The UAE’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is part of the Economic Zones WorldEconomic Zones World, which encompasses the Dubai Auto Zone, Techno ParkTechno Park and the Dubai Textile City. The 48 million sq. m (516.6 million sq. ft.) free zone operates and manages free trade zones and industrial parks, providing office space, storage houses and facilities for light production and assembly and commercial property for lease.

Jafza included 6,100 registered companies, as of the close of 2008, mainly operating in industrial manufacturing, trade, support services, automotive, oil and gas, electrical and industrial machinery, food and beverage, agriculture, IT and consumer goods.

Among Jafza’s developments is the AED1.9 billion (USD517 million) mixed-use development, the Jafza Convention Centre Complex, whose construction began in December 2007. When completed in February 2010, it will include 22 conference rooms, a 700-seat auditorium, a food court, a 322-room hotel, 2 restaurants, a fitness center, 22 retail outlets, a recreational area, and a 4,100 car parking area. Jafza is also expanding its south zone with an additional 27.8 million sq. m (300 million sq. ft.) to meet the increasing demand for space from new clients.