Jafza, DIFC explore framework for dual-zone operations for companies

DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have signed an agreement to establish a framework that promotes dual-zone operations for companies looking to expand their financial, industrial, and corporate structuring presence in Dubai.

The agreement aims to connect Jafza’s trade and industrial ecosystem with DIFC’s advanced legal, financial, and structuring platform, creating a seamless environment for investors to set up, operate and scale. This integrated model enables businesses to structure capital, access financial services, and plan for long-term legacy through DIFC while manufacturing, storing and distributing goods through Jafza, delivering end-to-end efficiency across the investment and supply chain.

By aligning two of Dubai’s most established economic zones, the initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and reinforces the emirate’s position as a leading hub for global trade, finance and innovation.

The dual-zone framework offers investors a unique combination of advantages.

Through DIFC, companies and family businesses can establish holding structures, family offices, and foundations to manage governance, succession, and cross-border investments, while benefiting from direct access to financial institutions, private banks, and investment advisory services within a robust regulatory framework. Within Jafza, they gain access to world-class infrastructure for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, along with duty exemptions and multimodal connectivity through Jebel Ali Port. Together, these advantages open access to new markets, trade finance opportunities and investment structures that support both expansion and long-term succession planning.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said, "Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), DIFC is committed to reinforcing Dubai’s position as the region’s leading global hub for finance and investment. This integrated framework empowers global enterprises, to seamlessly align strategic and financial decision-making with rapid logistical deployment. By joining forces with Jafza, we are enabling companies seeking to anchor their strategic and financial functions in Dubai while efficiently integrating their production, logistics, and distribution capabilities. Looking ahead, this initiative paves the way for continued innovation, expansion, and long-term economic growth in Dubai’s financial and trade ecosystem.”

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and MD, DP World GCC, said, "This agreement represents the next step in connecting trade with capital to unlock new opportunities for global businesses. 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. This is a step forward in strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub where trade and finance operate side by side.”

As part of the joint framework, Jafza and DIFC will roll out coordinated investor engagement initiatives including roadshows, webinars and case studies to promote the dual-zone model and provide tailored support for prospective businesses.

Meanwhile DP World has begun the next stage of construction on its striking new global headquarters at Expo City Dubai, an eight-storey landmark designed to embody innovation, sustainability and the future of global trade.

A ceremony marking the completion of foundations was held on site, attended by Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, and led by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Najeeb Mohammed AlAli, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Authority; Engineer Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer of Expo City Dubai.

Scheduled for completion in 2027, DP World’s new home will anchor Expo City as a hub for global connectivity and collaboration, setting a new benchmark for sustainable workspace design in the region.

The headquarters’ most striking feature is a 10.45-metre cantilever, one of the boldest in the region, giving the building the appearance of floating above the landscape.

The 301,940 sq ft facility will accommodate 850 staff and welcome 2,000 visitors daily. The first two levels will be open to the public, with cafes, restaurants and meeting rooms intended to foster dialogue and connection.

At the heart of the complex, the Flow Pavilion and fountain from Expo 2020 Dubai will be retained as a permanent centrepiece. Once seen by more than 1.2 million public visitors as a symbol of DP World’s mission: to make trade flow.

The design also includes the Middle East’s first fully automated parking facility of this scale, housing nearly 1,000 vehicles, including 100 EVs.

“Expo City Dubai was built as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and global connection, values that perfectly align with DP World’s vision for the future of trade. We are delighted to welcome their new headquarters here, which will stand as a symbol of Dubai’s continued role as a catalyst for progress and collaboration worldwide,” Al Hashimy said.

Bin Sulayem stated, “Our headquarters will be a place where technology, sustainability, and talent come together to shape the future of trade. Just as Dubai has reinvented itself time and again, DP World continues to evolve beyond ports to deliver smarter, greener, and more resilient supply chains for our customers and communities worldwide.” In a press release on Thursday, DP World outlined its journey “From Harbour Office to Expo City”. In 1972, Port Rashid became Dubai’s first commercial seaport. In 1976, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum issued a decree to construct a brand-new port at Jebel Ali. By 1978, Port Rashid rapidly expanded to 35 berths, serving as a gateway for cargo, vehicles and passengers.

In 1979, Jebel Ali Port was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II. The Jebel Ali Free Zone was established by Emiri Decree in 1985 under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, followed by the creation of the Port Rashid Authority in 1990.

In 1991, the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) was founded to manage both Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port, operating from the harbour office at Port Rashid. In 1998, Jafza expanded its mid-rise office buildings, including Jafza 14, 15, 16, and 17, and in 1999, Dubai Ports International was established to manage overseas operations.

DP World was formed in 2005, with its headquarters based in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The following year, DP World acquired P&O, becoming the world’s third-largest port operator. In 2015, Jafza was officially integrated into DP World.

In 2021, DP World launched the Flow Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which attracted more than 1.2 million visitors to its iconic fountain feature. In 2023, the company appointed Dynamic Design Studio as the architect for its new headquarters at Expo City Dubai. By 2025, construction had advanced with foundations completed and the first floor underway. The new global headquarters is scheduled to open in 2027.

In March, DP World Limited has announced financial results for the year ended 31st December 2024. On a reported basis, revenue grew by 9.7 per cent to $20.0 billion, and adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.7 per cent to $5.5 billion with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.2 per cent.

Revenue growth of 9.7 per cent was mainly due to improved performance from Ports and terminals and contributions from new acquisitions and concessions.

Ports and terminals revenue per TEU increased 13.9 per cent on a like-for-like basis, with strong growth from the Middle East and the Americas.

DP World capacity exceeded 100 million TEU due to selective infrastructure investment in key growth markets.

Capital expenditure of $2.2 billion ($2.1 billion in 2023) was invested across the existing portfolio.

The capital expenditure budget for 2025 is approximately $2.5 billion to be invested mainly in Jebel Ali, Drydocks World and Jebel Ali Freezone, Tuna Tekra (India), London Gateway (UK), Ndayane (Senegal) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).

WAM