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29 March 2024

Mohammed launches World FZO

Published
By Wam & Staff

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday officially launched the World Free Zones Organisation, at a ceremony at Emirates Towers, Dubai.

Also present at the occasion were Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group; and a host of officials and representatives of 14 free zones, members of the new organisation.

The global launch and unveiling of World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) took place on Monday in Dubai. World FZO is a new non-profit entity operating as an association for all free zones around the world.

Established in Geneva and headquartered in the Dubai Airport Free Zone in UAE, World FZO aims to provide global leadership in terms of knowledge of free zones, enhance public and general knowledge and the perception of free zones, provide a range of services for its members and the community, as well as help to increase awareness of the advantages of free zones in terms of economic and social development, foreign and direct investment.

According to a media statement, World FZO is open to all member nations of the United Nations, and comprises representatives of established free zones as well as local, regional and international free zone associations from across the world.

The official office holders on the board of directors, announced during a press conference in Dubai, include Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni (UAE) as chairperson, Luis Pellerano (Dominican Republic) as vice chairperson, P.C. Nambiar (India) as secretary and Rose Hynes (Ireland) as treasurer.

During the launch, Chairperson Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said: “The World Free Zones Organisation, which we are excited to be launching today, will promote a spirit of collaboration, dialogue and guidance. It will provide help to nations that can benefit from the free zone model; whose economies require foreign direct investment in order to build strong, robust and diverse economies for the future.”

“The creation of such an organisation would not be possible without the inspired leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is his vision that led us to establish the first ever multilateral organisation grown out of Dubai.

“The UAE has been a shining example of the dynamic role free zones play in economic and social development, and its diversity and vibrancy as a business hub has put the country on the world map.  World FZO will further enhance the development of free zones in other parts of the world. With its headquarters here, Dubai and the UAE are positioning itself as a major player in the world economy in the run up to Expo 2020,” said Zarooni.

According to a World Bank report, the UAE leads the Arab world in ease of doing business. The country has achieved this ranking through improving regulations and a range of other business-critical parameters. The UAE tops the region in the categories of starting a business, registering property, and trading across borders.

The UAE has a long history of establishing free zones to attract business and foreign investment, which has helped position the country as a business hub connecting East and West. New businesses regularly set up in one of the UAE’s free zones to take advantage of laws which enable full ownership and repatriation of profits.
 

Under Mohammed bin Rashid patronage, 13th AMF kicks off  today

Under the auspicious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 13th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) will begin today at Mina A’Salam Resort, Madinat Jumeirah, in Dubai.

The two-day forum, which is held under the theme ‘The Future of Media Starts Today’ will see the participation of more than 2000 Arab and international media experts, analysts, writers, intellectuals and journalists.

The AMF will tackle topics on the future of Arab Media and ways to keep abreast with the rapid development taking place in the media industry around the world.

Egyptian Prime Minister Ebrahim Mahlab will deliver the keynote speech at the AMF, whereas Chairman of MBC group of channels Walid Al Ebrahim will have a special discussion session discussing Arab Media issues.

In this regard, the Dubai Press Club (DPC) said that the new additions made to the current forum stems from a keenness to play a role in the progress of the Arab media industry due to its importance as a hub for constructive discussion and dialogue about the future of media and the future opportunities that would pave the way for its continuous development so as to live up to the aspiration of the peoples in the Arab World.

The DPC also noted that the final touches made as regards to logistics were carried out successfully and the guests started arriving to Dubai.

DPC explained that AMF is hosting prominent media figures from over 27 countries and they represent Arab and international media organizations, in addition to the domestic media organizations. DPC asserted that all the halls hosting the discussions, workshops and press conferences are fully equipped and well prepared for the region’s biggest media gathering. Additionally, AMF will provide wide range of media support for journalists through its state of the art media center.

Regarding the technical support, AMF provides modern bilingual computers connected to high-speed internet or WiFi connection for those who prefer to use their personal computers. The forum also provides printers, photocopiers and facsimile with local and international connections. The media center is connected to the other halls via screens to provide live coverage for all the events taking place on the sideline of the forum. [Courtesy: Sheikh Mohammed's website]