Dubai Free Zones Council Reaffirms Commitment To Support Economic Agenda For Sustainable Growth

The Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) has highlighted the achievements of Dubai's free zones in 2024, attributing their success to a commitment to economic diversification. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable growth through competitiveness and future readiness. The council's 29th meeting was led by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DFZC.

During the meeting, council members acknowledged the progress made by Dubai's free zones over the past year. They noted that this progress serves as motivation to continue enhancing their role in Dubai's economy in 2025. The free zones are poised to achieve this by facilitating business operations and leveraging innovative solutions and economic accelerators.

Dubai's free zones are adopting cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics. These technologies enable direct monitoring of economic indicators, enhancing proactive decision-making. The council reviewed a study on foreign direct investment opportunities in these zones, focusing on boosting competitiveness and attracting new investments.

Council members also discussed recent developments related to special economic zones and dual licensing. They explored ways to improve collaboration between the Dubai Free Zones Authorities and the Roads and Transport Authority. This partnership aims to enhance traffic safety within free zones while providing advanced infrastructure for residents.

The successful transition to a new Human Resources Approval system was commended by the council. This system, developed with Dubai Digital Authority, meets the specific needs of free zones and reduces application processing time by 60%. The council was updated on achievements in this system, which boosts operational efficiency by 90%.

The new approvals system enhances cooperation among various entities while supporting an environmentally friendly infrastructure. Council members reviewed ongoing projects, policies, economic accelerators, and technical solutions such as corporate tax initiatives and compliance with the Financial Action Task Force programme.

Future Plans for Talent Development

Plans to attract Emirati talent to Dubai's free zones were also discussed during the meeting. Training programmes aim to equip Emiratis with skills needed for roles within these zones. The council is committed to fostering local talent development as part of its long-term strategy.

The DFZC remains focused on strengthening Dubai's position as a global business hub through continuous innovation and strategic planning. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering collaboration across sectors, Dubai's free zones are set to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth in the coming years.

With inputs from WAM