Prime Highlights
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have signed a strategic agreement to allow companies to operate seamlessly across both zones.
- The partnership strengthens Dubai’s position as a global trade and investment hub, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Key Facts
- The dual-zone model enables businesses to handle financing and investments through DIFC while managing manufacturing, storage, and distribution through Jafza.
- Companies will benefit from DIFC’s financial services and Jafza’s duty exemptions, warehousing, and port connectivity, offering an end-to-end operational ecosystem.
Background
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) of DP World and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have signed a strategic agreement that will provide a framework through which companies will be able to operate in the two zones. The alliance will combine the industrial and trade capabilities of Jafza with the financial and legal capabilities of DIFC to assist businesses in growing efficiently in Dubai and other locations.
This dual-zone model enables companies to manage their financing, investments, and corporate structures through DIFC, while manufacturing, storing, and distributing goods through Jafza. It provides a complete end-to-end business benefit, enhancing cost-efficiency, logistics, and global accessibility. The initiative also promotes the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims at making Dubai one of the top three business and investment cities in the world.
Under this setup, companies benefit from DIFC’s world-class financial services, including holding structures, family offices, and investment advisory access, alongside Jafza’s duty exemptions, warehousing, and connectivity through Jebel Ali Port and Etihad Rail.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the collaboration enhances Dubai’s financial and trade ecosystem by aligning strategic and logistical operations. Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and MD of DP World GCC, said that the partnership connects trade and investment, helping global businesses run their operations more smoothly.
As part of the plan, Jafza and DIFC will work together to hold roadshows, webinars, and investor programs to promote the dual-zone model and support companies that want to grow in Dubai’s fast-moving economy.
