Dubai has established a unique model in free zones

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, yesterday attended the opening of the 10th annual international exhibition and conference of the World Free Zones Organization, held under the theme “Economic Zones and Changing Global Economic Structures: Exploring New Horizons for Investment.”

His Highness also witnessed, in conjunction with the opening of the conference in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the launch of the new corporate identity of the World Free Zones Organization, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of its establishment, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, 24 ministers, deputy ministers, and secretaries-general from several countries around the world, in addition to representatives from more than 136 countries, and the attendance of more than 2,000 elite business leaders.

During the opening of the event, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that Dubai has established a unique model in free zones as a fundamental pillar of economic development.

His Highness said: “Dubai is making steady progress towards becoming one of the top three economic cities in the world over the next 10 years, as part of the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

His Highness praised the role of Dubai’s free zones in achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to consolidate Dubai’s position as the capital of the global economy and trade, and a model destination for attracting investments, competencies, talents and innovators from all over the world, through providing an advanced technological environment and forward-looking solutions that contribute to attracting more new businesses, especially within future sectors.

His Highness said in a post on the “X” platform yesterday: “Today I witnessed the opening of the 10th session of the World Free Zones Conference and Exhibition with the participation of 2,000 senior officials and business leaders from 136 countries. During the event, we launched the new corporate identity of the World Free Zones Organization. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has achieved regional leadership in establishing free and specialized economic zones. Today, these zones represent a major component of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). We are keen to strengthen our economic partnerships and contribute to shaping the prospects of the global economy by hosting these major events and activities.”

On this occasion, Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said, “Thanks to the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership, the UAE has paid great attention to establishing and developing free zones, so that today they have become important economic platforms linking Asia, Europe and Africa, and an integral part of enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. The country has 44 multi-disciplinary free zones, characterised by their highly efficient infrastructure, and their diverse and distinguished services in many sectors, including technology, healthcare, logistics and finance, and enabling smooth business operations through a competitive and regulatory business environment, which supports the country’s orientations in strengthening its position as a global trade partner, and an attractive and influential economic centre, in light of the objectives of the (We the Emirates 2031) vision.”

He added: “The Emirate of Dubai hosting this important economic event for the second year in a row is a global testament to the vitality and dynamism of the business environment in the emirate, and the competitiveness of the national economy at the regional and global levels.”

For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, said in his opening remarks: “With the launch of the new corporate identity of the organization, coinciding with its entry into its second decade, we look forward to starting a new phase under the slogan (The Next Generation of Free Zones: A Decade of Progress, a Promising Future, and Unlocking Investment Opportunities for the Next Decade), based on three main pillars: influence, power, and trust, which will define our efforts and strategy, as we continue to support and advance free zones, and find effective solutions to the challenges facing the trade and investment sector around the world, in addition to driving prosperity and growth rates by empowering free zones globally.”

Al Zarooni pointed out that the World Free Zones Organization’s choice of the Emirate of Dubai to announce its new corporate identity on the tenth anniversary of its establishment reflects the leading and prestigious position of the Emirate of Dubai and the UAE on the global economic map, and its growing and influential positive role in the movement of international trade.

• Ahmed bin Mohammed: Dubai is making steady progress on its way to becoming one of the top 3 global economic cities.

• 2,000 senior officials and business leaders from 136 countries attended the conference.

• Ahmed bin Mohammed witnessed the launch of the new corporate identity of the World Free Zones Organization.

Strategic axes

The new corporate identity of the World Free Zones Organization focuses on three strategic axes: “Impact”, “Power” and “Trust”. Through the “Impact” axis, the organization will seek to lead efforts to achieve sustainable growth and enhance the effective impact of free zones, ensuring their leadership in the path of social and economic development and innovation. Through the “Power” axis, the organization will work to shape the future of global trade and investment by calling for the development of policies that enhance growth and opportunities for companies and communities. Through the “Trust” axis, it will enhance its role as a steadfast ally that provides all forms of support and assistance to overcome the challenges of the global economic landscape.