Kizad rolls out new relief packages to help businesses cope with Covid-19

The new measures offer up to 36% savings for small and medium enterprises operating in the free zone

Abu Dhabi Maritime will be responsible for the development of infrastructure and the management of the emirate’s coastal zones. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Ports

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, rolled out new relief packages that provide up to 36 per cent savings for businesses operating in the freezone in an effort to support its customers amid Covid-19.

The new measures, available to  both existing and prospective customers, offer savings of up to 25 per cent on new registrations and renewals while security deposit charges will be waived, Kizad said in a statement on Thursday.

“The SME relief packages we announced today are aligned with the UAE’s efforts to protect SMEs in the country from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Khalid Al Marzooqi, director commercial at Kizad.

“As one of the leading enablers of industry, it is our responsibility to provide businesses with the opportunities to be competitive in their respective markets.”

Companies that register or renew for three years will have 25 per cent in savings while those committing for two years will net 20 per cent in savings. One-year registrations will be able to avail just 15 per cent in savings, Kizad said.

The new initiative follows similar measures undertaken by Abu Dhabi Ports and implemented by Kizad to support customers affected by the global economic slowdown in the wake of Covid-19.

The measures announced by Abu Dhabi Ports recently include waiving penalties associated with the late renewal of licences in the second quarter of the year and rent deferment.

The UAE is gradually opening up after weeks of stay-at-home directives that were in place to contain the coronavirus. While malls and restaurants have had a phased opening in the country, remote working policies continue in an effort to adhere to social distancing.

Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (Dafza) on Thursday said it started a set of new initiatives to support its employees working remotely.

The new initiatives which include “Virtual Dafza staff forum’ are aimed at ensuring the continuity of business operations and enabling co-workers to effectively communicate, collaborate and share their achievements during this period, according to Dafza.

“Our initiatives aim to boost morale and provide support to our employees whilst they maintain social distancing, keeping spirits positive. This in turn drives the performance of all departments and the level of services, which our customers expect,” said Yousuf Behzad, assistant director-general of people growth and strategy at Dafza.

“We are currently finalising a recovery plan for the return of employees to prepare them for the post-coronavirus phase,” he added.