Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
1985
10K+
JAFZ
Physical Address
Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
he largest and oldest free zone in the UAE, directly integrated with Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, offering unmatched global logistics connectivity and a full spectrum of industrial, trading, and service facilities
About Jebel Ali Free Zone
Established in 1985 as Dubai’s pioneering free zone, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) represents the cornerstone of the emirate’s economic diversification strategy and has evolved into one of the world’s most significant trade and logistics hubs. Strategically developed around Jebel Ali Port, the largest container port between Rotterdam and Singapore, JAFZA was conceptualized as an integrated business ecosystem where global companies could establish regional operations with unprecedented connectivity, operational efficiency, and market access. The master plan follows a trade-centered design that prioritizes logistics optimization, supply chain efficiency, and commercial facilitation—with specialized clusters for manufacturing operations, trading activities, logistics functions, and service provision designed to create a cohesive ecosystem where international commerce and operational excellence reinforce each other.
What distinguishes JAFZA from other free zones is its unparalleled scale and strategic integration with Jebel Ali Port, creating a seamless trade corridor that handles over 13.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. The zone’s infrastructure includes purpose-built facilities for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and commercial operations—with enhanced transportation systems, specialized industrial environments, integrated logistics networks, and strategic connectivity supporting sophisticated operations across multiple sectors. This physical foundation is complemented by a mature regulatory framework designed to facilitate international trade, with streamlined processes for company establishment, customs clearance, cargo movement, and global distribution that address the unique requirements of organizations engaged in cross-border commerce.
Global Trade Ecosystem
JAFZA has evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem that houses over 8,700 companies spanning diverse sectors—from multinational corporations and regional powerhouses to specialized manufacturers, global distributors, and international service providers. This concentration of diverse expertise creates a dynamic environment where manufacturing capabilities, trading networks, logistics operations, and service excellence converge, facilitating sophisticated business models that leverage the strategic advantages of port integration across multiple operational approaches and market strategies.
The zone’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional port-related activities to encompass the full spectrum of international commerce—from industrial manufacturing and global distribution to regional headquarters and specialized services. This diversity creates a complete trade environment where various functions complement and reinforce each other, enabling comprehensive business solutions that integrate production, distribution, and commercial operations within a single strategic location. Supporting this core community is a sophisticated network of infrastructure including transportation systems, utility networks, business facilities, and service providers that enhance the functional capabilities of the entire ecosystem.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the JAFZ free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose JAFZ for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Port Integration
Direct integration with Jebel Ali Port, one of the world's largest container ports, providing unprecedented access to global shipping networks, maritime connectivity, cargo facilities, and international trade routes that create unique operational advantages for businesses with global supply chains.
Multimodal Connectivity
Exceptional transportation infrastructure connecting sea, land, and air logistics through integrated networks linking the port with Al Maktoum International Airport, major highways, and planned rail systems, creating unparalleled efficiency for international trade operations.
Industry Clustering
Purpose-designed specialized clusters including Machinery & Equipment, Food & Healthcare, Petrochemicals, Electronics, Construction Materials, and others, each optimized for specific industries while maintaining strategic integration with the overall trade ecosystem.
Scalable Growth Environment
Unprecedented capacity for operational expansion and strategic growth, with extensive development areas, flexible facility options, and long-term planning frameworks that accommodate business evolution from initial establishment to global scale operations.
Integrated Trade Ecosystem
Comprehensive development incorporating manufacturing, trading, logistics, services, and support functions within a single master-planned environment, creating a complete trade experience where various business functions reinforce each other.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international companies full control over strategic direction, operational management, and business development within a globally-oriented business environment.
Strategic Geographic Positioning
Optimal location at the crossroads of East and West, providing efficient access to markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with shipping connections reaching over 150 ports globally and serving more than 3.5 billion consumers within a 4-hour flight radius.
Manufacturing Excellence Framework
For industrial businesses - immersion in a specialized environment with direct access to advanced infrastructure, technical support, industry clustering, and operational integration with one of the world's most sophisticated industrial ecosystems.
Trading Advantage Platform
For trading operations - purpose-built infrastructure including specialized warehousing, customs facilities, distribution networks, and market access channels designed for maximum efficiency and operational performance.
Future-Focused Infrastructure
Access to next-generation utilities, advanced digital connectivity, smart logistics technologies, and sustainable infrastructure designed to support sophisticated business operations and enhance long-term operational resilience.
Business Community Engagement
Vibrant business ecosystem with regular industry events, knowledge-sharing forums, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that facilitate connections with potential partners, clients, suppliers, and strategic allies.
Operational Support Framework
Comprehensive approach to business facilitation with specialized services, administrative support, regulatory assistance, and operational guidance that create an enabling environment for business success and operational excellence.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
Start your commodities trading journey in JAFZ with expert guidance from Inlex Partners
Setup Process
A streamlined 25-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Strategic Business Consultation
1-2 days
Engage with JAFZA specialists to discuss your strategic objectives, operational focus, facility requirements, and business goals. This comprehensive consultation addresses how your organization can leverage the unique advantages of a port-integrated ecosystem and the specific cluster within JAFZA most suitable for your operations.
