Jafza, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, generated over USD 123.8 billion in trade in 2021, a 19% increase.
DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) generated over USD 123.8 billion in trade in 2021, a 19% increase over 2020 year-on-year, according to a report issued by the company. Jafza also reported an 18.6% increase in the number of new companies registered in the free zone, with over 9,000 now registered.
Jafza: Registered companies see rising numbers
Over 25% of the new companies registered in the free zone operate in the retail and general trading segment, the highest represented sector in Jafza. Electronics and electrical firms saw an almost 10% rise and companies in the vehicle and transport sectors saw a 9% rise in numbers.
The electrical and machinery sector saw the highest increase in trade, followed by construction materials, consumer electronics, and auto parts and spares, according to Jafza.
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World UAE and Jafza, said, “We are proud of what we have achieved over the years, especially since 2020, considering the challenges that reshaped global supply chains. Even as the pandemic disrupted trade operations, we succeeded in maintaining business continuity for our clients and us because of our investments in technology and advanced infrastructure. These enabled smooth operations and placed us ahead of our competition. Building on our success, we will continue investing in digital platforms alongside our partners to ensure seamless cargo flows.”
Success despite the pandemic
Jafza’s numbers come during a challenging period for the international shipping and port industries. The worldwide congestion and slowdown in trade caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Jafza’s close proximity to the MENA region’s largest deep-sea port, Jebel Ali Port, and Al Maktoum International Airport sustained its ability to receive shipments.
Thanks to Jafza’s connectivity through Dubai Trade, a single window integrated e-platform for traders and logistics companies, Jafza companies can access data from the global supply chain. The digital service provides details on information related to various commodities from their production sources and offers instant quotes to help cargo owners secure the favorable deals.
Jafza also recently established Yiwu Market, the first smart free-zone market in the Middle East, catering to retail and wholesale industries and bolstering trade in the region by providing advanced end-to-end solutions.
In August, DP World announced profits of USD 884 million for H1 2022.