The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), part of DP World, has experienced significant growth in the number of new businesses in 2025, attracting over 800 companies and averaging more than 66 new firms each month. By the end of the year, the total number of companies operating in Jafza reached 11,472, reflecting ongoing global confidence in the business environment offered by this free zone.
According to the report, Jafza facilities have seen high occupancy rates, with warehouse utilization reaching approximately 94% by the end of 2025 and land occupancy at 93%. These figures indicate a growing demand for logistical and industrial space in the area, driven by continuous trade and service growth linked to supply chains in Dubai and the region.
140 Nations
The report highlights that Jafza hosts thousands of companies from over 140 countries worldwide, operating in various sectors including general trade, logistics services, manufacturing, food products, consumer goods, energy, and technology. The zone is also home to a significant number of multinational corporations that use it as a regional hub to manage their operations across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, reinforcing its position as a key gateway for international trade.
Jafza is one of the largest free zones globally, extending over a vast area with numerous warehouses, industrial facilities, and commercial offices, along with dedicated zones for light and medium manufacturing. Its direct connection to Jebel Ali Port, among the world’s largest seaports, provides companies within it a considerable competitive advantage in managing import, export, and re-export operations to regional and global markets.
Logistics Network
Companies operating in Jafza also benefit from a comprehensive logistics system that links the port and airport through swift transport corridors, which helps expedite goods movement and reduce shipping and clearance times. Furthermore, the zone offers advanced digital services and smart solutions for business operations that enhance efficiency and lower operational costs for companies.
To support future growth, Jafza has expanded its strategic investments to align with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda by developing new projects targeting diverse sectors in addition to specialized logistics services. These initiatives align with Dubai’s vision to double the emirate’s economy over the next decade and strengthen its position as a global trade and investment hub.
Joint Ventures
Jafza is also focused on enhancing partnerships with global companies and major industrial organizations to develop joint projects in advanced manufacturing and smart supply chains. These initiatives include the establishment of modern industrial facilities and regional distribution centers that incorporate cutting-edge digital technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence in logistics management.
The ongoing expansion of Jafza underscores the vital role this free zone plays in supporting the non-oil economy of the UAE. The companies operating within it contribute significantly to the country’s foreign trade. Additionally, Jafza serves as a major platform for re-exporting to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, benefiting from an extensive maritime and air transport network connecting Dubai to hundreds of cities worldwide.
Jafza continues to invest in developing integrated digital solutions that streamline company registration, licensing processes, and business management, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business and attracting more international investors.
Supply Center
This growth also coincides with the continuous expansion of global trade through Dubai, which has established itself as a key center for international supply chains. Jafza capitalizes on this momentum by providing a comprehensive business environment that combines advanced infrastructure, flexible regulations, and efficient logistical services, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to expand their operations in the region.
The strong performance of the Jebel Ali Free Zone in 2025 demonstrates its capability to adapt to global economic shifts and meet the needs of international companies by offering a complete business ecosystem that supports innovation, investment, and expansion in regional and global markets. This strengthens its role as one of the key pillars of Dubai’s and the UAE’s economic framework.
Over the past two decades, Jafza has solidified its position as a catalyst for investment and growth, drawing over AED 110 billion in investments and currently contributing 36% to Dubai’s GDP. In 2024 alone, Jafza played a pivotal role in stimulating Dubai’s non-oil trade by facilitating transactions valued at over AED 713 billion, reflecting a noteworthy annual increase of 15% compared to 2023.