Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, emphasized the pivotal role of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai's development over the past four decades.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, JAFZA has established itself as a leading model in positioning Dubai as a global hub for trade and logistics.

Sheikh Hamdan stated that JAFZA has not only contributed to economic diversification and investment expansion but has also actively supported the construction of a resilient economic ecosystem, enhancing global supply chains through international partnerships.

JAFZA was established in 1985 with only 19 companies and has since grown to accommodate over 11,000 businesses from 157 countries, employing more than 160,000 people.

This remarkable growth trajectory underscores the free zone's importance in facilitating trade expansion and economic development in Dubai.

The free zone is estimated to contribute significantly, about 36%, to Dubai's GDP. Over the past two decades, JAFZA attracted investments exceeding AED 110 billion.

During the anniversary celebration, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the achievements of Dubai Ports World through JAFZA, recognizing its role in fostering economic growth.

The area is projected to play an even larger role in the future, focusing on the integration of innovation and comprehensive services while enhancing land, sea, and air connectivity.

In conjunction with the anniversary, JAFZA unveiled a special logo and organized various community activities and events to engage clients and trading partners.

Sheikh Hamdan reiterated that the successes of JAFZA reflect the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in establishing the emirate as a global platform for opportunity and innovation.

The free zone’s infrastructure spans over 539 million square feet, providing advanced multimodal connectivity, which is essential for logistics and commercial operations.

In the last year, JAFZA and the adjacent Port of Jebel Ali facilitated non-oil trade transactions valued at AED 713 billion, reflecting a significant annual increase of 15% compared to the previous year.

Moreover, JAFZA plays a critical role in job creation in the UAE, directly and indirectly generating over one million jobs, accounting for 27% of the total employment in Dubai and providing approximately 40,000 jobs for Emirati citizens.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, commented on the anniversary, noting it as an opportunity to celebrate partnerships with clients worldwide and visionaries who have made Dubai a global trade beacon.

He highlighted that JAFZA serves as a vital engine for Dubai’s economic growth, thanks to continuous investment in innovation and infrastructure.

Looking ahead, JAFZA aims to sustain its leadership in free zone development, having earned accolades such as ‘Best Global Free Zone’ and ‘Best Industrial Zone’ from international publications.

DP World has replicated the JAFZA model in 11 global economic zones, further bolstering international investment flows and job creation across regions.

As part of the UAE’s national strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, JAFZA is committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2040, with a target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The free zone now operates entirely on renewable energy following standards issued by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, including the installation of over 158,000 solar panels across its facilities.

In its ongoing commitment to sustainability, JAFZA is working towards diverting over 80% of waste from landfills by 2026, aligning with the UAE’s goals to promote a more efficient and innovative circular economy.