Jafza’s 40-Year Legacy: A Pillar of Economic Growth

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, highlighted the role of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) as a vital pillar in Dubai’s development journey and a pioneering model that has reinforced the emirate’s position as a global hub for trade and logistics over four decades.

“We take pride in what DP World has achieved through Jafza – not only in supporting economic diversification and expanding the investment base, but also in its active contribution to building a resilient economic system that keeps pace with global challenges.”

Jafza, launched in 1985 with just 19 companies, now boasts over 11,000 businesses from 157 countries. In 2024, it generated AED713 billion in non-oil trade, marking a 15% year-on-year increase from 2023, and accounts for 36% of Dubai’s GDP alongside Jebel Ali Port.

A Milestone for Economic Diversification

Jafza celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of partnerships that promote trade and reinforce economic diversification in Dubai. Commemorating this milestone, Jafza has unveiled a special logo and organized community activities and industry events throughout the year.

Contribution to the UAE Economy

Over the last two decades, Jafza has attracted over AED110 billion in total investment. In 2023, it accounted for 74% of the emirate’s FDI in the manufacturing, trade, and transport sectors. The developed land bank of Jafza spans more than 539 million square feet, offering multimodal connectivity across sea, air, and land.

Job Creation and Emiratisation

Jafza supports the employment of over 160,000 individuals across various industries, making it a significant employment hub in the region. In 2023 alone, Jafza and Jebel Ali Port created over one million direct and indirect jobs, representing 27% of Dubai’s total employment, including nearly 40,000 jobs for UAE nationals.

Leadership Perspectives

His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated: “Jafza’s 40th anniversary is a celebration of our customers and the visionary leadership which has made Dubai a beacon for international trade.”

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO of DP World GCC, added: “Our success over the past 40 years has always been rooted in our commitment to our customers.”

A Blueprint for Global Trade

Jafza was recognized as the top global free zone by Financial Times’ fDi Intelligence in 2024 and continues to be a model for sustainable development, replicated across 11 economic zones globally, including in the Dominican Republic and India.

Commitment to Sustainability

Jafza aims for carbon-neutrality by 2040, with net-zero emissions by 2050 as part of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. The free zone is fully powered by renewable energy and hosts the largest distributed solar rooftop project in the Middle East with 158,000 solar panels installed.

By 2026, Jafza targets to divert over 80% of waste from landfills, promoting the UAE’s transition to a circular economy.

As Jafza enters its fifth decade, it continues to champion innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, setting benchmarks for free zones worldwide.

For more information about Jafza, visit www.jafza40.ae.