Dubai Free Zones Council Meeting Led By Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Reviews Cooperation And Digital Payments Initiatives

The Dubai Free Zones Council held its 33rd meeting, led by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to examine priority files affecting free zones. The session focused on closer government cooperation, smoother investor services, and stronger regulations that support long-term growth of Dubai’s free zones and help maintain the emirate’s competitive economic position.

During the meeting, discussions centred on making it easier for companies to operate across different free zones through more coordinated procedures. Council members underlined the need to upgrade the investor experience, reduce processing time for services, and ensure that all free zone entities work within a clear, consistent, and supportive regulatory framework.

The Council reviewed a proposal for a single digital platform that would serve every free zone in Dubai under one integrated system. The idea aims to standardise key procedures, improve institutional coordination, and raise the overall quality of government services, which could further boost the attractiveness and competitiveness of the business environment in Dubai.

As part of the same agenda, Council members discussed how stronger links between free zone authorities and other government entities could support the platform. They noted that integrated databases and shared standards would help create a smoother journey for investors, from company registration to daily operations, while reinforcing efficiency and transparency across the emirate.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, attended the meeting. In cooperation with the Council, the General Directorate is exploring ways to align procedures across free zones so that approvals, permits, and related services become more streamlined and accessible for companies of different sizes and sectors.

Council members praised the level of partnership achieved so far on labour-related initiatives, including measures that regulate the labour market and simplify entry permit processes. One example is the ‘Events Visa’ initiative, which has been used by major companies operating in free zones and supports business activities linked to conferences, exhibitions, and other organised events in Dubai.

To speed up services, the Council highlighted that 71 staff members have been allocated on a 24/7 basis within free zones. These teams help accelerate the completion of transactions, respond to operational needs of investors, and support business continuity. This constant presence is also intended to keep service readiness high and reduce delays for companies working across time zones.

Dubai Free Zones Council and financial, cashless strategy

The Economic Security Centre of Dubai outlined difficulties that some licensed free zone companies face when opening bank accounts. As a strategic response, authorities are developing shared risk classification standards, in coordination with banks and other stakeholders. This work seeks to ease account opening, support business activity, and keep risk at acceptable levels for the financial system.

The Council further assessed efforts to strengthen compliance in line with the Financial Action Task Force assessment. Members examined how free zones can increase due diligence across all activities and legal entities. The goal is to reduce risks linked to money laundering and terrorism financing, while preserving Dubai’s standing as a trusted and well-regulated global business centre.

The Dubai Department of Finance briefed the Council on the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to expand secure digital payment options across government and semi-government services. The discussion confirmed a shared government commitment to advancing a fully integrated digital transactions ecosystem, where payments and collections are handled through electronic channels rather than cash.

Dubai Free Zones Council and Jebel Ali Free Zone milestone

Council members also reflected on the 40th anniversary of Jebel Ali Free Zone, which is part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the Council expressed appreciation to Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and the team for the free zone’s performance and its contribution to Dubai’s global economic position.

Jebel Ali Free Zone is described as a model for Dubai’s growth as a global trade and logistics hub, supporting economic diversification and attracting investment. The free zone plays a central role in the emirate’s development, with a focus on innovation, integrated services, and connectivity by land, sea, and air that supports regional and international supply chains.

By the end of the 33rd meeting, the Dubai Free Zones Council had reaffirmed its priorities across regulation, technology, and investor services. The discussions underscored ongoing efforts to align free zones with national and global standards, improve operational efficiency, and maintain Dubai’s status as a key destination for businesses seeking stable, well-connected, and future-ready free zone environments.

With inputs from WAM