Water-cooled versus air-cooled chillers: water-cooled plant is more efficient in UAE heat but needs cooling towers, water treatment and make-up water; air-cooled is simpler and usual for mid-size buildings without water allowances.

Relevant Manolia projects

HVAC

International Clear Packaging factory, Abu Dhabi

KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) · HVAC · Completed

HVAC for a factory in a specialised economic zone.

Al Bahar Palace, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi · HVAC · Completed

HVAC design & installation, fresh/extract air, plus swimming-pool works.

Frequently asked questions