Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) Celebrates Four Decades as the Foundation of Dubai's Commercial and Economic Expansion

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Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the pioneering trade and logistics powerhouse of Dubai, hits the big 4-0, cementing its status as a bedrock of the emirate's economic metamorphosis and worldwide trade dominance.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, lauded Jafza's indispensable role in sculpting Dubai's economic panorama. He spotlighted Jafza's instrumental functions in fortifying supply chain stability, propelling investment growth, and fostering economic diversification. Addressing this monumental occasion, he underscored Jafza's importance as a paradigm for global free zone development and a critical catalyst of Dubai's ambitious economic ambitions.

In 1985, under the farsighted vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and formalized by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jafza kicked off as the Middle East's date with destiny—the region's inaugural designated free zone. Over the subsequent four decades, Jafza has morphed into a key constituent of DP World's global logistics network.

With a home to over 11,000 companies hailing from 157 nations, Jafza has amassed a staggering AED110 billion in investments. In 2024 alone, the free zone facilitated AED713 billion in non-oil trade, registering a robust 15% surge from the previous year, and representing a 74% share of Dubai's FDI in strategic sectors.

Encompassing 539 million square feet and intertwined with the Jebel Ali Port, Jafza ranks among the world's most sophisticated multimodal logistics ecosystems. It nurtures over 160,000 jobs directly and indirectly, contributing 36% of Dubai's GDP in conjunction with the Jebel Ali ecosystem.

Bestowed with the global top spot by fDi Intelligence in 2024, Jafza also champions sustainability, ditching fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy, and boasting the Middle East's largest rooftop solar project.

As its fifth decade dawns, Jafza remains integral to DP World's global expansion blueprint and the UAE's vision of a durable, sustainable, and innovation-driven economy.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), established in 1985 with a mere 19 companies, has transcended into a bustling trade and logistics nerve center—a crowning achievement in Dubai's grand strategy to transform from a modest desert town into a global economic powerhouse. Driven by world-class facilities, user-friendly customs procedures, and a bevy of business incentives, the free zone has enticed myriad multinational firms, particularly from Europe and North America.

The free zone's inception was a strategic move spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who envisioned Dubai's potential in becoming a formidable regional and global trade hub by capitalizing on its geographical position and investing heavily in infrastructure.

Jafza's rise had a profound impact on Dubai's economy, propelling the emirate to break free from its reliance on oil and ushering in an era of diversification. By attracting over $30 billion in foreign investments and creating more than one million jobs over the past two decades, Jafza has played a crucial role in building Dubai's competitive, diversified economy.

Jafza's integrated port and free zone model has proven remarkably resilient, enabling the emirate to weather various global disruptions such as regional conflicts, economic crises, and pandemics. The zone's 40th anniversary marked a record year of trade volumes, with over $190 billion in trade facilitated in 2025—a 15% year-on-year increase, making it its highest-ever contribution to Dubai's economy.

Jafza's enduring success has placed Dubai at the vanguard of international trade, influencing economic strategies worldwide and solidifying the city's reputation as a bastion of global commerce and logistics.

The indispensable role of Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in shaping Dubai's economic landscape extends beyond trade and logistics, serving as a crucial platform for leadership, investment, and sustainable development.
With a focus on fostering innovation, Jafza attracts multiple multinational firms, particularly from Europe and North America, positioning itself as a critical catalyst for the growth of Dubai's business industry.
Jafza's strategic positioning under visionary leadership, such as that of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has enabled it to capitalize on its geographical advantages, contributing significantly to Dubai's economic diversification efforts.
As a paradigm for global free zone development, Jafza's enduring success underscores the potential for financial growth and economic stability, aligning with the UAE's vision of a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.
Jafza's commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through initiatives like the Middle East's largest rooftop solar project, solidifies its reputation as a model for environmental consciousness in the trade and logistics industry.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) Celebrates Four Decades as the Foundation of Dubai's Commercial and Economic Expansion