DAFZA hosts Master Class on Empowering Business Growth in the UAE

Dubai, UAE – November 19, 2014 - Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) successfully hosted a Master Class on ‘Empowering Business Growth in the UAE’ at the Ballroom of Raffles, Dubai earlier this week. Some of the region’s top trade experts & economists participated to discuss the future outlook of Dubai & the UAE considering the recent global economic as well as geo-political environment & fundamentals leading to growth and business opportunities in the region. DAFZA also unveiled its marketing strategy for 2015 along with its recent expansion plan and commitment to add real value to the GDP of UAE.

“We are pleased with the positive response we have received from the business community on this occasion”, said Ms. Amna Lootah, Senior Executive Director of Finance and Commercial Division, DAFZA. “The economic outlook is promising and businesses are keen to avail benefits and incentives that DAFZA has to offer. Our strategy complement’s current & future market movements & needs of business that are looking to establish themselves in Dubai. The participants were very supportive of the Freezone model for business growth and provided valuable insights on how existing and potential investors can maximize the potential operational and investment advantages of operating from DAFZA. This will definitely spur more trade and investment activities in DAFZA that will be of benefit not only to Dubai and the UAE but to the region as well in the long run.”

The event featured insights by some of the best minds in economics, trade and investment from the region who have an extensive experience in business advisory and consultancy with exceptional grasp on how businesses work and how they can grow exponentially amidst the UAE’s vibrant economic outlook. Participants were able to gain information about how business performance can be optimized through the unique environment, infrastructure and location of DAFZA.

The Master Class was divided into two sections, presentations & panel discussions. The first topic, ‘Macroeconomic View of UAE, Dubai,’ was presented by Mr. Rudolf Lohmeyer, Director of Global Business Policy at A.T. Kearney followed by Mr. Nilesh Ashar, Partner, KPMG Lower Gulf’s presentation on ‘The role of the free zone in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) and boosting business development’. The panel discussions brought into limelight opinions of key experts on two key topics concerning businesses in UAE i.e. ‘Freezone Business Model - Challenges and the Future’ and ‘Consultants View on Business Trends in the UAE/Dubai.’

Asma Al Falasi, Manager Marketing, DAFZA unveiled DAFZA’s 2015 Strategy along with planned expansion activities and key incentives for consultants and business advisors. She also announced achievement of yet another great milestone by DAFZA with its upcoming world class project, DAFZA Square which is a mixed-use retail and office complex that will accommodate various dining, health, entertainment and commercial establishments. DAFZA Square will include four floors of state-of-the-art offices with best-in-class facilities along with food court with allocated space of approximately 3,000 sqm across 2 floors. The complex features distinctive contemporary architecture that recently completed phase 1 of its construction and will see its retail area delivered by the end of 2014.

She also highlighted DAFZA’s key offerings and developments including multi-storey car park that was completed in May 2014 comprising of 835 parking slots plus more than 140 extra designated parking spaces for visitors. She also introduced plans for a modern, fully equipped Light Industrial Units (LIUs) being built to international standards to meet the stringent demands of multinational corporations which is scheduled for completion by September 2015. She introduced the new packages for end to end business establishment services that  include licensing & registration, fully-furnished offices & infrastructure for communication and IT.

DAFZA is a host to multinational companies from over 20 diverse industries ranging from Electronics, Telecommunications & Engineering to Aviation, Logistics and Financial Services.  The Freezone is the gateway to leading business markets in Middle East, Europe, Asia and North Africa complemented by impressive incentives for corporations such as 100 per cent tax exemption, 100 per cent foreign ownership and no currency restrictions.

About Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA)

Established in 1996 as a part of the Dubai Government's strategic plan to become an investment-driven economy, DAFZA is one of the fastest-growing premium free zones in the region. It is currently home to over 1,600 companies from various industry sectors, including aviation, freight and logistics, IT and telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food & beverage, jewellery, and cosmetics. Located strategically within the boundaries of the Dubai International Airport, DAFZA offers a wide range of modern facilities with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

International investors can enjoy dynamic growth through DAFZA's excellent incentive packages – including 100 per cent tax exemption, 100 per cent foreign ownership, and no currency restrictions.

DAFZA has also won many regional and international awards. It received the prestigious Dubai Quality Award (DQA) for 2013 and has been awarded the titles of Global Free Zone of the Future (2012/13) and top Middle East Free Zone of the Future (2013/14) by Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) magazine.

DAFZA’s commitment to quality is also recognized by worldwide ISO certificates for Quality, Environment, Health & Safety, Information Security Management, and Complaints Handling.