Exceeds last year's record of 725 new companies registered in the whole year

Launched new Client Service Centre to enhance the process of setting up a company

Expansion of Commercial Property Sales and Leasing Division encourages more companies to choose the JLT Free Zone

Dubai, UAE; 12 November 2011: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority ('DMCC'), the licensing authority for the Jumeirah Lakes Towers ('JLT') Free Zone, has registered over 1,000 companies in the first ten months of the year, bringing the total number of registered companies to over 3,600. This represents a 38% increase on the 725 companies DMCC registered in 2010.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, commented:

"Every year, we challenge ourselves to set new records and this year is no exception. Registering 1,000 new companies in just 10 months is testimony to the success of our business strategy.

Our solid growth clearly highlights Dubai's position as the leading business destination in the region as well as our position as one of the fastest growing mixed-use free zones in the UAE. Going forward, we will focus on driving company registrations, introducing new and improved services and innovative products, as well as investing in JLT's infrastructure and so pursuing our mission to enhance trade flows through Dubai."

DMCC continues to attract companies to the JLT Free Zone from a wide-range of business sectors, industries and geographies. Of these new companies over 90% are first time entrants to Dubai with registrations equally balanced between well-established multinationals like Diamdel (De Beers Group) or Harley Davidson and small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Malcolm Wall Morris, CEO, DMCC, said:

"Our success lies in our unique fit-for-purpose regulatory framework and diverse range of value-added services combined with a modern infrastructure and both commercial and residential free-hold property in an enviable location. Our growth has also been supported by the introduction of our new Client Service Centre which is assisting us in registering over 100 companies a month, whilst servicing existing customers. The JLT Free Zone also continues to grow as a thriving community with over 23,000 residents and more than 10,000 employees working in JLT Free zone based companies."

As part of its commitment to provide the best services to both new and existing member companies, DMCC opened a dedicated Client Service Centre on the first floor of Almas Tower. The new 'One stop shop' Centre gives companies access to all free zone services under one roof from setting up and licensing new businesses to visa applications and finding the most suitable office space. The Centre also offers direct access to all major government services as well as utilities and business support services. Together with other procedures to speed up registration and licensing introduced earlier this year, the Centre will ensure that JLT retains its position as one of the most efficient and business-friendly free zones in Dubai.

DMCC has also expanded its Commercial Property Sales and Leasing division to service the entire JLT Free Zone, providing end-to-end solutions from licensing a business to finding property further encouraging companies to set up offices in the free zone. DMCC sales and leasing executives are available to provide property consultancy services to both sub-developers and to individual clients and investors, advising them on the wide choice of available property to lease or buy in JLT. With their unique, in-depth knowledge of JLT, the team is capable of matching the client's requirements with the right property and providing turn-key solutions. In addition, the imminent launch of a dedicated website allowing potential or existing member companies to find commercial or retail property in JLT will be another market-first among free zones across the UAE.

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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC)
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC) is the master developer and licensing authority for the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Free Zone, one of the largest, fastest growing mixed-use developments in Dubai. Owned by the Government of Dubai, DMCC was established in 2002, by Royal Rule No 4 of 2002, with a mandate to enhance commodity trade flows through the Emirate by providing the physical, market and financial infrastructure required.

DMCC offers a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework, modern infrastructure, free-hold property, innovative products and value-added services. It has successfully attracted key participants throughout the entire commodities sector value chain; as well as businesses ranging from shipping to recruitment, IT to advertising and fashion. JLT-based companies enjoy highly attractive benefits under the free zone status, including a 50-year guaranteed tax holiday, 100 percent business ownership, full ownership of business premises, and a secure, regulated environment.

As a 200 hectare, mixed-use waterfront master development with a prime central location on Sheikh Zayed Road, JLT nurtures both trade and community living through its commercial, residential and retail property offering. Today, JLT is home to over 3,600 regional and multi-national companies and over 23,000 residents.

For media enquiries:
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Salam Al Shawa
Director, Marketing & Communications
+971 4 390 3855

Brunswick Gulf
Jade Mamarbachi
+971 (4) 446 6274

© Press Release 2011