Amazon has taken a major step into the UAE capital’s fast-growing ecommerce ecosystem by launching its first fulfilment centre in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The move marks a new chapter in the emirate’s logistics, trade and retail landscape.
The facility is located in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), a sprawling integrated trade, industrial and logistics free zone which is central to Abu Dhabi’s plans for economic diversification and positioning itself as a regional hub for trade and industry.
The project was officially inaugurated by senior officials including representatives from ADIO, Abu Dhabi Customs, KEZAD Group, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development.
Capacity, Features and Technology
With a storage capacity of up to 8 million units, the fulfilment centre is designed to handle more than 30 product categories— ranging from home, kitchen, groceries, beauty, to electronics.
Nearly half of its capacity is reserved for sellers using Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA), enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage Amazon’s infrastructure for storage, packing, shipping and related services.
Insight: eCommerce and the Evolution of Retail Logistics
Automation and innovation are key pillars. The facility includes an Innovation Lab equipped with technologies such as 3D-printing systems, ergonomic assessment tools, package testing equipment, and advanced analytics. Through over 500 tests, the lab has reportedly achieved a 93% success rate and reduced process lead times by about 59%.
These features are set to underpin same-day delivery options and faster processing times for customers throughout the UAE.
Economic and Trade Impact
Beyond serving customer demand for speed and selection, the facility is also poised to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s digital economy and logistics network.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “The launch of Amazon’s first fulfilment centre in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in our strategic partnership.
"Through ADIO’s collaboration with Amazon, we are not only creating opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises, we are also strengthening the advanced logistics and digital commerce ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
"This is aligned with our initiatives to enable businesses in priority sectors such as retail and wholesale trade, SMEs, and ICT to grow, thrive, and expand.”
Customs and trade facilitation agencies also play a crucial role. Abu Dhabi Customs is set to contribute streamlined clearance processes, use of digital platforms, data analytics and other advanced technologies to ensure smooth import/export operations in and out of the fulfilment centre.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, said: "This new fulfilment centre represents a step forward in our long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By combining technology with our customer-obsessed approach, we are expanding our operational footprint in Abu Dhabi while setting new standards for online retail."
Sustainability and Future Orientation
Sustainability has been built into the centre’s design. Beyond its operational efficiency, the facility leverages analytics-driven processes to reduce consumption. Integration of environmentally conscious practices is aligned with both Amazon’s global goals and Abu Dhabi’s broader policy push toward responsible development.
Laying the Ground Work eCommerce Expansion
The launching of this fulfilment centre isn’t just about infrastructure - it’s about laying the groundwork for e-commerce expansion in the UAE, enhancing competitiveness, and offering local sellers better access to customers with improved service levels.
For Amazon, it consolidates its presence in the Gulf region; for Abu Dhabi, it forms a high-visibility example of public-private cooperation aimed at accelerating its trade, innovation, and digital commerce ambitions.
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