The Jafza's recent launch of Eight Industry Specific dedicated clusters in its mega 2bn South Zone development well positions it as a truly International Business hub catering to the total needs of diverse manufacturing activities in Dubai, which is already firmly established as world's one of the leading trading and distribution hub. The following report elaborates on the salient features of the Jafza's mega announcement - Editor.

Jafza (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority), which is positioning itself as Dubai Business Hub, as part of a new corporate identity, has moved into the next level of development with the launch of South Zone, an ambitious project committed to developing specific industry sectors through eight different clusters. The clusters are being developed at an estimated cost of more than Dhs 2 billion. Spread over an area of 13 million square metres, the south zone will initially have a leasable area of 4 million square metres capable of accommodating 1500 companies in terms of plot allotments. The facility will include pre-built warehouses, pre-built light and medium manufacturing facilities of different sizes and specifications, high quality staff accommodation for all categories of personnel's, pre-built offices and land sites etc.

The eight clusters are Dubai Distribution Centre, Digital Valley, Construction Square, Pharma-Med Park, Chemical & Plastic Field, Paper Pack Zone, Fragrance & Beauty Park and Food & Beverage Park.

"As an outstanding symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit of the free trading city of Dubai, Jafza is constantly introducing innovative concepts aimed at enhancing the image of Dubai as the world's premier trade and trans-shipment centre. The launch of South Zone is in line with Jafza's vision to expand its horizons to attract global players and reinforce its standing as one of the world's most admired free zones," said Abdallah Lootah, chief operating officer, Jafza.

"We have carefully selected industrial activities that have great business potential, and hold the promise of putting Dubai on the world map by producing superior products and services from Jafza's South Zone," added Lootah. "Each cluster will enjoy the freedom and liberalized licensing for which Jafza is known for, while at the same time adhering to quality standards set by Jafza. We are delighted to offer these clusters to entrepreneurs and corporations from around the world."

Dubai Distribution Centre will play host to companies specializing in shipping, warehousing, transportation and distribution. Jafza is the ideal location for a logistics centre as it enjoys all the benefits of Dubai's booming economy, the open business culture of the UAE and Dubai's proximity to other affluent Arabian Gulf markets, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. With a total area of 5 million square meters the cluster will meet the demand for outsourcing of logistics operations from major companies.

Pharma-Med Park will cater to the multi-billion dollar regional & global market for medical products, equipment and services, opening significant business opportunities to local and international investors, regional businesses and the global healthcare industry. The total Arab Health Care market is estimated to be worth over US $74 bn. The total area of the development is 1.2 million square meters and will help reduce UAE's dependence on imported pharmaceuticals by offering world-class facilities for production, storage, and distribution of sophisticated medical products for the regional market. The Jebel Ali Free Zone is currently home to more than 60 world's leading companies in the sector.

Construction Square seeks to tap Dubai's construction sector that is currently seeing projects worth US$ 28 billion. It will also cater to the construction needs of the neighbouring countries, including Qatar and Bahrain where several mega projects are currently under construction. The two million square meter development will provide world-class amenities to architects, developers, cement manufacturers and building fitters.

Food & Beverage Park will specialize in food processing which has attracted a large number of entrepreneurs in the UAE. The Gulf is a key market for global manufacturers, importers and traders in the food & beverages sector. Food and Beverage Park is being built on around two million square meter area. The dedicated facility, conforming to the world's highest international specifications and standards will have complete infrastructural facilities for manufacturing, storage, distribution & packaging of all kinds of food products. The Jebel Ali Free Zone currently houses more than 450 world's leading food and beverages companies including Unilever, Cadbury, Nestle, and Master Foods etc.

Digital Valley, developed in an area of 1.5 million square meters will cater to the Middle East's IT and Electronics market currently valued at US$ 8 billion. With a focus on consumer electronics, electric appliances and telecommunication products, Digital Valley will provide a platform for existing manufacturers to increase business as well as help new players enter the market. Other industrial sectors, such as packing industries, could also be accommodated in the cluster. It will feature a full range of facilities, including custom-built warehouses as well as plots for self-construction.

Chemical & Plastic Field is dedicated to the Middle East's plastics, rubber and chemicals sector currently valued at US$ 33 billion. Studies suggest that regional growth in petrochemicals stood at around 15 per cent between 2003 and 2004. Facilities at Chemical & Plastic Field will include hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal and special water treatment covering a million square meters.

Paper Pack Zone will enhance Dubai's status as an emerging major supplier of stationery, packaging and printing products. It will offer state of the art facilities, developed in 1 million square meter of area, to manufacturers, traders and service companies. Demand for stationery and allied paper products in the UAE saw a growth of almost 27 per cent in the past two years.

Fragrance, Beauty and Fashion Park is dedicated to perfumes and cosmetics sector. Fragrance Beauty and Fashion Park will provide a location for existing manufacturers to consolidate their markets as well as help new players enter the market. The park spans two million square meters and will feature a full range of facilities, from state of the art test laboratories to wholesale outlet. The retail growth of the cosmetics industry in the Middle East region has been established at 20 percent and the sale of cosmetics in Dubai has gone up by 72 percent.

"The eight clusters are expected to be bee-hives of manufacturing activity, helping Dubai achieve its goal of diversifying its economy further by boosting key industrial sectors," said Lootah. "The pioneering initiative once again endorses Jafza's role of a catalyst in the industrial growth of Dubai by creating unmatched infrastructural facilities for local, regional and global players. The advantages offered by South Zone are Jafza's proven expertise in running free zones and the proximity to the Jebel Ali Port and the proposed new Airport."

© Cargo & Trade 2005

 

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