Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), a DP World company, has registered 122 new companies from 33 countries during the first three months of 2017.
More than half of new companies were from the Middle East region, followed by 22% from Asia-Pacific , 16% from Europe, 4% from Africa, and 3% from North America, said a statement from the company.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO DP World, said: The number of companies reflects investor confidence in Jafza services and facilities in a wide range of industry sectors. Jafzas innovative approach is in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to adopt international best practice in the business sector to attract foreign investments to the UAE and Dubai.
Our strategy is also guided by the UAE 2021 Plan and Dubai 2021 Plan in the countrys preparation for the post-oil economy.
Bin Sulayem noted that as a result of the business expansion by existing companies and the inclusion of new ones, Jafza has leased more than 158,000 sqm of space with plots of land totalling 148,000 sqm and warehouses 5,700 sqm. The occupancy of warehouses and light industrial units had reached 82% after new units were added last year, while the occupancy of staff accommodation had exceeded 95%.
The occupancy for office space in the free zone was now 66% following the addition of new office space in Jafzas new office building, Jafza One. Showroom occupancy stands at 78%, with small offices and workstations for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at 98%.
Of the 122 companies registered, 20% were in the general trading and retail sector, followed by 11% in steel and building materials, with 10% each in the automotive and transport, equipment, machinery and services sectors.
Meanwhile, Jafza is working on an integrated project to re-engineer its operations and services In Q1 2017, it completed the automation of more of its services with customers no longer required to physically visit the service centre for additional services. These can now be completed through the groups Dubai Trade portal or by calling the Jafza Call Centre.