SAIF Zone, NBF to enhance banking access for businesses and investors

SHARJAH: Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), establishing a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing banking accessibility and delivering comprehensive financial solutions to companies operating within the free zone.

The MoU was signed at SAIF Zone’s headquarters by Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of the SAIF Zone, and Adnan Anwar, CEO of National Bank of Fujairah, in the presence of senior officials and executives from both sides.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enabling business growth, attracting investment, and strengthening the UAE’s dynamic business ecosystem.

Through the partnership, NBF and SAIF Zone will work closely together to facilitate seamless banking services for investors, SMEs, and corporates, while promoting long-term growth and sustainability.

Under the MoU, NBF will provide a range of banking and financial services to eligible SAIF Zone companies. These services include account opening, cash management solutions, trade finance services, and financing facilities tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses operating within the free zone.

The partnership will be underpinned by NBF’s relationship-led banking model, ensuring personalised support and sector-focused expertise for clients.

As part of the partnership, NBF will establish a representative office within SAIF Zone, staffed by a dedicated relationship management team, to provide direct support to businesses operating within the free zone. The two parties will also collaborate to promote investment and business development initiatives, reinforcing SAIF Zone's position as a leading regional hub for trade, logistics, manufacturing and international investment.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone, said that strengthening the Authority’s strategic partnership with the National Bank of Fujairah aligns with its commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that enhance the experience of investors and business partners.

He noted that the signing of the MoU comes at a time when the Authority continues to witness strong growth in its investor base, having become home to more than 8,000 companies from 165 countries worldwide, underscoring the importance of expanding accessible financial services to support this continued growth.

Al Mazrouei added, "We are pleased to collaborate with the National Bank of Fujairah to provide our clients with a comprehensive suite of innovative banking and financial services. This partnership forms part of our ongoing efforts to empower investors to complete their transactions efficiently and seamlessly, while fostering an integrated and agile business environment that supports companies’ growth and long-term sustainability. This cooperation between the banking sector and free zone authorities also contributes to supporting private sector growth and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for investment and entrepreneurship.” Adnan Anwar, Chief Executive Officer of NBF, said, "This partnership with SAIF Zone reflects NBF’s ongoing commitment to supporting businesses and investors across the UAE. By combining our relationship-driven banking approach with SAIF Zone’s strong value proposition, we aim to provide companies with the financial solutions, guidance, and accessibility they need to grow with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.” Meanwhile in May 2026, the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority (SAIF Zone) has unveiled a major new expansion within its dedicated logistics and warehousing district, “U2”, with the addition of 56 new warehouses spanning a total area of nearly 340,000 square feet.

The expansion raises the total number of warehouses across the Free Zone to approximately 2,500 and forms part of the Authority’s strategic plans to strengthen its infrastructure and deliver advanced logistics and storage solutions for regional and international businesses operating across industrial, commercial, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.

The newly developed warehouses have been designed to international engineering and operational standards, featuring modern technical specifications and integrated facilities tailored to the evolving needs of businesses across multiple sectors.

The units include contemporary office spaces, dedicated loading bays, and enhanced power capacities to support a wide range of operational requirements, alongside innovative architectural designs developed in line with leading sustainability standards. Each warehouse within the new expansion offers up to 6,500 square feet of space, providing an ideal solution for companies seeking integrated storage facilities that enhance operational efficiency and help reduce costs.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to developing flexible and sustainable infrastructure capable of supporting the future needs of businesses and responding to the rapidly evolving demands of the new economy. He noted that the new expansion within the “U2” district represents a strategic addition to the integrated ecosystem of services provided by SAIF Zone across multiple economic sectors, further strengthening its ability to attract high-value investments and reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading regional and global hub for business and investment.

He added that the expansion aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to support economic diversification and further strengthen the emirate’s position as a global destination for business and investment.

Al Mazrouei further stated that the expansion comes in response to the rising demand for highly efficient storage and logistics solutions from companies operating across various sectors, including manufacturing, trade, and supply chain-related services.

He stressed that SAIF Zone continues to enhance its infrastructure in accordance with leading international standards to provide flexible solutions that support diverse commercial and industrial activities, while enabling investors to expand their operations and strengthen their competitiveness across regional and global markets.