The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority and Business Parks Management have announced that an auto zone will be created to serve as the future primary market place for the auto industry.

Known as Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) and located in Ruwaya on the Dubai Bypass Road, its aim will be to serve the region’s growing demand for auto businesses.
The multi-billion-dirham project, which is due to be completed by the end of 2007, will facilitate traders, light manufacturers, service providers, and others in the automotive and related machinery industry.
Salma Hareb, the CEO of Jafza and Business Parks, commented that the introduction of DAZ would add the auto industry marketplace to Dubai’s other attractions as a centre of tourism, business and finance. The new zone would cater to buyers, sellers, service providers, principals and traders alike.
“We have followed a customer-centric approach in the development of DAZ. The facilities we are developing aim to improve end-users’ experience,” said Hareb
DAZ will consist of a free zone to attract foreign direct investment, a specialised economic zone to cater to the GCC market, and a retail zone to serve the local market. In addition to high-quality customer service, the auto zone will provide its partners with state-of-the-art facilities including an advanced telecommunication system, high-capacity power supplies, an integrated road network, a waste treatment plant and various service facilities.
Obaid Bin-Drai, head of Al Awir Projects, said: “We will communicate to all our existing clients Dubai Auto Zone’s vision. We will clarify the zone’s mission and explain the timeline of the project. We are certain that this project will provide our partners with all the facilities they need to prosper in the local and international markets.”
The master plan for DAZ will be ready by the third quarter of 2006, and from that date the plots will be allocated to those registered in the zone
Currently Jafza is home to hundreds of companies from the auto industry involved in the assembly and trading of heavy machinery, automotive, spare parts, tyres, batteries, electrical equipment and other products. However, due to the high demand in the auto industry, a special zone has been created to accommodate the growing market.