Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has emphasized the pivotal role of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai's economic development over the past four decades. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Jafza as a key driver in reinforcing Dubai's status as a global trade and logistics hub.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Hamdan commended DP World's achievements through Jafza, noting its significant contributions to economic diversification and investment expansion. He praised Jafza for building a resilient economic system that adapts to global challenges and supports the growth of supply chains through global partnerships. Looking to the future, Sheikh Hamdan expressed a vision for Jafza to further enhance Dubai's economic growth and global trade through its unique ecosystem that integrates innovation and multimodal connectivity.
As Jafza celebrates its 40th anniversary, it marks a period of substantial contribution to trade promotion, business expansion, and economic diversification in Dubai. The free zone, which began with the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's vision in 1980, has emerged as a global benchmark for free zones, with its model being replicated worldwide by DP World.
Since its official establishment in 1985, Jafza has evolved significantly, attracting over AED110 billion in investments and contributing 36% of Dubai's GDP in conjunction with the Jebel Ali ecosystem. It plays a central role in national strategies such as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Operation 300bn.
From its initial 19 companies in 1985, Jafza now hosts over 11,000 businesses from 157 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. In 2024, Jafza facilitated AED713 billion in non-oil trade, marking a 15% increase from 2023. It accounted for 74% of Dubai's FDI in key sectors in 2023.
Jafza's infrastructure spans more than 539 million square feet, providing connectivity across sea, air, and land. It supports over 160,000 jobs and contributed to over one million jobs in 2023, representing 27% of Dubai's total employment.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, credited Jafza's growth to its investment in infrastructure and innovation, while Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO of DP World GCC, highlighted Jafza's customer-centric approach as key to its success.
Jafza's global leadership was affirmed in 2024 when it was recognized as the top global free zone by Financial Times' fDi Intelligence. DP World has replicated Jafza's model across 11 global economic zones, fostering foreign investment and job creation.
Jafza is committed to achieving carbon-neutrality by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UAE's sustainability goals. It is fully powered by renewable energy and hosts the largest solar rooftop project in the Middle East.
As Jafza enters its fifth decade, it continues to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions, setting global standards for free zones.