The local/Australian Al-Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) has been awarded an $80m contract for infrastructure work on the Kizad Industrial Zone.

Located at Taweelah, Kizad was previously known as Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ).

The contract, which was awarded by Abu Dhabi Ports Company, involves secondary infrastructure work on the 52 square kilometre phase 1B of the project.

HGL says it will start work in July 2015 with an expected completion date of March 2017.

The work comprises road, sewerage, water and telecom networks, and will include extensive dewatering, excavation, pipe-laying and road construction works.

In 2010 HLG was awarded an estimated AED1.1bn ($300m) contract to build infrastructure and roads at the same scheme. The work involved road works at the port and surrounding industrial area and a major intersection.

By 2030, Kizad is expected to contribute 15 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP. Between 60 and 80 per cent of all goods manufactured within Kizad will be exported.

The range of industries in Kizad includes petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, aluminium, steel and engineered metals, glass and paper. Kizad has been granted Investment Zone status and as such it will offer selected investors 100 per cent foreign ownership.