The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) has established itself as a premier free trade zone over the past 30 years, attracting over 10,700 multinational companies and providing jobs for more than 160,000 people in the UAE.
Located at a strategic crossroads between Asia, Europe, and Africa, Jafza enables access to a market of over 3.5 billion consumers.
In 2024, Jafza made significant strides in infrastructure and partnerships focused on developing Emirati talent, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and enhancing global connectivity.
Strategic location and infrastructure development
Jafza’s strategic location adjacent to Jebel Ali Port and Dubai International Airport provides unparalleled connectivity through land, sea, and air. This integrated multi-modal hub is equipped with extensive logistics facilities that cater to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and trade. In 2024, Jafza continued to enhance its infrastructure, making significant investments that bolster its appeal to global businesses.
One of the most notable developments was the groundbreaking of Oscar Middle East's new liquid bulk terminal. This AED150 million facility will specialize in the storage and handling of chemicals and base oils, significantly improving the region's capacity to support the petrochemical trade. With a total capacity of 45,400 cu m, the terminal is expected to enhance Jafza's role as a key hub in the global petrochemical market, further contributing to Dubai's standing in this vital sector.
Additionally, Jafza welcomed Global Surfaces FZE, which unveiled the largest engineered surfaces manufacturing facility in the Middle East. This state-of-the-art plant, representing a $27 million investment, will produce high-quality engineered quartz surfaces and is poised to meet the growing demand in both regional and international markets. The facility's advanced technology and eco-friendly production processes align with the UAE's sustainability goals, particularly the target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Commitment to sustainability
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of Jafza's operations. In 2024, Jafza took major strides towards its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The implementation of the Middle East's largest rooftop solar project, which consists of 158,000 solar panels, exemplifies this commitment. This initiative is expected to save approximately 48,000 tons of emissions annually while generating over 30% of Jafza’s electricity needs.
Moreover, the ongoing collaboration with Global Surfaces emphasizes eco-friendly production practices. The new facility is designed to utilize renewable energy sources and recycled materials, showcasing Jafza's dedication to sustainable manufacturing that aligns with broader UAE sustainability objectives.
Enhancing emirate employment
In alignment with the UAE’s vision for national development, Jafza has made substantial efforts to enhance Emirati employment within its operational framework. In 2024, the Emirati Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jafza aimed at increasing the recruitment and development of Emirati nationals in various sectors, including logistics and supply chain management.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to Emiratisation goals, equipping UAE nationals with the necessary skills to thrive in strategic economic sectors. Through targeted initiatives such as job fairs and vocational training programs, Jafza aims to foster an inclusive workforce capable of contributing to the region’s economic landscape.
Driving India-UAE trade
Jafza has emerged as a critical player in enhancing trade relations between India and the UAE. In 2024, the free zone witnessed a 28% year-on-year increase in new Indian businesses establishing operations in the region, with 190 new companies joining the Jafza community. This surge can be attributed to the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which has facilitated cross-border trade by eliminating tariffs for Indian traders.
The CEPA has not only boosted bilateral non-oil trade to $50.5 billion in its first year but also set ambitious targets to double this figure by 2030. Jafza’s role in this dynamic trade relationship is further exemplified by initiatives such as the Bharat Mart project, which aims to provide Indian traders with comprehensive supply chain solutions, enhancing their access to local and international markets.
Infrastructure for food security
In a region where food security is of paramount importance, Jafza has taken proactive steps to strengthen the UAE's food supply chain. The groundbreaking of the Agri Terminals facility at Jebel Ali Port marks a transformative investment of AED 550 million ($150 million) aimed at enhancing food security in the UAE. This state-of-the-art facility will specialize in storing and processing agricultural products, thus supporting the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
The Agri Terminals complex is expected to handle approximately 750,000 metric tonnes of agricultural products annually, significantly boosting Dubai’s capabilities in food trade and processing. With this project, Jafza is poised to further cement its position as a critical hub for agricultural logistics and food security.
Recognition and awards
Jafza's achievements in 2024 did not go unnoticed on the global stage. The free zone proudly received five prestigious awards from Financial Times’ fDi magazine, including the coveted title of "Industrial Zone of the Year" and "Top Sustainable Zone" in both global and Middle Eastern categories. These accolades underscore Jafza’s commitment to fostering industrial innovation and advancing sustainable practices within its operations.
The fDi Global Free Zones of the Year awards are recognized as one of the most respected accolades in the free zone industry. Jafza's distinction in this competitive field, which featured 63 entries from free zones worldwide, is a testament to its significant infrastructure investments and sustainability initiatives. The awards celebrate Jafza's success in attracting diverse, high-value customers and its ability to create an environment conducive to business growth.