Rox and KEZAD to build Middle East’s first AI-powered advanced manufacturing centre in Abu Dhabi
Rox and KEZAD to establish the Middle East’s first AI-powered advanced manufacturing centre in Abu Dhabi, aiming to begin operations in the second half of 2026 and reach 300,000 cars annually by 2030.
Rox and KEZAD formalise strategic manufacturing partnership
Rox announced a strategic agreement with KEZAD — Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi — during the “Make it in the UAE 2026” forum to create the region’s first AI-powered advanced manufacturing centre. The project will focus on premium smart vehicle production and links directly to the UAE’s broader industrial and export ambitions. The agreement positions Abu Dhabi as the anchor location for a manufacturing ecosystem driven by artificial intelligence and scalable production methods.
Project timeline and production targets
Under the planned schedule, the manufacturing centre is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026 (July–December 2026). Rox has set an ambitious manufacturing target of producing up to 300,000 vehicles per year by 2030. Company projections indicate the facility could contribute as much as 10% toward the UAE’s Project 300 Billion manufacturing initiative, supporting the nation’s goal to expand domestic industrial output and exports.
Factory design and AI-driven production model
The facility will be built around AI-driven manufacturing systems intended to enable flexible, high-volume production of premium smart cars. Rox plans to deploy advanced robotics, predictive maintenance, and real-time data analytics to optimise throughput and quality. The manufacturing model emphasises modular lines and digital twins to accelerate product updates and scale capacity with minimal downtime.
Logistics, site advantages and export strategy
KEZAD’s multimodal logistics network and industrial-grade infrastructure are cited as key enablers for the project’s export focus. The Abu Dhabi site offers direct access to ports, rail and road links designed to support regional distribution across the Middle East and North Africa as well as global shipments. Rox intends the centre to be both a production hub for regional markets and a base for outward exports, integrating local supply chains with international partners.
Economic implications for Abu Dhabi and the UAE
Officials describe the centre as a strategic addition to Abu Dhabi’s industrial landscape that will attract investment and create high-skilled jobs. By linking manufacturing capacity with aftermarket services and parts distribution, Rox aims to establish an end-to-end value chain anchored in the UAE. The initiative is positioned to strengthen the “Made in UAE” brand and increase the country’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing and automotive exports.
Leadership remarks and corporate footprint in the UAE
Jarvis, Rox’s founder and chief executive, said the agreement with KEZAD will bring AI-enabled manufacturing capabilities to Abu Dhabi and help the emirate emerge as a connected export and production hub. Abdullah Al Hameli, Chief Executive — Economic Cities & Free Zones at AD Ports Group, highlighted KEZAD’s ongoing role in attracting high-quality industrial investment and providing the infrastructure and regulatory framework needed for companies to scale internationally. Rox already operates its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi and maintains a regional spare-parts centre in Dubai, underscoring the company’s commitment to the UAE as its regional base.
The project will be developed as a reference facility intended to demonstrate how AI and smart manufacturing can be deployed at scale in the region. Rox plans to coordinate local suppliers, workforce development programmes and aftersales services to ensure the centre supports a broader industrial ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa.
This initiative marks a significant new phase in the UAE’s push to expand advanced manufacturing and high-value exports, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s logistics assets and policy support to build a globally competitive automotive manufacturing cluster.