Middle East’s leading free zone focused on helping build Dubai’s food and agriculture industries

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 05 Nov 2018:   Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the GCC’s leading free zone showcased its range of services at this year’s Agriscape 2018, the Middle East’s leading trade show for the agribusiness sector.

Jafza has become the preferred destination for agribusiness-related trade in the Middle East, including leading industry players such as Mars, Nestle, and Mondelez among others.

Foodstuff, animal and agricultural products are one of Jafza’s top five sectors with trade volumes of 3.5 million metric tonnes in 2017, and over 4,900 port customers. Fruits and vegetables, animal feed, grains and by-products and beverages are top traded commodities.

Over 500 companies from 64 countries in the sector have set up operations in Jafza with 6,550 employees. Over 39 per cent of the companies are from the Middle East, 22 per cent from Asia, 19 per cent from Europe and eight per cent from North America.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region said: “Helping build the UAE’s food security is a primary goal for DP World, UAE Region, and we are focusing on the supply chain to enhance the movement and long-term safe storage of foodstuffs and related products. Food consumption in the UAE is expected to reach 59.2 million tonnes by 2025, and rising incomes and consumer awareness over health and wellness will help drive industry growth over the coming years, making it the most promising agricultural market in the GCC. By building on our existing world class services and solutions, we are creating improved growth opportunities for our customers in the agribusiness sector and providing incentives for investors looking to tap into the UAE.”

“Through our Parks and Zones such as Jafza and the National Industries Park, we have opened opportunities for manufacturers of foodstuffs and animal and agricultural products to establish operations in Dubai. The connectivity between Jebel Ali Port, the 10th largest container port in the world, and Jafza allows us to link Dubai to a trade network that spans the Middle East, North and East Africa, and Indian subcontinent with access to over 2.5 billion people.”

The free zone offers 1.53 million sqm in combined facilities, including 1.5 million sqm for plots; 15,997 sqm for warehouses and 78 million sqm of land for investment. Customers also have access to a range of services such as three dedicated inspection sites operated by Dubai Municipality, quayside warehouses; cool and cold storage facilities and a Municipality Food Control Office that is open 24/7.

Agriscape is the GCC’s leading trade show dedicated to the agribusiness sector. It opened in 2008 and attracts leading industry companies and organisations from around the world to discuss sector opportunities and challenges as well as showcasing new innovations and technologies.