As Jebel Ali Free Zone, the first free zone in the GCC countries and known as JAFZA, marks its 40th anniversary in 2025, this article highlights essential information about one of the world’s leading free trade zones.
Establishment and Vision
The establishment of JAFZA in 1985 by the visionary leader Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a pivotal decision that propelled Dubai into the modern world and accelerated the UAE’s growth. It also positioned Dubai as a strategic global business hub between Europe and Asia. With the opening of Jebel Ali Port in 1979, the vision for JAFZA was set in motion, leading to the development of a free economic trade zone.
Evolution and Management
Initially managed and operated by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) under the government of Dubai, the free zone provided the necessary infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and services to facilitate business operations. In 2014, DP World acquired JAFZA and other assets from Economic Zones World (EZW) for a substantial sum. Since then, DP World has been managing and operating JAFZA, leveraging its strategic importance to enhance global logistics and trade networks.
Spread over 57 square kilometers in the Jebel Ali area at the far western end of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, JAFZA has grown from housing 19 companies in 1985 to over 500 businesses by 1995.
Today, it hosts more than 10,000 companies, including over 100 Fortune Global 500 companies, making it one of the largest free zones globally and the region’s most efficient logistics hub. From 150+ countries, JAFZA provides 144,000+ jobs and attracts 32 percentage of Dubai’s foreign direct investments.
Over 50 percentage of total exports from Dubai are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The Jebel Ali Free Zone is valued at $69 billion in trade alone, and businesses registered in JAFZA generate $104.2 billion in trade value per year. In 2015, JAFZA generated trade worth $87.6 billion.
Strategic Importance
JAFZA is DP World’s flagship free zone and the largest customs-bonded zone in the Middle East. Its creation marked a significant milestone in Dubai’s economic development, providing a critical boost to trade and logistics.
The free zone’s strategic location and business-friendly environment have positioned it as a cornerstone of Dubai’s growth, transforming the city into a major global business hub. Located at Jebel Ali Port, the largest harbor connected to all ports worldwide, it can accommodate more than 15 million containers per year via 170 shipping routes.
40th Anniversary
As JAFZA marks its 40th anniversary in 2025, it is a testament to visionary leadership and strategic planning. The establishment of JAFZA has not only accelerated Dubai’s growth but has also helped the city become a pivotal global business hub between Europe and Asia. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on its significant contributions to the region’s economic landscape and its role in shaping Dubai’s future.
