Abdulla bin Damithan on how DP World’s Jafza has become a global trade powerhouse

In 1985, a modest cluster of 19 companies set up shop near Jebel Ali Port — part of a bold new vision to turn Dubai into a global logistics and trade hub. Today, that vision is embodied by the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), which celebrates its 40th anniversary as one of the world’s most successful economic zones.

Home to over 11,000 businesses, Jafza is now a vital pillar of Dubai’s non-oil economy and a cornerstone of DP World’s integrated trade model.

Jafza’s status as a global leader in free zone development was reaffirmed in 2024 when it was named the top global free zone by Financial Times‘ fDi Intelligence, as well as the top zone in the industrial and sustainability categories.

Jafza is also committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. As part of this commitment, the free zone is now fully powered by renewable energy through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) sourced from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Jafza is also home to the Middle East’s largest distributed solar rooftop project, with 158,000 panels installed across various buildings, including warehouses and car park canopies. In recognition of its sustainability efforts, Jafza has received the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) verification, considered the gold standard for setting sustainability targets. By 2026, Jafza aims to divert over 80 per cent of its waste from landfills, further supporting the UAE’s transition to a circular economy.

In this conversation with Gulf Business, Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and MD of DP World GCC, shares how the free zone has evolved to stay ahead of global trade shifts, embraced digital transformation, supported national talent, and become a blueprint for future-ready free zones worldwide.

Here are excerpts of the conversation

Jafza is celebrating a significant milestone — 40 years of operations. From its inception as a regional trade zone to becoming a global model, what stands out to you about this journey?

Jafza’s journey began in 1985, following a decree in 1980 by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, At that time, we had Jebel Ali Port and needed to establish a cargo base. We started with just 19 companies. Over the years, we’ve navigated various economic phases, especially in this dynamic region.

Today, we’re proud to host over 11,000 companies, including more than 100 Fortune 500 firms. Jafza now serves not just Dubai or the UAE, but the broader region, and has become a model for other economic zones globally.

How has Jafza utilised Dubai’s growing prominence and infrastructure to attract investment and build a competitive edge?

Over the past 40 years, we’ve accumulated extensive experience and adapted continuously to global shifts. Our strength lies in integration: Jebel Ali Port, Jafza free zone, and, in the future, Al Maktoum International Airport — all working in tandem. This kind of connectivity — by sea, land, and air — is unparalleled globally.

We’re also future-ready: the Etihad Rail project will extend into Jafza, further enhancing connectivity. Our global network enables us to manage the entire supply chain — from factory floor to customer door.

We don’t just offer land — we offer partnerships, understanding our clients’ businesses, and providing tailored solutions. This approach helps our clients create value and access new markets.

Jafza is seen as a benchmark for other economic zones. What best practices or features do others aim to emulate?

We facilitate over Dhs620bn worth of trade annually. Our success is rooted in continuous innovation — be it digital transformation, AI adoption, or automation. Today, customers can complete all services online without visiting an office, thanks to platforms like Dubai Trade.

Our port is now fully automated, and most of our operations are digitised. These efforts reduce costs, save time, and simplify business, making us a model for modern, tech-driven free zones.

How does Jafza contribute to Dubai’s D33 vision, particularly in terms of FDI and non-oil trade diversification?

What we did 40 years ago won’t carry us into the next 40. We’re now focused on attracting advanced manufacturing firms, including SMEs.

Modern manufacturing demands advanced infrastructure, which we are investing in — both our own and tailor-built facilities for clients.

Companies like Eaton and A-Heat are great examples —they represent the high-tech, future-oriented industries we aim to attract. Continuous investment in capabilities ensures we stay aligned with Dubai’s ambitions and the D33 strategy.

Jafza is known as a great place to work, with many long-serving employees. How are you encouraging local talent to join the company?

We’ve always prioritised developing Emirati talent. Programmes like Tomoh allow fresh graduates to gain experience by working in different companies within Jafza, helping them build their careers.

Other initiatives like Ta’heel and Rawad offer scholarships and training, preparing nationals not just for roles in Dubai but across our global portfolio.

Looking ahead, where do you see Jafza in the next decade?

Our journey over the past 40 years has been successful, thanks to support from the government, our team, and a clear vision. Moving forward, we aim to take Jafza to the world by expanding our global footprint.

Jafza’s successful model has already been replicated by DP World across 11 economic zones worldwide — including the Dominicana Economic Zone in the Dominican Republic, Berbera Economic Zone in Somaliland, London Gateway in the UK, and the Chennai Free Trade Zone in India.

With more than 8,900 hectares of operational free zones and another 670 under development, these zones are unlocking new markets for our customers, enabling them to grow beyond Dubai while driving foreign investment, job creation, and industrial development across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

With the current geopolitical tensions and global challenges, how is Jafza adapting to ensure continued growth?

Challenges have always been part of our journey — from regional conflicts to global economic downturns. We focus on building resilient infrastructure and expanding our capabilities. Dubai’s strategy of signing comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) with countries like India has boosted trade significantly.

Such agreements open new opportunities for our customers and strengthen our position in global trade.

Can you elaborate on initiatives like Yiwu Market and Bharat Mart and their significance?

We’ve launched Yiwu Market to facilitate the import of Chinese products to Dubai for re-export. Additionally, Bharat Mart, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai , is a 2.7 million square foot facility designed to bring Indian products to Jebel Ali for global distribution. We’re also planning similar initiatives with countries like Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia, further enhancing Dubai’s role as a global trade hub.

As a leader, what values have guided you in steering Jafza to its current success?

Our foundation was laid by the visionary leadership of Sheikh Rashid. We’ve built upon that vision, differentiating Dubai and Jafza from others.

Teamwork, clear communication, and a shared vision have been crucial. Our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainability ensures we remain at the forefront of global trade and logistics.