Analysis of the data showed that the number of companies engaged in the production of food products and beverages in the free trade zone Jebel Ali - "Jafza" and the national industrial complex exceeds 800. Over the past year, there has been growth in the number of new companies starting operations in "Jafza," comprising 14% compared to 2023. In the course of one week, "Jafza" attracted new investments totaling 330 million dirhams, participating in the exhibition Gulfood 2025, the largest annual exhibition of food products and beverages in the world.
Abdullah bin Damitain, Executive Director of DP World for the Cooperation Council countries of the Persian Gulf, stated: "Dubai has always played an important role in ensuring access to diverse food products for the Gulf Cooperation Council states, and as our promotion moves forward, our interest focuses on strengthening the local production capabilities for more secure food supply."
He added: "At the Gulfood event, we signed several key agreements that will lead to investments in Dubai totaling more than 330 million dirhams, strengthening the emirate's position as a leading center for the production and trade of food products."
"Today, over 800 companies engaged in the production of food products and beverages operate in "Jafza" and the national industrial complex, which significantly contributes to the food sector," emphasized bin Damitain. "To enhance this impetus, we are moving further away from traditional supply chains to strengthen self-sufficiency and sustainable growth on a long-term basis."
“With the expansion of our integrated system of food and beverage products, the Port of Jebel Ali remains at the center of our efforts, processing about three-quarters of the food trade in the UAE by value,” he added.
"Jafza" is the leading zone among all free zones, belonging to the Dubai World Ports group, and also serves as the largest customs zone in the Middle East. The number of companies starting their operations in "Jafza" was 19 in 1985, exceeded 500 in 1995, and at the moment exceeds 10,700 as of the end of 2023, including 100 from the Fortune 500 list of best companies worldwide.
"Jafza" is a vital base for thousands of companies from over 150 countries, providing more than 130,000 jobs and attracting 23.9% of foreign direct investments in Dubai.
