Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports on Monday announced that it has successfully brought online a new set of services which will enable customers to avail of more of its services from anywhere in the world, in collaboration with Maqta Gateway, developer and operator of the first Port Community System in the UAE, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports.

The rollout brings the total number of KIZAD digital services to 84, which are available to customers through the online portal.

In addition to the existing services, online payments; submission and processing of free zone applications; visa and ID card services; entry permits; establishment cards; and notarisation and attestation services can now be applied for and transacted through the system, without the need for customers to physically visit the KIZAD Customer Service Centre or present hard copies of documents. Moreover, the system is mobile responsive and equipped with advanced features including SMS notifications, real-time updates to enhance customer experience.

Mohamed Ghareeb, Vice President of Service Delivery, IZ, KIZAD said: “The convenience of our customers has always been a top priority for KIZAD. Rolling out this new set of services means that our customers now have a broader set of services which they can avail online, from a place of their convenience and a time of their choosing.

“Through the digital services, customers can make informed decisions based on real-time analytics, and get up to the minute updates on their service requests. As we continue to bring more services online, the digital submission of documents also means that we are well on our way to completely paperless transactions in the future.”

Rashid Al Hosani, Commercial Director, Maqta Gateway said: “Our collaboration with KIZAD on the launch of digital services will benefit more than 600 companies with an enhanced customer experience through optimised processes, with significant reduction in paperwork, administration and processing times, in addition to eliminating the need for physical visits to customer service centres.”

Maqta Gateway is committed to providing innovative solutions to its customers and continue to explore ways to facilitate trade in Abu Dhabi and contribute towards its sustainable economic development plans.”

The KIZAD digital services, available through Maqta Gateway, enable customers to view all services offered by KIZAD for Free Zone and Domestic Economic Zone customers. Customers can track the status of their requested services and view and download documents required for the completion of the process.

Additionally, In a communication to customers recently, KIZAD had announced that as part of keeping customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, all documents required for any services could be submitted digitally.

The region’s largest industrial zone is currently home to more than 600 companies, which will benefit from the new rollout.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) has recently launched a set of economic incentive packages, which aim to support companies based in the free zone. This initiative will ensure business continuity across various sectors and will help them mitigate the severity of the economic impact and precautionary measures the world is facing during this time.

This initiative aims to enhance companies’ ability to adapt to the global fluctuations by providing them the flexibility to deal with the impact of the current economic situation. The initiative includes postponing lease payments for up to three months and facilitating the financial payments into easier monthly instalments. It supports retailers operating within the free zone by exempting them from lease payments for a period up to three months. The free zone will refund the security deposits on the leased spaces and labour guarantees to companies and will also exempt new companies from the registration and licensing fees. DAFZA will cancel companies’ fines as well.

 Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DAFZA, said: “By launching this package we aim to reduce the impact of this crisis on businesses. We stand in solidarity with our companies to overcome the challenges caused by the global spread of Covid-19. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing the ideal environment for them to ensure their business continuity and to help develop and grow their operations despite the fluctuations and global economic conditions. This package will support companies through these exceptional circumstances that have unexpectedly affected various businesses sectors and activities.