Business Activity Assessment
3-5 days
Conduct a preliminary review of your proposed activities, operational model, and business approach to ensure alignment with JAFZA's strategic vision and to identify the optimal license type and zone classification for your specific business requirements.
Cluster Selection Analysis
3-5 days
Evaluate the various specialized clusters within JAFZA (Machinery & Equipment, Food & Healthcare, Petrochemicals, etc.) to determine the optimal location based on your operational requirements, strategic objectives, and business model.
Operational Requirements Evaluation
5-7 days
Conduct comprehensive assessment of your specific operational needs including facility specifications, infrastructure requirements, logistics needs, and specialized features essential for your business activities.
Site Tour & Location Assessment
2-3 days
Visit available facilities and locations within your selected JAFZA cluster to evaluate specific sites, assess infrastructure, and identify the optimal physical location for your operations.
Regulatory & Compliance Briefing
1-2 days
Receive comprehensive briefing on relevant regulations, compliance requirements, operational guidelines, and industry standards specific to your business activities within JAFZA and the UAE.
Company Name Reservation
3-5 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Initial Application Submission
2-3 days
Complete and submit the preliminary application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with JAFZA Authority.
Strategic Business Plan Submission
5-7 days
Submit a comprehensive business plan detailing your operational focus, market approach, growth strategy, and specific objectives for your establishment in JAFZA, with particular attention to how you will leverage the port-integrated advantages.
Document Submission
3-5 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, professional qualifications, and operational specifications through the JAFZA application portal.
Security Clearance Process
10-15 days
For certain activities or operations in sensitive areas - undergo security evaluation and clearance procedures to ensure compliance with port security protocols and industrial safety requirements.
Application Review
7-10 days
Your complete application undergoes comprehensive review by JAFZA authorities who evaluate strategic alignment, operational viability, and compatibility with the free zone's development objectives and cluster-specific focus.
Initial Approval
3-5 days
Receive initial approval for your establishment in JAFZA, confirming eligibility to proceed with the registration process for your specific business activities and operational model.
Facility Lease Agreement
3-5 days
Sign the lease agreement for your selected facility within your chosen JAFZA cluster, specifying operational requirements, technical specifications, and infrastructure needs for your business activities.
Fee Payment
1-2 days
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility lease security deposit, and establishment card fee through the online payment portal.
License Issuance
5-7 days
Receive your JAFZA business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and operational functions.
Specific Activity Approvals
10-15 days
For certain operations - obtain specific approvals for particular activities, operational processes, or business functions that require specialized authorization from relevant regulatory authorities based on your business focus.
Port Coordination
10-20 days
For logistics and trading businesses - establish necessary coordination protocols with port authorities, customs services, and shipping agencies to ensure seamless integration with the Jebel Ali Port ecosystem.
Immigration Card Issuance
5-7 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, professionals, technical specialists, and support personnel.
Facility Handover
2-3 days
Receive access to your leased facility, including basic infrastructure, utility connections, and standard configurations as specified in your lease agreement.
Specialized Infrastructure Setup
10-20 days
Establish specialized infrastructure connections including enhanced power systems, industrial utilities, logistics interfaces, or other technical utilities required for your specific operational model.
Operational Setup
15-30 days
Configure your facility with appropriate equipment, operational systems, business infrastructure, and specialized apparatus based on your specific business requirements and operational needs.
Bank Account Opening
7-14 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in Dubai, facilitating financial operations for your business including operational funding, transaction processing, and expense management.
Staff Visa Processing
15-25 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team members, professional staff, technical specialists, and support personnel, with consideration for specialized qualifications and expertise requirements.
Commencement of Operations
5-10 days
Launch your business activities, operational functions, and commercial services following completion of all setup requirements, system configurations, and operational readiness assessments.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Additional security clearance may be required for certain industrial activities and operations near port facilities.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back).
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (8 copies). Additional copies may be required for port zone access cards and industrial operation credentials.
Comprehensive business plan
Detailed business plan outlining your operational focus, strategic objectives, market approach, and growth projections specific to your activities in JAFZA, with particular attention to how your business will leverage the port-integrated environment and trade infrastructure.
Permitted Activities
Manufacturing Operations
Production of goods, components, products, and materials utilizing various industrial processes, manufacturing techniques, and production methodologies for regional and global markets
International Trading
Import, export, and distribution of products, commodities, goods, and materials between global markets, leveraging strategic port access and logistics infrastructure
Logistics Services
Management and execution of supply chain operations, transportation coordination, warehousing services, and distribution systems for global trade and commerce
Regional Headquarters
Establishment and operation of administrative centers, management offices, and corporate hubs overseeing business activities across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia regions
Distribution Center Operations
Management of product distribution facilities, inventory hubs, fulfillment centers, and supply chain nodes for efficient market delivery and customer service
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, United Arab Emirates