Jafza, the flagship free zone of DP World, celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of partnership in promoting trade, supporting global business expansion, and reinforcing economic diversification in Dubai. Established in 1985 by royal decree under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Jafza has become a vital pillar in Dubai's development journey.
Today, Jafza boasts 11,000 businesses from 157 countries and generates a significant portion of Dubai's GDP, accounting for 36% in combination with the integrated Jebel Ali ecosystem. The free zone plays a central role in driving economic growth and supporting global trade through its innovative ecosystem that offers integrated services and multimodal connectivity by land, sea, and air.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the achievements of DP World through Jafza in supporting economic diversification and building a resilient economic system. He emphasized the importance of Jafza in fostering global partnerships and keeping pace with global challenges. The contribution of Jafza and Jebel Ali Port to Dubai's GDP is significant, reflecting their pivotal role in Dubai's economy.
Jafza's model has been recognized globally, earning the title of the top global free zone by Financial Times' fDi Intelligence in 2024. The pioneering model of Jafza has been replicated by DP World in 11 economic zones worldwide, showcasing its leadership in free zone development. Jafza's commitment to sustainability is evident through its landmark projects such as the largest distributed solar rooftop project in the Middle East and its aim to divert over 80% of waste from landfills by 2026.
The free zone supports over 160,000 jobs within the free zone and contributed significantly to Dubai's total employment in 2023. Jafza and Jebel Ali Port have created over one million direct and indirect jobs, emphasizing their role as one of the largest employment hubs in the country.
Leadership at DP World expressed pride in Jafza's achievements over the past 40 years and its continued commitment to providing a blueprint for success. Jafza aims to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy. The free zone's focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions sets global benchmarks for free zones worldwide, supporting businesses in navigating complex challenges in international trade.
