Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), a subsidiary of DP World, revealed that it attracted 267 new companies from 48 countries during the first half of 2017, attaining 6% growth compared to the same period last year. It has also leased more than 340,000 sqm of space for facilities for a variety of sectors and industries during the period, it said in a statement.
Plots of land saw the most demand with 318,000 sqm, with 11,500 sqm of warehousing space, over 2,000 sqm of office space and 3,700 sqm in showrooms.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, said: JAFZAs performance in the first half of the year highlights its position as a major hub for trade and logistics in the region, and one of the engines of economic growth in Dubai and the UAE.
He added: “The new investment opportunities for businessmen and investors created have contributed significantly to the diversification of the economy and the growth of JAFZA, helping us achieve the objectives of the national agenda.
Companies of Middle Eastern origin accounted for 59% of the new companies to join JAFZA, followed by Asia-Pacific companies (20%), European companies (13%), and North America and African companies (4% each).
JAFZA is home to a variety of business sectors. Electronics companies account for 17% of new companies; followed by equipment and machinery businesses making up 14%; food, agricultural products, vehicles and transport adding 12% each; service companies at 9%, while general trading, steel, and construction materials accounting to 8% each.