Dubai Airport Free Zone grew 67 per cent in 2007
Since its inception in 1996, the core business of Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) is to boost the flow of investment into Dubai and facilitate investors' key goal of expanding into the Middle East and GCC.
Located close to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA has in the last decade attracted a large number of major multinational players from around the world such as Wyeth Pharmaceutical, DANZAS, Pfizer, Clarins Groupe Middle East, Boeing, Mann, BrainLAB and Johnson and Johnson.
Unprecedented growth
Recognised as the fastest growing airport free zone in the Middle East, DAFZA has recorded unprecedented growth in terms of revenue and number of companies registered in the last two years, growing by 57 per cent in 2006 and 64 per cent in 2007.
"The year 2007 has proven to be an excellent year of growth and profitability," declares Dr. Mohammad Al Zarouni, Director General of DAFZA.
Stretching over 700,000 square metres, DAFZA hosts 1,400 companies from Europe, the GCC, the United States, the Far East, India and Africa. It focuses on five key sectors including pharmaceuticals, electronics and electrical items, telecommunications, jewellery and precious stones, building materials, and freight and cargo.
DAFZA recently won the Health and Safety Certificate 1999-18001. It achieved ISO 9001:2000 SGS certification and the Middle East Logistic Awards in 2006 and 2007.
"Apart from the business incentives of 100 per cent ownership and tax-free transactions, we provide our clients with a well developed infrastructure including high quality offices, warehouses and area for construction purposes by the tenants as per their requirements," said Al Zarouni.
"In terms of customer satisfaction, we strongly believe customers come first and should be given special attention. We train and qualify our employees to practice these concepts."
"Having successfully executed the third phase of expansion to accommodate around 800 new companies, DAFZA will now focus on the new expansion, which will include a purpose-built business centre, a hotel and several other amenities," says Al Zarouni. "The built up area increased by 32,000 square metres of office space in 2007. We have ambitious plans to add another 80,000 in 2009. By 2012 DAFZA will have leasing space of an additional 94,000 square metres."
"We strongly believe in building partnerships to stay ahead of the times and maintain our edge in competitiveness, and have therefore contributed a great deal to the formation of Dubai Centre for Corporate Values (DCCV), which would help companies to take into account the social and moral aspects of business," says Al Zarouni.
DAFZA also plays an active role in supporting community activities, including centres for children with special needs.
