Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority commenced operations in 1985 and today stands out as a leading business hub of the Middle East. JAFZA’s focus is on long term customer relationships, fostering alliances with global investors by providing them world class infrastructure supported with quality driven value-added services and incentives, enabling them to capitalize on substantial business opportunities in the region. JAFZA boasts of being the first free zone in the world to win ISO certification in 1996.Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is one of the fastest growing Free Zones in the mesa region, which gives direct access to a market of over 2 billion people.

JAFZA’s vision:

JAFZA is determined to remain a powerful symbol that helps drive the development of Dubai, providing exciting and unlimited possibilities for industrial development, being the most abundant free zone in the MENA region.

The new developments at the Jebel Ali Free Zone and the surrounding region are designed to make Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority one of the most efficient sea-air hubs, completed with a 6-lane highway that will help keep goods custom-bound (helping to minimize processing time) as they are transported from port to cargo aircraft in just 20 minutes. Jebel Ali Free Zone is the world’s only free zone located between one of the world’s largest airports and a seaport. The Jebel Ali Free Zone has Jebel Ali Port, the world’s 7th largest container port on one side and the Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the world’s largest cargo airports on the other side.

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority has been one of the main drivers of Dubai and the UAE’s phenomenal economic growth over the years. JAFZA has successfully been attracting “crème de la crème” in all business sectors from all over the world by sheer force of its unique value-added offerings and propositions.

JAFZA business facilities and benefits:

1. A place to operate:

  • Free zone business license.
  • Seamless visa processing.
  • Total spectrum of business premises, including offices, warehouses, retail units, and staff accommodation

2.A place to trade:

  • Thousands of traders located under one roof.
  • New modern environment perfect for the safe storage of goods within proximity to your retail outlet.

3.A place to sell:

  • Conveniently located adjacent to the Jebel Ali Free Zone, with no need for gate entry.
  • All the advantages of a free zone license with the added benefit of selling to the UAE public

Formation types:

The number of shareholders determines the formation type of the company will establish in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

1. Multiple shareholders

Two to 50 shareholders can set up a Free Zone Company (FZCo) in Jebel Ali Free Zone. These shareholders can be individuals (two to 50 people), non-individuals (two to 50 companies) or a combination of both. An FZCo is essentially a Limited Liability Partnership within the Free Zone, with the liabilities of the company limited to the paid-up capital.

Two to 50 shareholders can also set up a Public Listed Company (PLC) within the Free Zone. These shareholders can be individuals (two to 50 people), non-individuals (2 to 50 companies) or a combination of both. A PLC is essentially a Limited Liability Partnership within the Free Zone, with the liabilities of the company limited to the paid-up capital.

Whether an individual or a company, a single shareholder can register a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) in JAFZA. An FZE is essentially a Limited Liability Company within the Free Zone. An FZCo is essentially a Limited Liability Partnership within the Free Zone, with the liabilities of the company limited to the paid-up capital. An FZCo has a legal personality distinct from that of its shareholder, and it has the capacity, rights, and privileges of a natural person.

3. Any existing established entity

Branch with the Free Zone will be registered by any entity already established outside Jebel Ali Free Zone. An office is considered a legal entity of its parent company; is 100% owned by the parent company, operates under the same name and conducts the same business.

License Types:

Trading License: to carry out trading activities.

Industrial License: to carry out manufacturing activities

Service License: to carry out services activities

E-Commerce License: to carry out buying and selling of goods and services over electronic networks via any electronic means

National Industrial License: to carry out manufacturing activities where at least 51% of the ownership is of national(s) of an AGCC country

Innovation License: to carry out the development of new products and services

Offshore Registration: to establish a foreign company with limited liability