Jebel Ali Free Zone Triumphs at fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2024
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai has been recognized as a global leader in trade and logistics by winning five prestigious awards at the fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2024. Jafza was ranked 1st overall among free zones worldwide and was named Industrial Zone of the Year and Top Sustainable Zone in both global and Middle East categories.
Achievements and Recognition
The awards highlight Jafza’s commitment to fostering industrial innovation and sustainable practices. Jafza’s significant infrastructure investments and focus on sustainability helped it stand out among 63 entries from free zones globally. The Industrial Zone of the Year award acknowledges Jafza’s role in supporting global manufacturing and logistics, with over 10,700 businesses contributing to Dubai’s industrial output.
Sustainability Initiatives
Jafza’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its goal to achieve net zero by 2050. It has implemented the Middle East’s largest rooftop solar project, installing 158,000 solar panels that save 48,000 tons of emissions annually and produce over 30% of Jafza’s electricity needs.
Leadership and Vision
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, expressed pride in Jafza’s legacy of driving global trade and industry. He emphasized Jafza’s role in supporting Dubai’s economic agenda and its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO of Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, highlighted the effectiveness of Jafza’s infrastructure investments and sustainability efforts.
Expert Evaluation
The fDi Global Free Zones of the Year awards, organized by fDi Intelligence, were judged by experts in special economic zones and foreign direct investment. Jafza excelled in multiple categories, including industrial, knowledge, innovation, and rising star zones.
Doubts Revealed
Jebel Ali Free Zone -: Jebel Ali Free Zone, or Jafza, is a special area in Dubai where businesses can operate with special rules that make it easier for them to trade and grow. It’s like a big business park with lots of companies.
fDi Global Free Zones of the Year -: The fDi Global Free Zones of the Year is an award event where special areas like Jafza are recognized for being really good at helping businesses. It’s like a competition to see which area is the best for companies to work in.
Industrial Zone of the Year -: Industrial Zone of the Year is an award given to the best area that supports factories and industries. It means Jafza is really good at helping companies that make things.
Top Sustainable Zone -: Top Sustainable Zone is an award for areas that are good for the environment. It means Jafza is doing things that help protect nature, like using solar energy.
Middle East’s largest rooftop solar project -: This is a big project where Jafza has put lots of solar panels on roofs to make electricity from the sun. It’s the biggest one in the Middle East, which is a region that includes countries like India and Dubai.
Abdulla bin Damithan -: Abdulla bin Damithan is a leader at Jafza who helps make important decisions for the area. He works to make Jafza a great place for businesses.
Abdulla Al Hashmi -: Abdulla Al Hashmi is another leader at Jafza who helps with planning and making Jafza successful. He focuses on making sure Jafza grows in a way that is good for the environment.