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28 March 2024

Dubai Airport Free Zone ranked 1st in Mideast by 'fDi' magazine

Published
By Wam

Dubai Airport Free Zone (Dafza) has once again been awarded the title of the top Middle East Free Zone of the future 2013/14 by the Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) magazine in its biannual ranking.

This is the third time in sequence that Dafza has been named the fDi’s Middle East Free Zone of the Future including the years 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Dafza is recognized as a world leader in providing quality services and infrastructure to its tenants, attracting foreign investment to the region as well as strengthening its position as the fastest-growing business hub in the Middle East.

Commenting on Dafza’s new title, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority, said, "It brings me great pride to witness Dafza win the most prestigious award regionally. This reflects increased foreign investment in the free zone, which is consistent with Dubai’s strategy  to excel as an international business hub."

"Dafza has proven its capability in attracting international companies through its 17-year history and unrivalled experience in dealing with multinational firms," said Sheikh Ahmed.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, director-general of Dafza, said, "Dubai Airport Freezone was ranked first in the fDi’s Global Free Zone Rankings in 2012 and we congratulated our tenants, stakeholders and employees. Our achievement this year comes as a result of forward planning, ongoing support and the encouragement of our leaders and strategic partners. As an organisation, we invested lots of efforts and  long hours into maintaining our position as the number one free zone. This award is a result of our efforts collectively."

Luke Mcgreevy, Executive Director fDi Magazine Office, Dubai said, "Free zones are key drivers of the world’s economic development, the strategic role they play in a nation is especially highlighted in an economic crisis, where companies seek revenue in neighbouring markets. Criteria for awards have been designed to ensure the winner provides the best services and facilities to its tenants and attracts future investments in the region."

The ‘Financial Times’ magazine conducts this survey world-wide every two years. It is considered one of the most prestigious free zone rankings around the globe based on several criterions such as outstanding performance, growth and expansion plans and presence of high growth industries, with particular focus on financial and other incentives, tax exemptions, recent transport services and infrastructure development and economic potential.

In 2012, Dafza was named number one free zone in the world by fDi. Dafza was also ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and second in the world in a similar study conducted in 2010, affirming the good performance and the strength of Dubai's economy and making it a world-class business destination, regionally as well as globally.

Additional recognitions include The American Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award, the Quality and Distinctive Performance Award, the Comprehensive Quality in Client Satisfaction Award, worldwide ISO certificates for Quality, Environment, Health & Safety and Information Security Management System, Complaints Handling System, IT Service Management system and Energy Management System as well as the world’s premier business awards and the Stevie Awards.