Over the past four decades, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has established itself as a cornerstone of the UAE’s industrial and trade landscape. Developed by DP World and strategically located alongside Jebel Ali Port, Jafza has grown from a modest free zone with 19 companies into a globally recognised business hub that today hosts nearly 12,000 companies from more than 150 countries.

Its integrated ecosystem, combining world-class infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and an investor-friendly regulatory framework, has made Jafza one of the most successful free zone developments globally and a major contributor to Dubai’s economic diversification strategy.

Driving Growth

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Jafza continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading industrial and logistics hubs, having recorded a historic $190 billion in trade while attracting investment from thousands of companies across global markets.

The milestone year has been marked by record performance. In the 12 months to May 2025, Jafza handled $190 billion in trade, representing a 15 per cent year-on-year increase and the highest contribution in its history to Dubai’s economy.

Over four decades, the free zone has become a key pillar of the emirate’s industrialisation and diversification efforts, attracting more than $30 billion in foreign direct investment during the past 20 years alone and supporting the creation of over one million direct and indirect jobs alongside Jebel Ali Port.

Today, Jafza accounts for nearly 75 per cent of Dubai’s foreign direct investment in manufacturing, trade and transport, underlining its importance as a platform for industrial development and international commerce.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, described the achievement as evidence of the resilience of Jafza’s integrated port and free zone model, noting that the free zone has successfully navigated periods of geopolitical uncertainty, financial crises, global pandemics and changing trade dynamics throughout its 40-year history.

Manufacturing Hub

Manufacturing remains a key pillar of Jafza’s growth. The free zone is home to more than 700 manufacturers from over 70 countries, employing approximately 60,000 professionals across a diverse range of sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, petrochemicals, chemicals and advanced manufacturing.

Its strategic location provides direct access to regional and international markets across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Europe, connecting businesses to more than 3.5 billion consumers through integrated sea, air, road and rail networks.

Manufacturers operating within Jafza benefit from: 

• Proximity to Jebel Ali Port and regional transportation corridors

• Multimodal logistics connectivity

• Purpose-built and customisable industrial facilities

• Efficient supply chain and warehousing infrastructure

• Free zone incentives and business-friendly regulations

• Access to financing solutions through partner institutions

• Support for National Industrial Licences and industrial localisation initiatives

These advantages have positioned Jafza as a preferred destination for companies seeking to establish regional manufacturing and distribution operations.

Sustained Investment

Investor confidence in Jafza remains strong. During the first four months of 2026, DP World secured AED854 million in new investment commitments across the free zone.

Jafza has achieved operational net zero across its own facilities

The investments span a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, food processing, vehicle handling and heavy equipment. Key projects include production expansions by steel, furniture and food manufacturers, alongside significant investments in warehousing, logistics infrastructure and healthcare operations.

This continued inflow of capital reflects the attractiveness of Jafza’s integrated industrial and logistics ecosystem, particularly at a time when businesses are prioritising supply chain resilience and long-term market access.

International Business

Jafza also continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a gateway for international investors. The free zone currently hosts approximately 170 French companies, employing around 3,800 people, highlighting the depth of commercial relations between the UAE and France.

As part of efforts to attract additional European investment, Jafza regularly engages with international business communities through initiatives aligned with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, showcasing the emirate’s value proposition as a regional headquarters, manufacturing and distribution base.

Advancing Innovation

Jafza’s evolution extends beyond traditional manufacturing and logistics. Increasingly, the free zone is attracting investment in advanced technologies, innovation and research and development.

Eaton has partnered with Jafza to build a new $160 million advanced manufacturing and R&D facility

A notable example is Eaton, the US-based power management company and Fortune 500 enterprise, which is developing a $160 million advanced manufacturing and R&D facility within Jafza. The project, scheduled for completion in 2026, will span more than 500,000 sq ft and include advanced laboratories focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning and sustainable manufacturing technologies.

Such investments reinforce Jafza’s growing role as a centre for industrial innovation and high-value manufacturing.

A Model for Global Economic Zones

Jafza’s success has served as the blueprint for DP World’s broader economic zones strategy. The company has replicated key elements of the Jafza model across 11 economic zones worldwide, spanning Europe, Africa, India and the Americas, with additional projects under development.

The combination of port connectivity, industrial infrastructure, logistics capabilities and commercial flexibility has demonstrated resilience through multiple global disruptions, including economic downturns, geopolitical instability and supply chain challenges. 

Looking Ahead

As the UAE continues to pursue industrial growth and economic diversification through initiatives such as Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Jafza remains uniquely positioned to support those ambitions. With record trade volumes, continued investment inflows, a growing manufacturing base and expanding international partnerships, Jafza is not only a key driver of Dubai’s economy but also a leading example of how integrated industrial and logistics ecosystems can support sustainable economic development in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.