DUBAI: Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has secured its spot as a global leader in trade and logistics by winning five major awards at the fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2024. It ranked 1st overall globally and was also named Industrial Zone of the Year and Top Sustainable Zone both globally and in the Middle East.
These awards recognise Jafza’s efforts in driving industrial innovation and sustainable practices. The competition was tough, with 63 free zones participating worldwide. Jafza stood out due to its focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and ability to attract high-value customers.
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The Industrial Zone of the Year award acknowledges Jafza’s support for global manufacturing and logistics, with over 10,700 businesses contributing to Dubai’s industrial output. The Top Sustainable Zone award reflects Jafza’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Its rooftop solar project, featuring 158,000 solar panels, saves 48,000 tons of emissions yearly and generates over 30% of Jafza’s electricity.
As Jafza nears its 40th anniversary, its CEO Abdulla bin Damithan highlighted the zone’s legacy in promoting global trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. He emphasised Jafza’s role in supporting Dubai’s economy and its plans to continue growing.
Jafza’s success is built on strategic initiatives like its integrated logistics network and specialised facilities for industries such as automotive and food. The COO, Abdulla Al Hashmi, noted that the awards show Jafza’s commitment to infrastructure investment and sustainability, aligning with industry trends and customer needs to foster innovation and growth.
The fDi awards, judged by experts, recognised Jafza’s excellence in areas like Industrial, Innovation, and Rising Star Zones.
Jafza achieved the top placement in addition to being named Industrial Zone of the Year and Top Sustainable Zone in both the global and Middle East categories.
The awards highlight Jafza’s ability to create an environment that fosters industrial innovation while advancing sustainable practices.
The fDi Global Free Zones of the Year awards are among the most respected accolades in the free zone industry, and this year’s edition was highly competitive, with 63 entries from free zones around the world.
Jafza stood out due to its significant infrastructure investments, sustainability focus, and capacity to attract diverse, high-value customers.
The Industrial Zone of the Year award recognises Jafza’s strength in supporting global manufacturing and logistics operations, with over 10,700 businesses based in the free zone, contributing substantially to Dubai’s industrial output. The Top Sustainable Zone award reflects Jafza’s commitment to sustainability, including its target of achieving net zero by 2050.
Jafza has implemented the Middle East’s biggest rooftop solar project to install 158,000 solar panels, which saves 48,000 tons of emissions per year while producing more than 30 percent of Jafza’s annual electricity requirements.
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World GCC, said, “As Jafza approaches its 40th anniversary, I’m proud to reflect on the legacy we’ve built in driving global trade and industry. Over the decades, Jafza has evolved to meet the changing dynamics of global commerce and maintained its leadership in fostering innovation and sustainable growth. From expanding critical infrastructure to pioneering advanced technologies, our efforts have consistently supported Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, empowering businesses and making substantial contributions to Dubai’s economy. We remain dedicated to growing with the same passion that fuelled our past successes, working together to shape the future of global trade.”
Jafza’s success is driven by strategic initiatives that enhance its appeal to global businesses. Its integrated logistics network offers seamless solutions for industries, such as the automotive and food and beverage sectors. In addition, Jafza provides specialised warehousing and manufacturing facilities to support a diverse range of sectors.
Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer, Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, said, “These awards highlight the effectiveness of our approach to infrastructure investment and sustainability. By aligning with the latest industry trends, listening to the needs of our customers and maintaining a focus on efficiency, we have built a foundation that benefits our tenants. Our goal remains clear: to continue driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
The fDi Global Free Zones of the Year awards, organised by fDi Intelligence, were judged by a panel of experts in special economic zones (SEZs) and foreign direct investment. This year’s awards assessed free zones across various categories, such as Industrial, Knowledge, Innovation, and Rising Star Zones, with Jafza excelling in multiple areas.
