Two of Dubai’s leading economic zones, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), have signed a strategic agreement to establish a dual-zone framework for businesses and investors. This new model is designed to create a seamless operational environment for companies looking to leverage Dubai’s distinct industrial, trade, and financial ecosystems.
A Unified Framework for Trade and Finance
The partnership allows companies to operate effortlessly between Jafza’s industrial and logistics hub and DIFC’s financial and legal centre. This innovative structure simplifies how global firms can manage trade, manufacturing, financing, and corporate structuring under a single, integrated jurisdictional umbrella.
Under this new framework, businesses can establish holding companies, family offices, or foundations within DIFC to manage investments, governance, and succession planning. Simultaneously, they can utilize Jafza’s world-class infrastructure for manufacturing, storage, and distribution, benefiting from duty exemptions and premier multimodal connectivity through Jebel Ali Port.
Supporting the D33 Economic Agenda
This initiative directly supports the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and solidify its status as a top global hub for trade, finance, and innovation. By integrating two of its most powerful economic engines, Dubai is creating a more attractive and efficient proposition for international businesses.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, highlighted the alignment of the framework with Dubai’s strategic vision.
“By joining forces with Jafza, we are enabling companies to anchor their strategic and financial functions in Dubai while integrating production, logistics, and distribution. This paves the way for innovation, expansion, and long-term growth across Dubai’s ecosystem,” he said.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, commented on the new stage of economic integration this collaboration represents.
“A company can establish an entity in Jafza to handle production or regional distribution, while using a DIFC vehicle to manage financing or hold overseas assets, achieving greater cost efficiency and control,” he explained.
As part of the agreement, Jafza and DIFC will launch joint investor engagement initiatives, including roadshows and webinars, to promote the dual-zone model and attract global businesses seeking to base their trade and finance operations in Dubai.
About Jafza
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is one of the world’s leading free trade zones and a flagship of DP World. As a dynamic base for thousands of businesses from over 100 countries, it serves as a major hub for trade, logistics, and industrial activity in the Middle East and beyond, providing unparalleled access to global markets.
About DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. It provides a world-class platform connecting the region’s markets with the economies of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, featuring an independent regulatory and judicial system.
Source: Gulf News
