JAFZA JAFZA
Stands for: Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
The flagship Dubai industrial free zone next to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, used by manufacturers, traders, and logistics companies needing sea-air-land connectivity.
Definition
**Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)** was established in 1985 and is the oldest and largest free zone in the UAE. It is operated by DP World and located adjacent to Jebel Ali Port, the busiest port in the Middle East, and Al Maktoum International Airport. JAFZA hosts more than 9,500 companies from over 100 countries, including a significant share of Fortune Global 500 firms with regional manufacturing or distribution operations.\n\nJAFZA offers 100 percent foreign ownership, 0 percent personal income tax, and Qualifying Free Zone Person treatment under UAE corporate tax law for qualifying activities. License categories include Trading, General Trading, Industrial, Service, Logistics, and E-Commerce. Available premises range from offices and warehouses to large land plots for built-to-suit factories, often leased for 25 to 50 years.\n\nJAFZA Offshore is a separate offshore company regime governed by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore Companies Regulations 2018, used for holding UAE assets, including real estate in designated areas of Dubai through approved trustee structures.
When you'll encounter it
You will encounter JAFZA when planning UAE manufacturing, heavy logistics, regional distribution, or holding structures that need a credible, deeply regulated free zone with port access. It is the reference choice for industrial operations, large-scale warehousing, and international groups consolidating UAE assets in a JAFZA Offshore holding.
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FAQ
What is the difference between a JAFZA Free Zone Company and a JAFZA Offshore Company?
A JAFZA Free Zone Company is a fully operational entity with physical premises, employees, and visas, eligible to trade and lease space inside JAFZA. A JAFZA Offshore Company is a non-resident holding vehicle without UAE visas, used to hold assets, IP, or shares in other UAE companies.
Can JAFZA Offshore companies own Dubai real estate?
Yes, but only in designated freehold areas approved by the Dubai Land Department for offshore ownership, typically through a JAFZA Offshore structure listed on the DLD approved list.
Does JAFZA support manufacturing operations?
Yes. JAFZA is heavily used for manufacturing, with land plots, built warehouses, and dedicated industrial facilities supported by on-site customs and the adjacent port. Heavy industries including automotive assembly, food processing, and steel fabrication operate inside the zone.
References
- JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone https://www.jafza.ae/
- DP World UAE Region https://www.dpworld.com/uae-region
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore Companies Regulations 2018 https://www.jafza.ae/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Offshore-Companies-Regulations-2018.pdf